Japan saw a record-breaking 2.73 million visitors over Christmas last year, and this year's trend has only become worse.
With 26 million visitors from January to September of this year, already more than in 2023, Japan is set to become one of the most popular winter travel destinations.
Although Japan is renowned for its numerous unwritten etiquette laws that have been handed down through the ages, not every visitor is expected to be aware of the most polite ways to behave while in Japan.
The professionals at Japan Rail Pass have compiled some useful advice to help travelers navigate typical etiquette and conventions to remember during the winter months in order to help prepare for the next surge of tourists.
Important Things to Keep in Mind This Winter When Traveling to Japan
Greetings and Bowing
The most typical Japanese greeting is bowing, which can range from a head nod to a deep bend at the waist. Japanese greeting practices differ significantly from those of most western nations.
In Japan, there are various bowing styles for various contexts based on factors including age, social standing, and occasion. For instance, a head bow, which is comparable to a nod, may be adequate in more informal settings.
Don't freak out if you don't know what kind of bow is needed in a particular circumstance. It is not expected of tourists to understand the nuances of Japanese bowing etiquette. After a while, you'll probably be picking the right bow without even considering it because you'll be able to emulate those around you.
Hygiene Etiquette
Despite the fact that COVID is now endemic, a large number of people still wear masks in public; projections indicate that by December, about one-third of them will still be using them. Since hygiene is still a top concern, pay attention to and respect someone's personal space if they are wearing a mask.
Avoid blowing your nose in public if you're crowded because it's regarded rude, not only for hygiene reasons but also to keep peace and prevent disturbances. The appropriate course of action in this case is to sniff or wait till you're alone.
Japan takes hygiene very seriously, which is not surprising given that research has shown them to be the cleanest nation in Asia. Always hang onto your trash until you find a can since clean streets are a source of pride. When there are no bins accessible, smokers frequently bring portable ashtrays to get rid of their cigarette butts.
Restaurant Culture and Table Manners
You will pick up the customs and learn as you go, even if dining out in Japan is not the same as at regular western restaurants. Here are some basic guidelines, nevertheless, to get you going.
Low tables and cushions on the tatami mat are common sitting arrangements in Japanese eateries. Avoid stepping on any cushions other than your own and remove your shoes before entering the tatami floor.
Before entering the tatami floor, make careful you remove your shoes and steer clear of any cushions other than your own.
It is customary to wash your hands (not your face) with a hot steamed cloth called "oshibori" prior to the dinner. A hot steamed cloth, called a "oshibori," is provided prior to the meal and is meant to be used for hand washing rather than face washing.
It is customary to wait until everyone has eaten before saying "itadakimasu" (I gladly receive) to begin the dinner.
It is polite to pick up a little bowl with your hand and bring it closer to your mouth when eating from it. It is polite to use your hand to take up and bring a tiny bowl closer to your lips when eating from it.
You are urged to slurp. It is appropriate to slurp.
Don't lift food over your mouth while eating.
Serving one another is usual, thus you should never pour your own drink. Instead, pour your friends' drinks, and they will do the same for you.
After the meal, put everything back on the table the way it was, including the chopsticks back on their rest or holder and the lids back on the plates.
The individual who invited everyone will often cover the cost of the meal.
Crucial guidelines for chopsticks:
Don't stab your meal.
Chopsticks should not be positioned vertically in the bowl; this custom is only used at funerals.
To serve oneself from a communal dish, use the other end of your chopsticks.
Etiquette in the Street
Avoid lingering and obstructing traffic, particularly on crowded streets. If you have to pause, go somewhere where you won't disrupt the flow. This is particularly crucial if you have a lot of luggage that takes up room.
In Japan, eating or drinking while strolling is frowned upon. Rather, pause and rest while eating; there are many of locations (including convenience stores) where you can do so.
Smoking is also subject to this rule. It is customary to go to a designated smoking location when strolling because it is the most considerate to others around you.
Avoid approaching the Ggeishas and Mmaiko for selfies on the street, even if it could be alluring in today's photo-obsessed society. Holding them up to take a picture is quite rude because they are busy and frequently rushing from one commitment to another.
Another important guideline to remember in Japan is that it is considered extremely impolite to blow your nose in public.
Travel & Public Transport
The most popular way to go about Japan is by train or the subway system, and train travel in Japan might have very different etiquette and regulations than in other nations.
Therefore, the following are important considerations for tourists using the nation's first-rate train systems:
Always follow the flow of traffic when you're moving around; don't worry, there are usually signs or arrows to help you find your route.
Being considerate is essential when using the train, so make sure you're paying attention when you're out and about, waiting respectfully to board, and generally being aware of your surroundings.
Priority seating requires you to give up your seat and abide by the rules if an elderly, crippled, or pregnant person boards the train.
While answering calls and playing music on your phone are commonplace in several nations, this is definitely not the case in Japan. Therefore, you should turn off your phone, refrain from answering calls while on board, and make as little noise as possible.
Talking to your travel companions should be done at a low volume, much like when you're on the phone.
It is also not common to eat and drink, unless you are taking the bullet train.
It is crucial to be considerate of others, particularly with regard to space. On a train, you should never occupy more than one seat to store your goods.
"As a visitor to Japan, acclimating to a world of new etiquette and customs may seem confusing at first, but it shouldn't deter you from visiting this beautiful country," said Haroun Khan, founder and owner of Japan Rail Pass.
"Exploring a culture that differs from your own is a thrilling chance that you should seize. Although understanding some of the fundamental manners is always welcomed, visitors are not expected to be well-versed in every distinctive culture in Japan, which is a very hospitable country.
"Of course, these are only a few of the many customs and laws observed in Japan; there are a lot of other interesting laws to be aware of when traveling there, so we would advise you to research them before you go."
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