Essential Japanese Culture and Etiquette to Know Before You Travel – Enhance Your Journey. Learn about Japanese culture from videos!
8 Oct 2024
Japan is a captivating country where ancient traditions coexist with cutting-edge technology. From its stunning natural landscapes to historic temples, shrines, and unique culinary culture, Japan offers travelers a truly enriching experience. However, to fully enjoy your trip, it's important to familiarize yourself with Japan's distinctive customs and manners beforehand. In this article, we’ll introduce the key cultural points and etiquette tips that every foreign visitor should know before arriving. This led to the development of a unique culture and customs. Use this guide to make your journey in Japan more fulfilling and enjoyable.
see also the article "Promote mutal understanding!"
What do you do at a shrine?
Key Points
◎Wash your hands before praying.
◎You have to take off your cap and sunglasses.
◎The basic procedure when praying at a shrine is to bow twice, clap twice, and then bow again.
Are there rules for taking pictures?
Key Points
◎You should ask for permission before taking photos.
◎Omikuji are fortunes written on paper strips at shrines and temples.
Don’t litter.
Key Points
◎Omikuji are fortunes written on paper strips at shrines and temples.
◎Pick up any litter you find and dispose of it in the proper place.
Do you have to remove your shoes inside the house?
Key Points
◎Take off your shoes when entering a house.
◎We arrange our own shoes neatly when entering a house.
Where can you smoke?
Key Points
◎There are some separated smoking areas on the street.
◎You should smoke in the designated areas.
Visit a Japanese sushi restaurant!
Key Points
◎Tsukidashi is similar to a table charge in other countries. It is a light dish that is served before the ordered meal. Agari is the green tea that is served at a sushi restaurant. It is mainly served after the meal.
What can you do at a Japanese convenience store?
Key Points
◎ATMs at convenience stores offer useful services such as making withdrawals using foreign bank cards.
◎Convenience stores offer a wide range of useful services such as purchasing tickets and making withdrawals using foreign bank cards.
What should you do at a public bath?
Key Points
◎Don’t bring your towel into the bath.
◎Wash yourself before getting into the bath.
◎Enter the bath naked.
Try zazen meditation!
Key Points
◎Zen meditation is a kind of Buddhist training, in which you sit with correct posture and focus your mind. You can experience this at places such as Japanese temples.
Can you use credit cards in Japan?
Key Points
◎There are some shops that don’t allow eating or◎Some Japanese shops do not accept credit cards, so you should carry some cash with you when you go out.