5 JAPANESE ETIQUETTE TIPS: HOW NOT TO BE "THAT" TOURIST
- AS
- May 24, 2020
- 3 min read
Japan is a unique country with specific manners and customs. Indeed, there are many Japan-specific etiquettes that are not well acquainted in other parts of the world. So, if you are planning for your first ever trip to Japan, read on - below is a list of things you should definitely keep in mind before hopping on the plane!
1. RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S PRIVACY
This one is huge. You should always try to avoid approaching someone with a hug or a kiss in Japan, especially to elders and acquaintances. This is because the culture of privacy predominates in Japan and a lot of people find it uncomfortable when others try to invade their personal bubble. This is not to say that people are cold and unapproachable in Japan, but it might be good to know that they are not the best huggers!
Always maintain a respectable amount of distance between yourself and others, when talking, eating, and socializing. Try not get in the way of traditional events and customs for your one "perfect insta-shot" (good example: Geishas in Kyoto), because a lot of these events are meant to be done privately.
2. BOW, BOW, BOW
(source: wa-shoku.info)
So, instead of a hug, you should bow. Bowing in Japan is how people show respect and admiration to others, so knowing how to bow, or at least getting used to bowing and being bowed would be a great asset. Some people in Japan even bow while talking on the phone because they are so accustomed to the gesture.
Even if you feel uncomfortable bowing (I understand it's really not a thing in non-Asian cultures), try to at least nod to express gratitude and acknowledgement. This will be enough to show the locals that you care and respect them.
3. LINE UP PROPERLY
In Japan, people take lining-up pretty seriously. Just go to any station, and you will almost always witness a perfect line of people waiting to get on the train. Locals absolutely hate being barged in (but, who doesn't?), and it's surprising to see how so many tourists don't seem to get that.
So, the best thing to do is to observe what the locals are doing. Sometimes, people line up single-file at train stations and restaurants, while other times, in three lines. It really does depend on the place and the situation, so it's best to be observant and react accordingly.
4. DO NOT TALK ABOUT RELIGION OR POLITICS
This one is pretty important. In Japan, we don't talk about religion or politics, ever. Not really even with our closest friends. Unlike in the States, where it's normal for people to ask if you're a Republican or a Democrat, this kind of question seems taboo on this side of the world.
So, never start a conversation by asking their political and religious views, especially if you don't know the other person well. This will save you from a lot of awkward pauses and silences, I guarantee!
5. ALWAYS BE PUNCTUAL
Japanese people take punctuality seriously. Just look at how timely trains arrive here in Japan! If you have an important meeting, you should definitely aim to arrive 10 minutes before the promised time. Even with your closest friends, it's best that you arrive on time. Again, it's all about respect, and you should keep in mind that being tardy would be taken as a sign of disrespect.
Lastly...
Japan is a unique country with idiosyncratic customs that could take foreigners by surprise. However, if you can review the above-mentioned points, there will be nothing to worry about. Bottom line is, it's all about respect. Perhaps, you can also practice your bowing before your trip, and you are all ready to go!
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