Why do you need to know “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”?? As one of the best tourist destinations in the world, Japan shows you an attractive combination of old traditions and modern era. You can travel to Japan to explore the beautiful scenery, take a short train ride to the big cities and sparkling lakes, and experience the roaring waterfalls. Its all just a short distance from the quiet and lawful cities. Japan is a place where people patiently stand in line, but react suddenly when a person insults them.
Culture varies in different parts of the country, and listing all the things you need to know before traveling to Japan is very difficult. You can spend hours talking about the characteristics of this country, Japanese cuisine, or the different ways, you may accidentally insult Japanese locals.
I will be listing some of the most commons “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”.
Learn More about Japanese cuisine before your trip
Exploring foods and cuisines is one of the “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”. There are many types of food in Japan. Some of which are extremely tasty and delicious that you should not miss and some you should avoid. From Kobe’s unique marbled beef to raw crab legs, Japanese cuisine will always amaze you.
Some Japanese restaurants specialize in cooking crab, some chicken, and some eel! The more luxurious and expensive a restaurant is, the stranger the food will be.
The traditional Japanese breakfast includes several small dishes of the traditional Japanese dishes. White rice is the main ingredient of food in Japan and is always present in Japanese breakfast. Breakfast in Japanese is asa Gohan means morning rice, which is served with several traditional Japanese dishes.
Do not expect coffee to be a part of Japanese breakfast, traditionally it comes with tea.
When to Visit Japan
Spring is the season of the famous cherry blossoms. This is the time when hotels are often full. The prices are also staggeringly high, but if you plan well in advance, this time is undoubtedly the best to travel and visit Japan. Summer is the typhoon season in Japan (June to October). Most places are wet and the weather is hot this season, but at the same time less busy and less crowded for photography.
Fall, with its orange and golden trees, is the dream season for photographers and photography enthusiasts. Winter in Japan, however, can be very cold depending on the place and city you are traveling.
Social behavior Tips in Japan
A very important fact about “Things to know before Traveling to Japan
” is the social behavior. What you need to know and how to show respect to Japanese culture. Some specific behaviors are rude and insulting in Japanese culture. Let’s learn about them and avoid them.
Never Tip somebody!
Tipping someone in Japanese culture means insulting the people and often is not acceptable. In fact, the interpretation of this move for the person to whom you intend to give a reward, is that the person in question is in need and does not have much income.
Take off your shoes
Always pay attention to different places you go in Japan. If you see different shoes outside of that place, be sure to take off your shoes before entering that place. Entering with your shoes on is rude and not hygiene. This is not the case for everywhere. In places such as homes and some cultural and worship places.
No No to blow your Nose in Public
In Japan, being polite and respectful is the most important thing. Blowing your nose in public, specially if it makes sound, is rude and not pleasant. I bet some of you reading this article did not know about this. That’s why I include it in the list of “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”.
Bow
Bowing is an important way to show respect in Japanese society. Country’s rituals and social practices are full of surprises for foreign tourists to understand.
Here is how to properly bow in Japan. You should straighten your back and neck and at the same time bow in front of the person in front of you.
Always stand on the left side when using the escalator. This is something that all Japanese citizens and foreign tourists do without exception. Just pay attention and follow the behavior of other people around you.
No Smoking in Public Places
If you are a smoker, this is one the most important “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”. In most major cities in Japan you will not be allowed to smoke on the street. You may be subject to heavy fines. It is better to check which cities in this country comply with this law. The two major cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are covered by this law. In the other hand, there are so many restaurants that allow smoking.
The Ritual of Purity
Learn the rituals of purity while visiting the temples of Japan. Rinse both hands using a special spoon and fresh water. Using the palm of your hand, pour water into your mouth and rinse. It’s a purity and traditions in some places you go.
If you have a tattoo on your body, cover it
Got tattoo on your body, add this to your “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”. I recommend covering your tattoo before going to public swimming pools!! Why? Because skepticism about tattoos. It may be due to the fact that most criminal group members such as the “Yakuza” have Tattoos all over the body.
This means loyalty to the group. You will not be able to enter places such as the swimming pool (including the hotel pool), the club and the traditional “Onsen bath”, unless you cover the tattoo on your body.
Business card etiquette
If you plan to receive or exchange a business card during your trip to Japan, then this tip among the “Things to know before Traveling to Japan” is so valuable. Do it in a most acceptable way. How? Hold the business card in front of you with both hands slightly bending forward. That your thumb is on the card. Also, when receiving a personal card in Japan, be sure to do it with both hands and hold the card in front of you if you are sitting.
Do not ask the usual sentence “Do you speak English”
If you want to ask a stranger in Japan for an address, do not start with “Do you speak English?”, because many people in this situation are shy and will give you a negative answer even they know English, so it is better to say “Hello, could you please help me? I’m trying to find… or something similar.
Food Tips in Traveling to Japan
Finish your drinks and food?
Another respectful tip for the “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”. If you go out with Japanese people to eat and drink, try not to eat your whole meal or drink. This is because they think you have not been given enough food or drink, and this is an insult to the Japanese who are proud of their hospitality.
Remember to leave some of your drinks and food. Of course, this is especially true in formal situations, and usually finishing food, especially rice, is a polite gesture.
Eat Sushi at the Supermarket
Did you know that you can try very tasty sushi in most supermarkets? If you go shopping for sushi one to two hours before the supermarket closes, you can buy and taste delicious sushi for half a price.
Rules of Using Chopsticks for Eating
Remember to not place your chopsticks vertically in front of the rice bowl, this is only for when you want to symbolically introduce rice to the soul of the deceased; Crossing sticks has a similar meaning. You should also not use your stick as a fork.
Do Not Eat while Walking but Slurping is just Fine!!!
Eating while walking is considered rude. It is better to sit somewhere and eat your food. Alternatively do it standing up and do not move until the food is finished.
In a Japanese culture where respect is import, Knowing these rules isa must in “Things to know before Traveling to Japan”.
Slurping when eating soup and noodles is not only accepted in Japan, but also a polite gesture. By doing this, you show that you are enjoying your food, so if you encounter this situation in Japan, do not be surprised and do it if possible.
Now you are a bit more familiar with Japanese common respectful habits, you can plan with a better vision and enjoy one of the most different and unique places you have even sen in your life.
