Things You Should Never Do in Japan
Don’t embarrass yourself in a foreign land.
Japan is known to the world for its unique culture and super-polite people. And if you are a sushi lover, there is no doubt that one day you want to visit the sushi-land, Japan, and have the most delicate sushi experience ever. But before you land on the country made up of four primary islands and more than 6,800 others, you must know a few things beforehand.
As you know, what allowed is in one culture can be completely offensive in another. So you must know what you should not do while you are in that East Asian country with the highest life expectancy.
Well, if you don’t care and just follow your way, most probably you will end up embarrassing yourself. So, keep the following things in mind and save your face while experiencing the beauty of cherry blossoms.
Don’t Rely On Your Cards All the Time
Though Japan is a technologically advanced country, it is still a cash-based society. It can be a real shock for you when you see stores are refusing to take payment on debit or credit cards. So, to avoid that shock, make sure you have enough cash in your pocket when you go to purchase anything.
It’s surprising but true that many Japanese carry tens of thousands of yen cash in their wallet. It can be uneasy for you, but in Japan, do not rely on your cards. Fill your wallet full of cash and then go wherever you want and enjoy your day.
Don’t Expose Your Tattoos
You may find it awkward, but in Japan, tattoos are associated with criminals. Why? Because the member of Japanese transnational organized crime syndicates Yakuza are often described as males, wearing sharp suits with heavily tattooed bodies and slicked hair. That’s why tattoos are frowned upon in Japanese culture.
Most pools and bathhouses will not permit you to enter if you have tattoos on your body. So, don’t give people the wrong impression, and don’t forget to cover your tattoos beforehand.
Don’t Enter Into ‘Japanese-Only’ Restaurants
Though Japanese people are very polite, they are reserved and restrictive by nature. You may find it embarrassing, but in Japan, many restaurant owners don’t allow foreigners into their premises.
Yes, there are so many Japanese-only restaurants where you are not welcome. If you mistakenly enter into one of those restaurants, the waiter will gently tell you to leave the restaurant right away.
The problem is, it’s hard to identify which one is Japanese-only and which one is not. So you shouldn’t just jump into one restaurant without observing it properly. Because no one wants to get out of the restaurant the moment he/she enters and it can be somewhat disrespectful.
Don’t Eat or Drink While Walking
Maybe you have a habit of walking and eating, and you enjoy it a lot. But while you are in Japan, don’t dare do it. It is entirely against Japanese culture, and people will stare at you to death if you do so.
Japanese do not eat or drink while walking in the street and do not expect it from anyone, even foreigners. But, yes, you can drink standing next to a vending machine if you want a quick drink.
Don’t Leave a Tip
Oh, I bet you’ll save money during your visit to Japan because Japanese waiters feel really offended if you leave tips. While in many countries it is a nice gesture, in Japanese culture, it is very impolite. It’s like insulting the waiter.
Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture. So, be very careful about it and do not leave a tip ever. Keep aside your tipping habit and save money.
Don’t Hand Cash to Cashiers, Put It in the Tray
When you go to pay for something in any store, you will find a tray in front of the cashier. Put your money in that tray instead of handing over the money directly to the cashier’s hands.
Thus the transaction gets more transparent, and you have no risk of dropping the coins on the ground. Putting your cash in a tray to pay is a common practice in Japan.
Don’t Talk When You’re on a Train
Japanese people are very respectful towards each other and do their best not to interrupt others. So, on trains, you will see no one is talking to anyone. It’s quiet and peaceful. In most cases, whether they are silently busy with their phones or reading books.
When you are on a train going from one place to another, never talk loudly. If possible, don’t talk at all. Show your respect to others.
Take Your Shoes off When You Are In the House
It is customary to take your shoes off when you are in the house. Japanese do this to prevent outside dirt from entering their living space. In most cases, they use slippers in the room and leave the shoes at the front door.
If you get an invitation into any Japanese house, don’t forget to take off your shoes and wear a slipper when entering the room.
Interestingly, many restaurants also make it mandatory for their customers to leave shoes outside.
Never Pour Your Drink Frist
In Japan, politeness is everything. Even when you get a drink, you must show politeness by holding the drink with two hands. And most importantly, you should never pour your own drink first.
Well, it must go like this. Serve others first. When everyone is served, place the bottle on the table. Someone else will serve you a drink. Receive the drink with two hands. Now, Enjoy.
Even when someone gives you his business card, you must show respect to that person and the company by receiving the card with both hands. Isn’t it really interesting?
To Conclude
There are more things you should never do when you are in Japan. You must not misuse chopsticks, ignore queues, blow your nose in public, pour soy sauce on rice, and more.
Every country has its own culture and custom that makes it unique. We all should respect and follow it when we visit that country. So, before planning your visit to Japan, make sure you know all the things you should never do during your stay.
Thank you for reading.
If you want to read more of my writings, you may check out the following articles.
