Top Japanese Local Customs

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Many know Japan as a country with an excellent cuisine and advanced technology. More importantly, though, it is a country with a rich culture and deeply rooted unique traditions. Before you go on a trip to Japan, then, it’s best to learn about Japanese culture, starting with knowing the top Japanese customs.

One of the simplest yet most important customs in Japan is to bow when in front of someone or when you are talking to someone. Bows vary depending on the situation and the person in front of you. However, just keep in mind that the more superior the person in front of you is, the deeper and longer the bow should be. Bows also tend to be long and deep when apologizing.

Greeting one another is also encouraged, so remember to always say good morning (ohayo gozaimasu), good day (konnichiwa), good evening (konbanwa) or good night (oyasuminasai) during your trip to Japan. Don’t forget to say thank you (arigato gozaimasu), as well or say goodbye (sayounara or jyaa ne) before leaving. When addressing someone, always use their last name, and then add the suffix -san or -sama, since only very close friends or family members call each other by their first name.

In case you get invited to a Japanese home, remember to remove your shoes at the entrance and place them in an orderly manner on the rack or beside the others. The same is true with most business establishments and hotels in Japan. If there is a pair of indoor slippers at the entrance, put them on but take them off before stepping onto a tatami mat, the traditional Japanese straw mat.

Do you know how to use chopsticks? If not, you better learn before making your trip to Japan, not just so you can enjoy Japanese food better but so you can avoid being stared at when you are in a Japanese restaurant. Just buy your own set, which shouldn’t be hard to find, learn the right method and keep on practicing. While you’re at it, make sure you keep in mind not to leave your chopsticks sticking out of a rice bowl, as well, since this is considered extremely rude.

Aside from learning how to use chopsticks, you should learn Japanese table manners, too, which are equally important Japanese customs. No matter what you are eating, make sure you say ‘itadakimasu’ first. This literally means ‘I will receive’ but is used more as the Japanese for ‘Bon appetit’. If you have been given an oshibori or hand towel, use this to wipe your hands only before eating, then set it aside. Also, you will be relieved to know that slurping is acceptable, and is even considered a compliemnt to the cook or a sign of gratitude.

If you are eating in a Japanese restaurant, place your payment on the small tray provided once you are done. Never hand the payment directly to the waitress or cashier. The same is true in most stores. Also, you’ll be happy to know that tipping is not one of the Japanese customs so you can just pay whatever price is indicated without feeling guilty or worrying about being stared at. On the contrary, people will stare at you when you leave a tip since this is viewed as an insult.

Japanese customs apply to bathing, too. When bathing, the Japanese usually use the same tub with the same water, bathing in order from the oldest to the youngest. Technically, they do not use the water to bathe, though. Rather, they wash and rinse beside the tub then just soak in it afterwards. The same is true with public baths like onsens or thermal springs. Therefore, if you happen to relax in an onsen during your trip to Japan, make sure you wash and rinse first, then be careful not to dirty the water in any way.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Japan, by car. To book your Japan cheap car hire, or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.

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