There are plenty of reasons people fall in love with Japan. The food. The scenery. The history. The efficiency.
But one thing stands out almost immediately to most of our clients...
It's quiet and orderly despite having a busy, bustling cities. This is because there is a shared understanding that public spaces belong to everyone. Trains run on time, people willing and naturally form queues and millions of people somehow move through these cities without creating the noise you'd expect.
You don't need to memorise a long list of things you should or shouldnt do on your travels to Japan, just have in mind the people around you and you'll fit in as a local in no time.
Here's a few customs worth knowing before you arrive:
1. Quiet really does mean quiet
If you take one thing from this blog, let it be this. Whether you're on the bullet train, the Tokyo Metro or waiting on a station plafrom, people naturally keep the volume down. Phone calls are usually avoided, conversations stay quiet and everyone shares the space without imposting on each other.
This is a huge contrast compared to London Tubes!
It may sound strict, but in the moment it feels more peaceful than that, and you'll actually come to enjoy it.
2. You don't need to tip
This may feel like a strange one, but tipping in Japan ends up causing confusion or embarrassment.
The Japanese people believe that great service is simply part of doing their job well, not something that you'd have to reward. Trying to leave a tip will often result in someone politely chasing after you to give it back!
A genuine arigatou gozaimasy (thank you very much) is all that's expected.
3. You'll become surprisingly good at changing shoes
Most clients never realise quite how often they would need to take their shoes off.
Traditional ryokans, temples, some restaurants and of course local homes all ask you to leave your shoes at the entrance. In most cases, you'll be given slippers instead, and yes there are sometimes seperate slippers just for the bathroom!
4. Go ahead and slurp your noodles
This is one rule that's much more fun than Western table manners. Eating ramen or soba with an enthusiastic slurp isn't considered rude but quite the opposite! It's widely accepted as a sign you are enjoying your meal, so don't be embarrassed, join in!
On this note, be careful where you leave your chopsticks. Never leave your chopsticks standing upright in a bowl as it resembles part of a funeral ritual and is considered disrespectful. If you're taking a break from eating, simply rest them on the chopstick holder or neatly across your bowl.
5. Follow everyone else on the escalator
Just like in London, most people stand on one side of the escalator, but in Japan the side might differ from place to place.
For instance, in Tokyo, people generally stand on the left and walk up on the right, but in Osaka, it's the opposite! The easiest thing to do is just follow the crowd, don't overthink it.
6. Public spaces stay clean because everyone helps
One of the biggest surprises for many visitors is how dificult it can be to find a public bin. Instead people simply carry their rubbish home or somewhere they can appropriately dispose of it.
This might sound inconvenient but it's one of the reasons Japan stays remarkable clean.
7. Onsen etiquette is simple once you know it
Visiting an onsen is one of the best experiences you can have in Japan, and we often include at least two visits during your trip. But there are a few customs to follow.
Wash thoroughly before getting into the bath, keep your towel out of the water and let the atmosphere stay quiet and relaxed.
Some onsens still don't allow visible tattoos, although many have become more flexible, particularly in areas popular with international visitors but its always worth checking before you go.
8. Respect is the golden rule
Overall Japan's etiquette is all about respect rather than strict rules; respect for shared spaces, for other people and respect for doing things well.
Everyone in Japan tries to make everyday life easier for eveyone else and as a visitor, you won't need to get evert custome right. The people there are incredibly welcoming and understanding.
Just arriving with an open mind, observing what's happening around you and showing respect will take you a long way.
And who knows, you might even come home wishing we all queued a little more like the Japanese do!
Has this blog made you consider a trip to Japan, or is it already on your bucket list? Get in touch with our team to start planning your bespoke Japan holiday by filling out the enquiry form below, sending us an email at: enquiries@tailoredjourneys.co.uk or by calling us on 01442617777 / 02081039000
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