Website design By BotEap.comIf you have plans to visit Japan, there are a few things you should know. Familiarizing yourself with some basic Japanese cultural practices will go a long way in making you enjoy your trip there. Plus, you’re not likely to get into trouble. Here are things you shouldn’t do according to Japanese culture.

Website design By BotEap.com1. Do not enter a house with your shoes

Website design By BotEap.comAre you used to walking around your house in your shoes? Well, you could get in trouble if you do that in Japan. There is a special place where you must store your shoes before entering the house. Also, there are slippers for guests when entering a room.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Don’t yell on the train

Website design By BotEap.comTrains are very common in Japan. However, people don’t make noise on trains. They are always silent. If you have to talk to someone, do it in a low tone. Use your headphones if you have to listen to some music.

Website design By BotEap.com3. Don’t use your phone on trains

Website design By BotEap.comAs stated above, the Japanese do not like noise on trains. You will rarely find someone using their phone to make a call on the train. If you must use your phone, send a message or speak in a low tone so as not to distract others.

Website design By BotEap.com4. Don’t eat on trains

Website design By BotEap.comThe Japanese do not eat when they travel on commuter trains. Drinking is fine unless the train is too full. However, on long-distance trains, eating and drinking are allowed. Food and drinks are also sold on these trains.

Website design By BotEap.com5. Don’t forget to take off your bathroom slippers

Website design By BotEap.comOnce you arrive in Japan, you will notice that there are slippers that are only used for going to the bathroom. These slippers are easily noticed as they have particular words or pictures on them. Always remember to take them off when entering your house or walking through the streets.

Website design By BotEap.com6. Do not tip anyone

Website design By BotEap.comWhile it is common to tip someone after excellent service in many cultures, Japan is an exception. No matter how satisfied you are with their service, they never accept tips. In fact, someone will come running after you and give you your tip back!

Website design By BotEap.com7. Don’t ignore someone you’re talking to

Website design By BotEap.comIf you are talking to a Japanese person, always remain calm and attentive. You can sound impolite and rude by simply not showing that you understand a point. Every time you speak, show your attention by responding.

Website design By BotEap.com8. Do not photograph everything

Website design By BotEap.comEven though Japan is a beautiful country, taking photos is not allowed everywhere. It is advisable to always ask someone before taking photos. You must have permission to take photos in museums, temples, and shrines.

Website design By BotEap.com9. Don’t hug anyone you know

Website design By BotEap.comHugs are common in Western countries. However, in Japan, it is not. You don’t hug someone you meet on the streets of Tokyo. Most older people don’t like the habit. If you want to hug someone, then it’s best to know their age group and if you are comfortable with them.

Website design By BotEap.com10. Do not eat or drink while walking

Website design By BotEap.comIt is unusual to find Japanese eating or drinking while walking. Even in the streets with food stalls they always find a place to sit. Now you know how to behave when you are in the Japanese streets so as not to look like a foreigner.

Website design By BotEap.com11. Do not receive a gift with one hand

Website design By BotEap.comWhenever you receive a gift or business card from a Japanese person, use your two hands and bow. So say thank you. When receiving a gift, do not open it until the person who gave it to you has left.

Website design By BotEap.com12. Don’t throw trash randomly

Website design By BotEap.comAnother thing that you may find difficult to get used to is how to handle your trash. In most cities in the world there are many trash cans, however, Japanese cities are different. People are encouraged to take their trash with them until they can find a place to dispose of it.

Website design By BotEap.com13. Don’t stop saying “thank you”

Website design By BotEap.comThe verb “thank you” is highly valued in Japan. Learn to say it after being served in a hotel or store. Familiarize yourself with how bowing is done in Japan. You should always bow down and say thank you when meeting the elders.

Website design By BotEap.com14. Do not write a person’s name in red ink

Website design By BotEap.comIn Japan, it’s okay to write “goodbye” in red ink, but not a person’s name. The Japanese consider it disobedient. Therefore, if you have to write the name of your Japanese friend, you already know what color to avoid.

Website design By BotEap.com15. Don’t be shy

Website design By BotEap.comIt is common for tourists to ask the locals for help. When you arrive in Japan, don’t be shy or afraid to ask for anything. They are very friendly and cooperative. Even when you accidentally forget something somewhere, come back as no one is going to take it away from you.