I’m the type of traveler who goes into every trip with a hardcore ‘do no harm’ mentality. The thing is that ‘no harm’ doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere in the world. Behaviors that are completely normal for Americans can be super offensive in other cultures, like Japan.
I had no foreknowledge of how numerous everyday behaviors in the U.S. could potentially be perceived as extremely impolite in Japan when I embarked on my adventure there.
Thankfully, I quickly learned the local social norms and customs to avoid awkward misunderstandings.
Gaining background knowledge before your trip about major Japanese social conventions you may take for granted at home can prove prudent.
Table of Contents
Use the tray instead of handing payment directly to a salesperson.
In Japan, directly handing cash or credit cards to people is strongly discouraged. Instead, you are expected to place your money on a tray at the counter. Any change will also be placed on the tray for you to collect.
I was somewhat surprised the first few times I tried to pay a Japanese salesperson only to have a small tray hastily moved towards me. However, it’s an easy rule to follow once you adjust out of the habit of handing over your money directly by hand.
Reasoning:
- Japanese culture is big on personal space and using the tray eliminates any unnecessary touching when passing cash.
- Plus, it makes counting and gathering the money easier for the cashier, improving efficiency as well.
Silence is preferred on public transportation in Japan.
I’m convinced that there exists no place on Earth more soundless than Japanese public transportation.
As someone from New York City whose previous transit experiences were loud at best, I was surprised by the complete silence on trains in Japan.
When riding the subway, you should try to be quiet even with friends. If talking is necessary, whisper is best.
Loud discussions in enclosed spaces can greatly disturb local Japanese residents and one is sure to receive dirty looks for being too boisterous.
Reasoning:
- Japan has a culture where the welfare of the local community takes importance over individual desires, meaning people put significance on how their behaviors could impact those surrounding them, like the noises they make.
- Being soundless in a confined space like the train guarantees all around feeling at ease and undisturbed.
Do not eat or drink while you’re walking.
It’s strongly discouraged to walk around eating food or drinking in Japan. Street snacks on the go are very normal nationwide, but you must find a spot to pause before continuing consumption.
You’ll even pass ‘no eating and ambulation’ signs as you stroll through Japanese markets like Nishiki Market in Kyoto and Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This rule is taken very seriously in Japan, so always stop to consume your food or take a sip of a drink.
Reasoning:
- Japan is a very clean country and there’s a higher chance of spilling or dropping crumbs while wandering and eating simultaneously.
- Secondly, food itself is central to Japanese culture and the act of eating is something that’s meant to be fully appreciated. You cannot give your utmost attention to the dining experience when you’re walking around and quickly consuming all at once.
- It is considered impolite because much effort was put into the preparation of the delicacy, so one should take time to savor it. This view emerged during World War II when food options were scarce, so meals became seen as precious. [ source].
Refrain from taking photos or wearing shoes inside temples and castles.
While the exterior of a Japanese temple is ideal for photography, cameras are absolutely prohibited inside. The breathtaking shrines within these structures are highly sacred and intended only for direct eye contact.
Before entering, you’ll come across signs and sometimes even guards instructing you to put your camera/phone away and remove your shoes. You won’t be allowed inside without following these rules and will likely incur some negative karma if you try to secretly take a shot.
Reasoning:
- Visitors must remove their shoes before entering Japanese temples or shrines because after walking around all day, footwear is deemed too soiled for the sacred space (an idea that makes sense upon reflection).
- Photography is prohibited inside the temples so as not to disturb worshippers or offend deities with the loud clicking of the shutter.
***
Experiencing Japan was an enlightening learning experience for me and I walked away with a much deeper comprehension of the cultural norms. I found being ready to understand and respect Japanese traditions improved my journey enormously too.
While importance should be given to respecting local taboos as a visitor in a foreign land, don`t let inexperience scare you away from exploring. Individuals are always willing to answer inquiries and offer assistance if you`re unsure about the rules in Japan. Therefore, get out there, be thoughtful, and delight in Japan.
