Things to Remember While Traveling in Japan

Having lived there for an extended period of time, I am happy to pass along some important things to remember if you should ever choose to explore this lovely country and culture. You will note with certainty that you are definitely not in "Kansas" anymore, and there are some things that will help your experience go much more smoothly if you know them ahead of time.

No tipping! For as odd as this concept is to believe, it is true. When you eat at a restaurant in Japan it is considered rude to leave a tip. If you accidentally leave one, they will come running after you with the money! So be prepared to pay in yen for your bill, but don't worry about figuring in a tip because they are not necessary, nor do they want one! Instead be courteous and tell them thank you upon leaving, perhaps give them a quick bow, and be on your way with a smile.

Bowing is an important part of good manners in Japan. It is used for various types of gestures, and there are different types of bowing. To greet someone, when entering someone's home, or when thanking someone you are to bow quickly yet gracefully to them. Do not make direct eye contact when you do so, but simply bow gently forward tipping your head down slightly before them. For reasons of worship or for expressing feelings of sorrow you bow as usual except you deepen the experience by extending your body over farther forward, as well as adding length to the bow. If someone else initiates a bow to you, please be polite and return the bow. Often times you might bow at the same time another bows to you, therefore bowing simultaneously. You may initiate a bow too, if you wish, so long as you are using it in text. A good example of when to initiate a bow is when thanking someone for their help or assistance. Your gesture will likely be returned and will surely be appreciated.

Be conscious of when to remove your shoes! In this peaceful culture, it is polite to remove your shoes before entering someone's home. Please remove them and leave them in the doorway or some Japanese homes even have an actual "shoe room", which is similar to a coat room, to where you may remove your shoes and let them rest there until you are ready to leave again. It is not only in homes that you need to be aware of this manner, as it can be necessary when out shopping as well. For example, if you are in a department store and wish to try something on in the dressing room, in some places you must remove your shoes outside of your dressing room door before proceeding in to try on your garments.

Be prepared for the Japanese style toilets! For those who are not aware, these toilets may come as a big surprise! There are two types of toilets in Japan; western style and Japanese style. The western style toilets are similar to what American's are accustomed to. They take on a look similar to an American toilet. Some have a standard flusher and others are fancier yet with gadgets built in to "spray" water to assist in cleaning. As for Japanese toilets, you will know immediately when you come across one. They are long and rectangular and built just a couple inches off the floor. One end curves up slightly and the inside contours slightly like a bowl would, however there is no seat. We affectionately referred to these toilets as the "squat toilets", because that is literally what you have to do to use them. You stand over them with a leg on either side of it, you squat, do your business, and then they either flush by themselves or there will be a button near to the wall that you press to flush.

No cell phones are to be used on public transportation! One thing you will notice while using public transportation in Japan is how very quiet it is. If they speak, they do so quietly, as not to disturb others. Much like the United States, nearly every Japanese person has a cell phone; however they choose not to use it while on the buses, subways or trains as not to disturb their neighbors. Many people silence their phones altogether when traveling on public transportation, because they do not want it to ring and risk being a disruption. If you bring your phone with you, it is good to remember to either silence it or put it on vibrate while you share transportation with others.

Please try to learn a couple of words in Japanese. Of course this isn't necessary, but it shows that you are making an attempt to speak their language. If you can speak a simple "hello" or "thank you", it is appreciated as much to them as it would be for us if they put forth the effort to learn English. Many of their basic words are simple to learn and you will be showing kindness and respect through your efforts.

Naturally, the Japanese culture goes far beyond the tips I have shared, but they are important to remember and it is good information to know ahead of time. Knowing these manners will better prepare you for being polite, and gives a better understanding of what might possibly be offensive to others. Aside from my advice, please take the time to enjoy this culture! The scenery is beautiful and unlike anything you will experience in America. There are so many wonderful places to see and visit, and I feel privileged to have gotten to be a part of it.