Travel
Japanese Manners And Etiquette When Visiting
- Terrazza House, Kyoto. That Time We Stayed In A Japanese House
Many people would argue Kyoto is THE city to visit in Japan. Its shrines and temples are equal to none, and this city is the best incursion in the traditional Japanese culture. Well, I would go even further and say that if you want to really experience...
- Photos Of Plastic Food Samples In Japan
I heard about the plastic food samples traditionally displayed in the restaurant windows from Japan long before visiting this country. But I never expected them to look so delicious. They are part of the Japanese lifestyle, they are quirky and, as...
- Kimi Ryokan, Tokyo. Traditional Budget Accommodation
Rumor has it Japan is very, but very expensive. Now I don't know if it's because just months before visiting Tokyo, my husband and I visited Norway, but after comparing prices from the two countries, Japan actually seems quite affordable! The...
- Why Do Many Japanese Dye Their Hair To Brown, Red, Blonde...?
I started to be interested in japanese culture since childhood. My first introduction to it was through 70's and 80's movies. The first thing I noticed was everyone had black hair, except for the old people. Of course it sounds obvious, but when...
- Japanese Night Clubs: How They Are, Where To Go And How Much They Cost!
Some say clubs in Tokyo are very expensive, but one of the best in the world. In the last months I've been checking how true it is and now I can finally synthesize the japanese clubs in three genres: happy hour clubs, free entrance clubs and...
Travel
Guide To Japanese Manners And Etiquette
Adopting some of the local's manners will not only keep you out of trouble but it will give you a sense of their culture as well. Some of the following customs might not be exactly your idea of experiencing a new culture, and I am pretty sure there's only this far someone would go for the sake of blending in, but knowing them will definitely help to avoid embarrassing situations and embrace others. I mean, how many times your mother told you not to slurp your noodles? All the fuss just because you weren't born in Japan!
• If you are invited into a Japanese home, bring a small present called "omiyage".
• Say "o-jama shimasu" (sorry for disturbing) while entering someone's house.
• Never enter a house with your shoes. Slippers are usually provided in the entrance hall. Also another pair of slippers are provided for the toilet, so remember to change your slippers when you go to the toilet.
• Sit in the "seiza" position. It is a difficult and painful position especially if you are a taller person. It involves sitting on the floor with the legs folded under your body, with your back resting on your heels.
Japanese Bathing Etiquette
• Japanese wash themselves before entering the bath, as they share the bath water, even at home. So, one does not empty the bath after using it.
• Japanese like bathing in very hot water (40 to 50 degrees celsius). Don't use cold water, as the next person won't appreciate it.
• Tattoos are banned in most public baths. Better ask to avoid causing trouble.
• Absolutely avoid bathing suits in public baths, as this could create incidents with Japanese customers and you could end up expelled from the premises.
Japanese Manners And Etiquette For Going Out
• Avoid fixing someone in the eyes (even beautiful girls sitting in front of you in the train).
• Shops stores provide plastic covers for dripping wet umbrellas.
• You should not eat while walking or while standing in the street or even in the house.
• Japanese consider it rude to blow you nose in a handkerchief and stuff it in your pocket afterward. Japanese only use paper tissues.
• At a "nomikai" (going drinking), you should (re)fill the glasses of people around you when they are empty, and they should do the same for you. If you want to refill you glass, start by serving other people. If you do not want a refill, do not empty you glass
Japanese Manners And Etiquette For Eating Out
• It is polite to say "itadakimasu" once before eating or drinking, and "gochisousama deshita" to your host or to the restaurant's staff after eating or when leaving the place.
• Do not stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this is used in Buddhist funerary ceremony.
• Do not point your finger or chopsticks at people. If you have to indicate someone or something, wave your fingers while keeping your palm downwards.
• Noodles should be slurped and bowls or plates should be brought up the the mouth.
- Terrazza House, Kyoto. That Time We Stayed In A Japanese House
Many people would argue Kyoto is THE city to visit in Japan. Its shrines and temples are equal to none, and this city is the best incursion in the traditional Japanese culture. Well, I would go even further and say that if you want to really experience...
- Photos Of Plastic Food Samples In Japan
I heard about the plastic food samples traditionally displayed in the restaurant windows from Japan long before visiting this country. But I never expected them to look so delicious. They are part of the Japanese lifestyle, they are quirky and, as...
- Kimi Ryokan, Tokyo. Traditional Budget Accommodation
Rumor has it Japan is very, but very expensive. Now I don't know if it's because just months before visiting Tokyo, my husband and I visited Norway, but after comparing prices from the two countries, Japan actually seems quite affordable! The...
- Why Do Many Japanese Dye Their Hair To Brown, Red, Blonde...?
I started to be interested in japanese culture since childhood. My first introduction to it was through 70's and 80's movies. The first thing I noticed was everyone had black hair, except for the old people. Of course it sounds obvious, but when...
- Japanese Night Clubs: How They Are, Where To Go And How Much They Cost!
Some say clubs in Tokyo are very expensive, but one of the best in the world. In the last months I've been checking how true it is and now I can finally synthesize the japanese clubs in three genres: happy hour clubs, free entrance clubs and...