【Japan Trip】5 Manners in Japan, which you should be careful

This article will talk about 5 Manners in Japan that you should be careful in Japan.

Japanese manners can be quite complex. Have you ever seen a video of a train in Japan? Inside Japanese trains, it is very quiet, and you won’t hear any phone conversations. This is one of Japan’s famous manners. When I was studying in Vancouver, I was surprised because everyone was talking on the phone. Also, it’s a bit awkward to have notifications on. That’s why we call it “silent mode” when you turn off your phone’s notification sound. There are many manners like this in Japan, so today I want to teach you about them.

Importance of Quietness in Public Spaces – manners in Japan

In Japan, trains and buses are a common mode of transportation, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Passengers are expected to keep their voices low to avoid disturbing others.

While it is advisable to keep quiet when the train is crowded, it is generally acceptable to have a conversation when the train is not crowded, as long as you do not speak too loudly.

However, it is recommended to refrain from conversation near the priority seats (located at the ends of the train cars).

And also Calling on the phone on transportation is strictly prohibited because such a culture does not exist in Japan. So I experienced culture shock when I saw people talking on the phone while riding the train in Vancouver.

If you would like to explore more about the transportation, please visit here

Taking off the shoes – manners in Japan

Taking off shoes is a significant cultural practice in Japan, and it is one of the most noticeable cultural differences that visitors often experience.

In Japan, it is a common practice to remove your shoes when entering a home, but it extends beyond just private residences. Japanese people often take their shoes off in certain public places as well, such as traditional hotels (ryokan), temples, shrines, and even some restaurants, particularly those that have tatami mats.

This custom is rooted in both practical and cultural reasons. The practice of removing shoes at home is closely tied to Japan’s climate, where high humidity can lead to dampness and moisture. To deal with this, homes in Japan traditionally feature raised entryways or genkan, which help keep the interior of the house clean and dry.

For foreigners visiting Japan, this custom can be a bit of a culture shock, especially when dining in traditional restaurants or staying at a ryokan. However, it’s important to understand and respect this cultural practice when you are in Japan. To make it easier, many places provide indoor slippers for guests to wear, and if you’re in a more formal or sacred place, you may be asked to go barefoot.

Don’t pay the tips – manners in Japan

Many people have ever heard this culture difference before.

There is no culture in Japan to pay the tips. In my opinion, the price of our services is included in the price of food therefore we have never cared for the tips.

So you can spend more money instead of paying tips! That’s a good thing to visit in Japan!

Food Manners

In Japan, there are many food manners. Particularly, attention is needed when using chopsticks:

• Do not stab food with chopsticks.
• Do not pass food from chopstick to chopstick.
• Do not take food with chopsticks simultaneously with another person.

In addition to these manners, there are many other etiquettes to be aware of. In my personal opinion, while it is important to observe manners, It is wrong that you care the food manners too much and you can’t enjoy the meals . Therefore, it is important to do what you can within your understanding. However, special care may be necessary in traditional restaurants or inns, or when dealing with Japanese people in a professional setting.

Point at Someone With a Finger

Pointing at someone with a finger is considered rude.

The act of ‘pointing’ is seen as something done by someone in a higher position towards someone in a lower position, and it is perceived as looking down on the person.

How Do you Pray in Shrine and Temple?

Here’s a simplified guide on how to pray at a Shrine and a Temple in Japan.

Here’s a simplified guide on how to pray at a Shinto Shrine and a Buddhist Temple in Japan:

Key Differences:

• Shrines (Shinto): Focus on nature spirits (kami). You clap your hands and bow to pray.
• Temples (Buddhist): Focus on Buddha. You make a prayer with your hands together and bow to show respect.

In both places, the most important thing is to show respect for the sacred space and the people around you.

Manners on hiking trails japan

Japan has a unique culture, and even in mountain climbing, etiquette is deeply rooted in this tradition.

Here are some of the key mountain climbing manners to keep in mind and it makes you comfortable to climb!

1. Take Your Trash Back

There are very few trash bins in the mountains. Always bring back any trash you produce. This includes food waste and toilet paper, which should be stored in a designated bag or plastic bag and disposed of after you descend.

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2. Stay on the Trail

Stepping off the designated trail can harm the environment and increase the risk of getting lost. Stick to the marked paths to ensure safety and preserve nature.

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3. Be Considerate of Other Climbers

• On narrow paths, always give priority to people climbing uphill.
• Avoid playing loud music or making excessive noise.
• It’s customary to greet others with a friendly “Konnichiwa” (hello) when passing, which helps create a positive atmosphere.

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4. Submit a Climbing Plan

For some mountains, submitting a climbing plan (tozan todoke) is recommended. This document can assist rescue teams in case of an emergency. For detailed instructions on how to submit a climbing plan, refer to each mountain information(Ex: Mt Fuji)

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5. Keeping in your mind to walk on the right side!

As you may know, in Japan, people generally follow a pattern of walking on the right side in the Kanto region and on the left side in the Kansai region. When using escalators, for instance, it’s customary to adapt to the local rule. Interestingly, this principle can also apply when hiking in the mountains.

That said, safety should always come first. In dangerous areas, it’s more important to act with caution and consideration rather than strictly adhering to these rules. However, as a general guideline, please keep to the right side when walking in the mountains.

Where’s the trash can in Japan?

Visitors to Japan are often surprised at how hard it is to find a trash can. Generally, people here carry their trash with them until they find a place to throw it away. But if you’re unsure where to dispose of your trash, here are some tips:

If you bought something at a convenience store, it’s okay to use the trash can at the same store. Otherwise, you may find trash cans at parks or train stations.