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Culture Guide
Japanese Culture & Etiquette
Understanding the customs and traditions that make Japan unique
Japan's rich cultural heritage spans thousands of years, blending ancient traditions with modern innovation. For international visitors, understanding Japanese customs and etiquette is essential for a respectful and enjoyable experience. This guide covers the key aspects of Japanese culture that every traveler should know.
Essential Japanese Phrases
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you
Multi-purpose polite expression
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you (formal)
Use in shops, restaurants, with strangers
Itadakimasu
I humbly receive
Say before eating
Gochisousama
Thank you for the meal
Say after eating
Ojama shimasu
I'm intruding
Say when entering someone's home
Otsukare sama
Thank you for your hard work
Common workplace greeting
挨拶とお辞儀
Greetings & Bowing
Bowing (ojigi) is the traditional Japanese greeting. The deeper the bow, the more respect shown. A casual bow is about 15 degrees, while a formal bow can be 30-45 degrees. When meeting someone for the first time, a slight bow while saying "Hajimemashite" (Nice to meet you) is appropriate.
Tips to Remember:
- A slight nod is acceptable for casual greetings
- Don't bow while walking - stop first
- Business cards are exchanged with both hands and a bow
- Avoid prolonged eye contact during bowing
靴のマナー
Shoes Etiquette
Removing shoes before entering homes, traditional restaurants, temples, and some businesses is a fundamental Japanese custom. Look for a genkan (entryway) where shoes are removed. Slippers are often provided for indoor use, but remove them before stepping on tatami mats.
Tips to Remember:
- Always wear clean socks without holes
- Point shoes toward the door when removing them
- Special toilet slippers are provided - never wear them outside the bathroom
- Never step on the genkan with outdoor shoes
食事のマナー
Dining Etiquette
Japanese dining has specific customs that show respect for the food and those who prepared it. Say "Itadakimasu" before eating and "Gochisousama deshita" after finishing. Chopstick etiquette is particularly important - never stick them upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
Tips to Remember:
- Don't rub chopsticks together - it implies they're cheap
- Slurping noodles is not only acceptable but shows appreciation
- Pour drinks for others before yourself
- Don't pour soy sauce directly on rice
- Finish everything on your plate - leaving food is wasteful
公共の場でのマナー
Public Behavior
Japan values harmony and consideration for others in public spaces. Talking loudly, eating while walking, and using phones on trains are generally frowned upon. Queue properly, keep to the left on escalators (right in Osaka), and be mindful of personal space.
Tips to Remember:
- Set phones to silent mode (manner mode) on trains
- Don't eat or drink while walking
- Give up priority seats for elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers
- Don't blow your nose in public - sniffling is preferred
- Talking on phones while on public transport is considered rude
温泉のマナー
Onsen (Hot Spring) Etiquette
Onsen are an integral part of Japanese culture. Proper etiquette is essential: wash thoroughly before entering the bath, don't put towels in the water, and be quiet to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Most onsen don't allow tattoos - check beforehand.
Tips to Remember:
- Wash and rinse completely before entering the bath
- Tie long hair up to keep it out of the water
- Don't swim or splash in the bath
- Small towels can be placed on your head, not in the water
- Stay hydrated - onsen can be very hot
神社仏閣でのマナー
Temple & Shrine Visits
Temples (Buddhist) and shrines (Shinto) have different customs. At shrines, purify hands and mouth at the temizuya, bow twice, clap twice, bow once. At temples, simply bow and pray. Dress modestly and speak quietly. Photography rules vary - always check.
Tips to Remember:
- Don't walk through the center of torii gates - that's the god's path
- Remove hats and sunglasses in main halls
- Don't point at sacred objects
- Incense smoke is believed to have healing properties
- Omikuji (fortune slips) with bad luck should be tied at the shrine
ビジネスマナー
Business Etiquette
Japanese business culture emphasizes hierarchy, punctuality, and respect. Business cards (meishi) are exchanged formally with both hands. Meetings often start with small talk before business. Decisions are typically made by consensus rather than individuals.
Tips to Remember:
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early for meetings
- Present business cards with both hands, Japanese side up
- Study received cards carefully before putting them away
- Use titles and surnames until invited to use first names
- Gift-giving is common - present and receive with both hands
贈り物の文化
Gift-Giving Culture
Gift-giving (omiyage) is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. When visiting someone's home, bring a small gift. Presentation matters - items should be beautifully wrapped. Gifts are often given and received with both hands and may not be opened immediately.
Tips to Remember:
- Avoid giving gifts in sets of 4 (shi = death) or 9 (ku = suffering)
- Quality over quantity - brand names are appreciated
- Regional specialties make excellent omiyage
- Refuse a gift once or twice before accepting
- Reciprocate gifts of similar value
Do's
- +Carry cash - many places don't accept cards
- +Learn basic Japanese phrases
- +Respect quiet zones on trains
- +Try local foods and customs
- +Carry a small towel (tenugui)
- +Be punctual for all appointments
- +Sort your trash properly
Don'ts
- -Don't tip - it can be considered rude
- -Don't eat or drink while walking
- -Don't talk loudly on public transport
- -Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice
- -Don't blow your nose in public
- -Don't enter homes with shoes on
- -Don't litter - carry trash with you