As a tourist in Japan, what points should we follow when traveling to this country?

In the heart of the land of sunshine, Japan, there is a rich and diverse culture that attracts every tourist. This country is a combination of long-standing traditions and modern developments that show off together; But traveling to such a destination requires awareness and following certain points in order to have a memorable and respectful experience towards the host culture. In this article, we are going to examine these points and answer the question, what points should we follow when traveling to this country? to answer

be respectful

In Japan, respect and politeness are more admirable traits in the local culture than anything else. A respectful and calm demeanor is important not only to communicate effectively with local people, but also as a sign of understanding and respect for their culture. Always be respectful when dealing with others, especially in public settings. This can include bowing instead of shaking hands, using polite words, and avoiding noisy behavior.

Respecting the personal space of others is also an important part of respectful behavior. In queues, always keep a proper distance and avoid pushing or being impatient. In Japan, observing public order, such as avoiding eating while walking or littering in unauthorized places, is not only a sign of respect for the environment, but also an expression of respect for oneself and others.

Keep in mind that in certain places, such as temples or traditional restaurants, there are certain customs that must be followed. For example, in temples you may be required to remove your shoes or be silent when entering sacred areas.

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General rules

Obeying the rules is the backbone of Japanese society. From traffic rules to general guidelines, each and every one must be followed carefully. Here are the general rules that you must follow as a tourist:

Traffic rules

One important thing to remember when crossing streets in Japan is that driving in Japan is done on the left side of the road. One of the important points to remember when crossing the streets in Japan is that driving in Japan is the opposite of Iran, and this important difference can be a bit misleading; So, when crossing the street, look to the right first. Then to the left to make sure the way is open. Another important thing is to always wait for the pedestrian traffic light to turn green, even if the street seems empty, then cross the street.

Do not eat while walking

In Japan, eating while walking in public is often considered inappropriate. This act, which may be accepted as a normal behavior in many cultures, in Japan can be a sign of disrespect for the culture and customs of the society. The Japanese place great value on maintaining order and cleanliness in public spaces, and eating while walking can lead to the creation of improper order and waste; Therefore, when eating or drinking, it is better to stay in a fixed place such as a park, the seating area of ​​shopping malls, or inside restaurants.

Waste segregation

One of the important aspects of Japanese culture is the emphasis on preserving the environment and avoiding littering in inappropriate places. Japan focuses on careful segregation of waste, and this can be seen everywhere in the country. Recycling boxes are available for different types of waste such as plastic, paper, glass and food, and each has its own specifications. As a tourist, it is important that you follow these rules and help maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the environment. Ignoring these rules can not only harm the environment, but is also considered a sign of disrespect for Japanese culture and society.

Smoking ban

In Japan, smoking laws are very strict and strictly enforced. Smoking is prohibited in many public places, especially inside buildings, train stations and some busy streets. Smoking areas are provided outdoors or in some restaurants and cafes and are clearly marked. Tourists should pay close attention to local signs and laws and smoke only in permitted areas. Violation of these rules can lead to heavy fines and is also considered culturally disrespectful.

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Public transportation

Keeping calm on trains and buses shows respect for other passengers. The use of mobile phones for voice, eating and drinking in these devices are usually not allowed. Another important principle when using public transportation is to give up seats to those who need them most, such as the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and parents with young children. In addition, maintaining order in queues while waiting to board a train or bus, as well as avoiding taking up too much space, especially during rush hours, is an important part of social etiquette.

Order and cleanliness

Order and cleanliness in Japan is more than a habit, it is a part of culture and national identity. The Japanese place great emphasis on maintaining cleanliness and order in all aspects of life. This can be seen in the cleanliness of streets, train stations and parks. In this country, everyone is somehow responsible for keeping the environment clean.

In stores, restaurants and even in public places, cleaning and keeping the environment tidy is done in a precise and continuous way. Also, citizens and tourists are encouraged to carry their garbage with them to throw it in the right place, don't forget that cleanliness and tidiness show respect for others and show respect for yourself.

The principle of cleanliness and order can also be seen inside homes and workplaces. It is a standard Japanese custom to always remove your shoes when entering someone's home. Every Japanese home always has slippers for guests, so you don't have to worry about getting your socks dirty. Also, in temples and some restaurants, you are expected to remove your shoes.

Respect for local culture and traditions

Respecting local culture and traditions is very important in Japan, and as a tourist, paying attention to a few key points can help you avoid disrespecting this rich culture:

1. Respecting the customs of temples and holy places:

When visiting temples and religious places, observe their special customs. This includes removing shoes at the entrance, silence and peace in the temple grounds, and other special things in each temple.

• Avoiding physical contact:

In Japan, physical contact such as hugging or kissing in public, especially between people who do not know each other well, is not common and can be considered disrespectful.

• Avoid loud noises:

The Japanese emphasize keeping calm in public places. It's best to avoid talking loudly, laughing loudly, and using cell phones in places like trains and restaurants.

• Compliance with the etiquette of entering places:

In many Japanese homes and even in some restaurants and hotels, it is customary to remove shoes at the entrance and use slippers inside if necessary. Be sure to pay attention to this point.

• Correct use of chopsticks:

Chopsticks (hashi) in Japan are more than just a tool for eating, and the way they are used has certain rituals. For example, placing sticks vertically in a rice bowl is a sign of disrespect and refers to a funeral.

• Compliments in Japanese culture:

When someone offers you something, the first reaction should usually be to express skepticism or politely decline. It shows humility and it is customary for you to decline the offer at first. If the offerer repeats his offer, gratefully accept the offer.

• Compliance with food etiquette:

Japan has unique food customs. For example, the sound of slurping noodles while eating ramen is a sign of enjoying the food and is accepted, while in many other cultures it may be considered distasteful.

cover

In Japan, clothing is not only an expression of personal style, but also has great cultural and social significance. Tourists who travel to this country should pay attention to some important points about coverage:

• In public places such as museums and restaurants, it is important to dress respectfully and appropriately. Avoiding overly revealing clothing, sleeveless shirts, and short pants is recommended in these locations.
• When visiting Japanese temples, it is recommended to wear long pants or skirts and long-sleeved shirts. It is better to avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or too short to show enough respect for the religious environment.
• While Japan is known for its diverse and creative styles in fashion, in most public and everyday situations, overly unconventional clothing may be considered inappropriate; Therefore, plain and simple covers are usually better options.
• At traditional events such as festivals and ceremonies, traditional clothing such as kimono or yukata may be recommended. This type of clothing not only shows respect for Japanese culture, but is also an opportunity to experience part of the country's traditions.
• It is generally accepted to wear shorts on the streets of Japan, especially during the hot season. However, for visiting religious or official places, wearing shorts may not be appropriate and it is recommended to wear more formal clothes in these situations.

Time Management

In Japan, time management is very important and is recognized as one of the key components of work and social culture. For tourists, understanding and adhering to this strict timing culture can contribute to a more comfortable and effective travel experience. This means careful planning of events, appointments and visits.

Trains and buses in Japan are extremely well scheduled and usually run exactly on time; Therefore, it is recommended to be on time to reach other stations and locations. Also, in business appointments or official visits, arriving on time or even a few minutes earlier shows respect and professionalism.

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connections

Communication in Japan can be challenging for tourists who are not familiar with the Japanese language and culture. However, by following a few key points, you can have an effective and friendly communication experience. The Japanese attach great importance to body language and polite manners. Using bows instead of handshakes, limited eye contact, and a more relaxed demeanor can help communicate effectively.

If you are not fluent in Japanese, using translation apps can be very useful. These tools help you to communicate in different situations. Learning a few basic phrases in Japanese, such as hello (こんにちは – Konnichiwa), goodbye (さなよら – Sayōnara) and thank you (ありがん – Arigatou), can be very effective in communicating and showing respect for the local culture.

In business or formal situations, exchanging business cards is an important cultural element. When receiving or presenting a business card, it is recommended to use both hands and show attention and respect to the received card. Sometimes you may face difficulties in communicating with local people due to language or cultural differences. In these situations, show patience and respect.

A good topic to talk to Japanese people about is their hometown or local area. Many people are proud of the area they come from, even if they left many years ago, and have a deep sense of belonging to their hometown. In particular, many of them enjoy talking about the province's remarkable natural scenery or talking about the “famous” local products of their region.

Buy

When shopping, it is very important to be polite and respectful to the sellers. The Japanese place great importance on customer service and expect customers to respond in the same way. In most department stores and large shopping centers in Japan, bargaining for lower prices is not common and prices are usually fixed. In smaller markets or traditional shops, it is sometimes possible to bargain, but you must do so respectfully and carefully.

In Japan, paying money and receiving goods is usually done with care and respect. If the store has a small tray at the checkout, place the money in it instead of handing it directly to the cashier. When paying, it shows more respect to use a wallet rather than handing cash directly from your pocket or purse. After completing the purchase, don't forget to say thank you and take a short bow as a sign of appreciation for the seller's service.

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Restaurant

Regarding the etiquette of going to a restaurant in Japan, note that tipping is generally not customary in Japan. High quality customer service is part of the business culture in Japan, and customers are not expected to pay extra for the type of service they receive. Restaurants or other service providers usually include a surcharge on their bill as determined by their establishment.

In Japanese tradition, eating begins by saying “Itakimasu,” which means “I accept with respect,” but is used in the same way as saying “Bon appétit” or “Enjoy your meal.” This sentence expresses gratitude to those who participated in the preparation and preparation of food. After finishing your meal, it is customary to leave the restaurant immediately, as it is not customary to sit in a restaurant for a long time after eating in Japan.

closing remarks

A trip to Japan is more than a tourist adventure, it is an exceptional opportunity to get to know a rich and multifaceted culture in depth. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquility of Kyoto's temples, every corner of this country has a story to tell. Your experiences on this trip can range from meeting warm and hospitable local people to participating in traditional celebrations and experiencing delicious food. By observing local customs and showing respect for Japanese culture, you will have a richer and more meaningful experience, and every moment of your trip will be memorable and educational.

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