11 Things Not to Do in Japan

11 Things Not to Do in Japan

If you are planning of making a trip to Japan, here is the list of 11 Things Not to Do in Japan.

Every country has its own culture, tradition, norms and values. To respect and not violate their culture and tradition is our responsibility as a tourist.

Japan is indeed a unique country with a fascinating and surprising culture and tradition. Personally, I would love to visit Japan one day. And you must be wondering, a girl who hasn’t visited Japan till now, how can she guide us on a topic such as 11 Things Not to Do in Japan.

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I haven’t been to Japan but I have watched enough Japanese Anime and researched Japanese culture and tradition due to my personal interest. So, I am well aware of what to do and not to do in Japan.

So, here is the list of 11 Things Not to Do in Japan

11 Things Not to Do in Japan

11 Things Not to Don in Japan!! What are they? Keep reading!!

1. Never Break the Rule of Chopstick Etiquette

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Break the Rule of Chopstick Etiquette

Japanese uses a chopstick to eat. And there are a set of rules you must follow in order to dilute yourself in Japanese culture.

When you are eating with Chopstick, never stick your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice (Doing so resembles a funeral ritual). Use a chopstick holder to put them down next to your plate.

Avoid rubbing your chopstick together, this is another Chopstick etiquette in Japan. Japanese people don’t rub and like people rubbing their chopsticks.

Avoid using your chopstick to pass food to someone else chopstick, this is another taboo in Japan. When sharing dishes, use your chopsticks to take the food and put it on your own plate before eating it.

2. Never Wear Shoes Indoors

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Wear Shoes Indoors

One thing you must be self-aware visiting Japanese people’s homes is to never wear shoes indoors. Remove your shoe at the entrance and wear an available indoor slipper. This no shoe policy is also implemented in traditional ryoken hotels, some public spaces like temples and shrines, and schools and hospitals. Before running your foot, make sure to open your shoe or at least check if the shoe is allowed or not.

If you visit Japanese restaurants where dinners sit on the floor on traditional tatami mats, know that no shoe is allowed. In tatami mats, even slippers are not allowed due to their delicate nature and difficulty in cleaning. So, make sure your shocks are in good condition.

And this is something we follow in Nepal as well i.e. exchange your “indoor” slippers for the special “toilet” slippers when using the toilet.

3. Never Ignore the Queuing System

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Wear Shoes Indoors

Japanese line up in orderly single lines when they are waiting for a bus at the bus stop or on a train on the train platform. Keep in mind that there are lines on the floor on the platform at the train station suggesting where to stand and wait for the train. Don’t breach the line and save yourself from being the centre of attraction.

4. Never Eat while Walking or on Go

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Eat while Walking or on Go

Eating while walking or on a train or bus is considered a bad manner in Japan. Japanese don’t eat while walking or on trains or buses but an exception is made for this on long-distance trains. 

Note:

And you must not throw waste material anywhere you find suitable. Dispose waste properly in the dustbin.

5. Never Get into a Bathtub Before Showering First

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Get into a Bathtub Before Showering First

Most Japanese homes have a bathtub that is often used for soaking the body and relaxing instead of bathing or scrubbing. The traditional Japanese bathtub called “furo” is often square in shape, and deeper than the western bath tube for this reason. So, before using a bathtub make sure to shower first.

And if you are visiting a public bathhouse also called “Onsen”, the same rule is applied i.e Shower First Rule. And besides this bathing suits are not allowed, hair should be tied up to keep it out of the bathwater and no swimming rule.

Also, if you have tattoos on your body then you might not be allowed to the public bath house. Japanese people are not fond of Tattoos for they are associated with gangs.

6. Never Blow Your Nose in Public

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Blow Your Nose in Public

Blowing your nose in public in Japan is considered rude. So, if you have to blow your nose find the bathroom and clean your runny nose clean.

Never blow your nose in the middle of the crowd or in restaurants or in public places.

7. Never Leave a Tip

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Leave a Tip

Leaving a Tip might be normal in the country you reside in, but not in Japan. Leaving a Tip is taken as an insult. Japan does not have a tipping culture. So, never leave a tip behind.

If you do they will come after you to return your forgotten money.

8. Avoid Pointing

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Avoid Pointing

Never point to indicate something or someone when you are in Japan. Doing so is considered rude.

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Instead, use your hand this way

If you have to indicate someone or something use hand gestures like waving hands with a decent smile on your face. Never point by chopstick or something you have on your hand to indicate things or people.

9. Never Pour Soy Sauce on Your Rice

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan

In Japan Soy Sauce is never poured on top of rice. You should pour it into a small dish provided especially for the sole purpose and pour it there. And, dip your rice or sushi or sashimi in the sauce using a chopstick.

10. Never Give and Receive things with One Hand

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: Never Give and Receive things with One Hand

In Japan, people use both hands while giving and receiving gifts or things. Using only one hand is considered rude.

So, never Give and Receive things with One Hand.

11. PDA

11 Things Not to Do in Japan
Things Not to Do in Japan: PDA

PDA i.e. Public Display Act like hugging, kissing, and holding hands are not accepted by Japanese culture.

So, avoid PDA. Avoid making Japanese people around your uncomfortable.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed reading our article on the topic 11 Things Not to Do in Japan. And we hope you find it interesting and informative either.

Thank You for reading our article till the end!! Have a nice day!!

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