It's your first time to Japan, but you're afraid you will not fit in
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While most Japanese will forgive a foreign visitor their social faux pas
Taking a bit of time to study the culture goes a long way towards making you fit in. Here are 10 things
you should never do in Japan or at least be aware of.
Number one. Never wear your shoes indoors.
Many people think this is just for private homes, but this practice can also extend to other places including
Onsen (Hotspring) the interior of some temples and shrines and even restaurants if you see a wooden floor
Expect to change into a slipper. Make sure your socks matching are free of holes
Number 2. Do not leave a tip.
Unlike other parts of the world where tipping is considered mandatory.
The payment for service is included and in some cases a tip can be considered at an insult.
since it is perceived as charity.
Taxi drivers will refuse to have a fare rounded off and it is common to see a waiter chase foreigners to give back their money,
since they believe they could have forgotten it.
Number three. Do not ignore the queue the Japanese love to line up in an orderly
single-file
Whether they're waiting for their turn in a restaurant a train or bus stop on platforms at train stations
There are lines on the floor
Indicating where to stand and wait for your train
Number four. We just told you that the Japanese love to line up in an orderly line
But not for stalls in public restrooms, when it comes to public toilets
Each person stands in front of a random cubicle and uses it whenever it becomes free.
Regardless if someone else has been waiting longer.
Number five. Do not expect Western toilets.
If you stick to western-style restaurants hotels and big cities, you will find plenty of familiar Western toilets
But at some point you will be faced with traditional Asian hole in the ground squat toilets.
Don't be intimidated to bend your knees relax and do what nature intended.
Pro tip: toilet paper is rarely provided, bring your own.
Number six. There is a zero tolerance for littering and those that are caught doing so can expect looks of horror and disapproval from passers by.
But what foreigners find shocking is the lack of public garbage bins?
Believe it or not people often keep their wrappers and waste with them till they get home.
Number seven. Eating on the go is a no-no.
You don't see people sipping and snacking while walking on the streets of Japan and you'll look out a place if you do.
Even Street grub, vending machines,
Munchies and fast food fare deserve a few minutes to sit down or stand still.
Number eight. Do not blow your nose or sneeze in public, be discreet if you need to and if you have a cold wear a mask.
Number nine. Do not wash in a bathtub.
Bathtubs in Japan including hot springs bath onsen are for soaking not for washing.
So, where do you wash, before slipping into a tub?
There's always a shower area near it where you do all of your scrubbing and washing.
Before we get to number ten, here's a bonus. On the streets
you might quickly know the Japanese people drive on the left side of the road.
Take notice that they walk on the left side as well. Of course, This isn't a hard truth
There are exceptions but most Japanese people will gravitate towards the left side and not the right.
Number ten.
Do not use your phone on trains, be quiet and considerate when you use public transportation.
If you have to use your phone send a text message or talk in a low tone, so not to distract other people.
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Happy and safe travels.