Things To Know Before Traveling To Japan: Things Not To Do In Japan

Japan is one of the most visited destinations by the tourist throughout the year and the reason is the plethora of attractions that offers mesmerizing experience to the visitors. The magnificent natural places such as the Mt Fuji, the delicious dining experience along with the wonderful feel culture that serves the purpose of all gamers and anime lovers, Things not to do in Japan is one of those countries that though expensive, is a splendid place to spend your next vacation. Japan is known for its traditional past which undertakes its culture and embraces its heritage. However while in a different country, it becomes important to follow their code of conduct and abide by their countries law.

Things to avoid in Japan

1.Etiquette While Using Chopsticks
2. Shoes Need To Be Kept Outside
3.Abide By The Queuing System
4. Avoid Eating While You Travel
5. Say No To Smoking While You Are On The Public Transport
6. Avoid Walking Or Driving At The Right Corner Of The Road
7. You Cannot Afford To Be Late
8. Use Both Hands To Receive Gifts

1. Etiquette While Using Chopsticks

The people in Japan are very strict about their dining behavior. You might avoid using chopsticks but in case you are comfortable with the same, you need to pay heed to few things. Always have the holder of the chopsticks placed right next to the plate. Placing the chopsticks vertically in the bowl of rice is considered to be a bad sign as this is similar to a ritual done during the funeral ceremony in Japan. Another outlawed act is to pass food to your neighbor’s plate using your chopsticks and also avoid rubbing the chopsticks together as it deemed as a rude sign.

2. Shoes Need To Be Kept Outside

Japanese tradition does not allow wearing outside shoes in their houses. They consider these shoes to be dirty and unclean. Hence people replace these shoes with flip flops as you slip in or enter the place. This rule is applicable not just for entering houses but also in schools, hospitals, temples and even some hotels. While stepping into any building if you encounter piles of footwear, then removed yours and have a pair of slippers slipped in. Restaurants too seek removal of your shoes as people there sit on tatami mats to have their feeding experience. So next time, have your shoes placed outside the door.

3. Abide By The Queuing System

The people in Japan love to be piled in straight lines irrespective of the place they are in. Be it a bus stop, or an elevator or a line at the railways, make sure you are in proper lines that indicate the exact place to stand and wait. Their system is so designed that at the train stops, the gates are exactly in the middle of the two waiting lines, dream parallelly for the commuters to wait for. It is however not required to say that unless people step down from the train you are required to wait before you step in.

4. Avoid Eating While You Travel

Japan has a tradition of standing at a place and then eat. They never eat on the go. Street foods or the fast food sold at various stands seek people to stand there and eat and also for the drinks bought from the various vending machines, it is expected that people drink them there, throw the bottles or cans I the recycling bin placed adjacent to the machine before they head forward. Eating while on board is also considered a bad etiquette apart from trains covering long distances.

5. Say No To Smoking While You Are On The Public Transport

People in Japan follow strict rules and are highly mannered. Hence they expect the same from tourists visiting their country. The Japanese tradition does not allow people to talk, smoke or even hear loud music while they are traveling and more specifically on public transport. Hardly would you find people in Japan conversing with each other while they are on the public transport. Emergencies are an exception but apart from that you cannot text or call while inside a bus or any other transport. it is deemed as a sign of disturbing others.

6. Avoid Walking Or Driving At The Right Corner Of The Road

Japan has numerous parks and places to stroll or walk on. These provide a sense of soothing environment to have a pleasant experience. Their beautiful trees, flowers, and the cherry blossoms offer the tourists an amazing time. However, you need to always take care of how you walk. If you find someone walking towards you then you are supposed to walk in the opposite side. Consider someone approaching from the right side, then you might choose the left trail to walk upon. Similarly, it is expected to drive on the left side of the road always.

7. You Cannot Afford To Be Late

The Japanese people are quite serious about their commitment and always value time. If you have a meeting scheduled or plan to visit someone, tale immense care to reach there on time. Japanese people are specific about their time and they find it awkward to wait for someone who has planned the meeting. Punctuality is what they seek and so always be on time

8. Use Both Hands To Receive Gifts

You might visit Japan for official meets or just like that. Whatever be the reason, if you are about to receive a gift or any visiting card then do not mistake to take it’s from one hand. Always use both hands while receiving something. They find it odd and hence it is advised to bow and hold the gift with both hands. People generally exchange cards and while you do so, take a look at the card you just received. It shows that you are interested in that person or value the same.

You might have got knowledge about the few things you should not do while you visit Japan. It is evident that Europe there are polite but have series of etiquettes to be followed. They believe in harmony and so abide by their basic rules. It would be great to see that you offer your seat to an old man who is struggling to stand on the bus or train. So next time you plan to visit Japan, consider the things stated above and avoid making any mistake this being polite and modest by all means.

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