Don't Do These 5 Things When Traveling To Japan

Above, Godzilla peers over buildings in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one has traveled to Japan, there are some etiquette customs that visitors should be mindful of. If one has been there before, it is always to have a refresher.

Fortunately, Times of India has listed them for our perusal.

They begin with:

Japan is one of the most organised and visitor-friendly countries in the world, but daily life here runs on unspoken social rules that tourists are expected to follow. Clean streets, quiet public transport, and orderly public spaces are not accidental, they exist because people are careful about how their actions affect others. Visitors sometimes assume that common tourist habits, such as speaking loudly, eating while walking, or discarding garbage casually, are acceptable, but these behaviours can be seen as inconsiderate in Japan. With international tourism continuing to grow, local authorities and communities have repeatedly reminded travellers to be mindful of etiquette, especially in crowded cities and popular tourist areas.

To read more, go here. 

Japan: 10 Annoying Foreign Tourist Behaviors On Trains

Above, inside a Shinkansen (bullet train) car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan seems to have many etiquette rules. Anyone who has been there at least several times gets acclimated with them with no real problem (more or less).

Unbeknownst to some (especially newbies), there are even rules on trains. 

Sora News has posted an article with a list of the top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains.

They begin it with:

Japan is seeing more inbound foreign tourists than ever these days, which also means more inbound foreign tourists than ever on public transportation. But as locals and Japanese residents increasingly rub elbows on trains, that also means more chances for tourist behavior to rub locals the wrong way.

As part of its annual study on train/station etiquette, the Japan Private Railway Association collected responses from 5,314 participants via an online survey. 62.9 percent of the respondents said they’d been bothered by impolite behavior by foreign tourists, and the survey then asked them to designate up to two specific complaints, resulting in the following top 10 list (technically top 11, if you count the entry of “other”).

To see what they are, go here. 

Mistakes Tourists Make In Tokyo

Above, the Godzilla statue at Toho Studios in Setagaya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that foreigners are allowed to vacation in Japan again, locals are noticing mistakes foreign tourists are making when visiting Tokyo.

Some of the mistakes are navigating around the city and not following cultural etiquette while dining and other Japanese ways.

Yahoo! News has posted an article on the 14 most glaring mistakes. 

They begin it with:

Locals have noticed many visitors to Tokyo making the same mistakes.

Since Japan reopened its borders to foreign tourists in October, many travelers have taken advantage of the opportunity to visit this bucket-list destination. Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is especially popular, and for good reason ― the striking skyline, incredible food scene and treasure trove of unique cultural experiences are unforgettable.

But as tourists pour back into Tokyo, they inevitably make a few common mistakes. We asked locals and other experts to share some of the issues they’ve observed. From dining mishaps to problematic cultural assumptions, here are 14 mistakes tourists often make while visiting Tokyo ― and some advice for avoiding these errors during your travels.

To read more, go here. 

7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting Tokyo

Above, nighttime in Asakusa with the Tokyo
Skytree in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan opened up to foreign travelers after over two years of being closed down due to the pandemic.

Although they have done this months ago (since October), there's some rigmarole that visitors have to do before jumping on the airplane. For information, go here.

This post isn't about that. It is about seven things travelers need to know about Tokyo before visiting from Travel Off Path.

They begin it with:

Tokyo is a glorious mix of old and new. It is a city that balances tradition and technology like nowhere else and is buzzing and chaotic yet somehow also ordered and calm. Tokyo is a modern city, but it still has a culture that shines bright. It is also incredibly safe, clean, and delicious and could take a lifetime to explore. This captivating city should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

But before setting off to Tokyo, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Tokyo, including:

 To read more, go here.

What To Learn Before Traveling To Japan

Above, boarding a Yamanote Line train in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are contemplating a vacation trip to Japan, you won't find a more friendlier place to visit.

However, there are some "unspoken" rules visitors to be aware of so that the trip goes smoothly. 

Travel Daily News posted an article on some of those "unspoken" rules. 

They begin it with:

If you want to travel to a destination that excellently mixes traditional culture and modern living, Japan would be a great idea. You’ll find cities and neighborhoods retaining rich old cultures dating back to ancient times. At the same time, you’ll find the tallest buildings and state-of-the-art technologies. 

If you’re considering exploring nature, Japan won’t fall short of it as well. It has a fair share of the world's most beautiful sceneries and natural landscapes, from beaches to mountains. However, before booking your accommodations and flights, it’s vital to learn some unspoken rules and must-dos before traveling to Japan. Here are some of them.  

To read more, go here. 

10 Things NOT To Do When Eating Sushi In Japan

Above, a plate of sushi in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever Japan opens up its borders to tourists, there's a few things to keep in mind that may have been forgotten during the course of the long pandemic.

That is proper sushi etiquette. In the U.S., sushi etiquette isn't such a big deal, but in Japan, the locals frown upon a few things.

Thankfully, Sugoii Japan has posted ten things NOT to do when eating sushi in Japan. So, consider the following a bit of a refresher.

They begin with:

Sushi Etiquette – Do you remember the first time you were introduced to sushi? Those bright and colourful rice rolls filled with all of your favorited ingredients, made fresh daily and super affordable at that?

By now, almost every country around the world will have a sushi joint selling anything from crunchy rolls of prawn tempura to delectable pieces of salmon nigiri. Most places will offer you a small portion of wasabi and soy sauce to top or dip your sushi in before you take a bite.

The moment we said that, we know you’re imagining that moment of inhaling the smell of sushi before you pop it into your mouth. It’s the small window of anticipation that anyone who’s ever eaten sushi will recognise!

As one of the most popular foods globally, sushi is a staple for anyone’s diet!

However, did you know that there is such a thing as sushi etiquette?

You may have grown up simply picking up your sushi with your chopsticks and dipping it into a small plate of soy sauce mixed with wasabi before taking a bite.

However, when you’re eating it in Japan, there is a list of etiquette norms for consuming this delicate dish that stems from hundreds of years of food culture. Some of them you may be aware of, such as never mixing the pickled ginger and sushi together, but others might be completely unheard of, such as eating the sushi rolls only after sashimi has been consumed.

We’ll take you through 10 things not to do when you eat sushi in Japan. Read this ahead of entering a sushi restaurant before you accidentally commit a faux pas in front of a seasoned Japanese sushi chef and you have no idea why he’s watching you in horror!

To read more, go here.

Things Not To Do In Japan

Above, don't be surprised at how small hotel rooms are (no. 18 on the list). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It will be some time before we can travel to Japan on vacation again. But now is a good time to learn or brush up on Japanese etiquette for when the day comes when travel to Japan is given the green light.

Sugoii Japan has listed 20 things not to do in Japan.

They begin with:

Japan Etiquette – Japan is a country that welcomes tens of thousands of visitors as its peak. It’s fast becoming one of the most popular countries to visit in the world and has even landed on the list of becoming one of the most popular places that people want to move to!

It’s incredibly alluring lifestyle and perfect mix of traditional culture with modern-day advancements continues to fascinate people from all around the world.

However, as you may have heard by now, it’s a country that runs on fairly rigid rules. Most of the time, foreigners are forgiven for breaking some of the social etiquette expected to be upheld in Japan. It is still polite, though, to make the effort to understand what some of these are so that you can actively avoid offending locals.

Below we’ve listed the top 20 things you should not do when you visit Japan.

Don’t be too hard on yourself and expect that you will be able to remember every single one, every single time. However, be conscious that this is how the Japanese people live and they will appreciate you making the effort!

 To see what they are, go here.

Things NOT To Do In Japan

Above, the Shibuya shopping district of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever this current pandemic ever ends, whether naturally or politicians finally come to their senses, travel to Japan will start up again.

When it does, there's a few things that first-timers should know before stepping foot in the country.

Somag News has an article on things people should not do if they travel to Japan.

They begin it with:

If you are interested in Japanese culture, you must know its rules of conduct. When you travel to a different country, you frequently come across habits and customs that are very different from those that surround you in your day-to-day life, however, when it comes to rules of conduct, it is important that you know them and adapt to them. 

Nobody wants to appear rude while visiting a different territory, instead it is attractive to know the culture that exists there and understand the lifestyle of the local people. 

Therefore, if you travel to Japan, you should know some habits that are common and very easy to follow, in this way, you can enjoy your visit without appearing rude to others.

To read what they are, go here. 

Mistakes First Time Tourists Make In Tokyo

Above, many tourists avoid trying out local restaurants. Big mistake! Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are some mistakes that many visitors to Japan make when they visit the country for the first time. 

Before heading over, it is a good idea to "bone up" on local customs and etiquette.

To aid in that, Live Japan has a list of "15 Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Tokyo For The First Time".

They begin with:

Culture shock is common for first-time visitors to Tokyo. A lot of tourists can fall into the trap of assuming that Tokyo is just like any other city in the world, but Japan is a unique country with its own distinct customs, culture and etiquette. 

When in Tokyo, do as the Tokyoites do. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when visiting for the first time.

To read more, go here. 

Wexas: Top 10 Etiquette Tips For Travelers

Above, the article covers things from bathing to tipping. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In recent years, Americans have been saddled with being known as "uncouth" or having a lack of manners by foreigners. Naturally, not all Americans are ill-mannered and displaying proper Japanese etiquette while traveling in Japan will go a long way to dissuade people from painting with a broad brush.

Japan is big on proper etiquette. To help some who are clueless on Japanese etiquette, Wexas has posted their top ten etiquette tips for travelers.

They begin with:

From how to conduct yourself in a hot spring to why it’s rude to tip, consider this your introduction to the intricacies of Japanese manners. Don’t let it put you off, however. Although every effort to engage with the local culture will be measurably appreciated, any slips will be met with that famous Japanese politeness. As H. Jackson Brown Jr. opined in his bestselling Life’s Little Instruction Book – “Good manners sometimes means simply putting up with other people’s bad manners”.

To read more, go here. 

No Eating While Walking Allowed In Japan

Above, some girls in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally speaking, it is considered to be bad manners to eat while walking in Japan.

The influx of foreign visitors who are unaware of this are causing municipalities a quandary. How to get them to stop without being impolite?

According to the Japan Times:

KYOTO - Tourist destinations are struggling for ways to ask tourists to stop eating while walking without offending them. 

One such place is Nishiki Market, which for over 400 years has been known as the kitchen of Kyoto. The municipal government estimates that around 30 percent of all foreign tourists in Kyoto in 2017 visited the market and its more than 120 stores selling kyōyasai (heirloom vegetables), fresh fish or pickled vegetables. 

In recent years, many shops have been selling foods that are easy to eat while walking, such as fried food on skewers, in line with the increase in foreign travelers, according to the market association. 

However, litter has now become common on the narrow street. Also, concern has grown that in crowded conditions pedestrians risk getting injured by sharp food sticks carried by others. 

In a bid to address these problems, the association has asked stores since last October to display signs saying “No eating while walking” in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.

I guess having an ice cream cone while strolling around is okay.

To read more, go here. 

Kansai vs. Kanto

Above, the pagoda at Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It may not be apparent to foreign visitors to Japan, but there are some differences between Japanese people from the Kansai region (centered in Kyoto) and Kanto (centered in Tokyo).

Live Japan has an article on those differences and it is an interesting read.

It begins with:

Japan may be a small island nation, but each of its areas boasts a unique culture and even the climate can differ quite vastly from one region to another. Generally, however, people tend to divide Japan into two major cultural areas: Kantō in the East and Kansai in the West. Tokyo and its metropolitan area make up Kantō, the center of Japan’s politics and economics since Tokyo became the country’s capital in 1869. Its counterpart is Kansai, centered on Kyoto, the ancient city that has been the capital from 794 to 1869. Osaka, known as a major gourmet hot spot and often called the “kitchen of Japan,” is also part of Kansai. 

Of course, such a cultural divide brings its very own subtle and not-so-subtle differences in everyday life, from etiquette to language. Sometimes, you’ll see people from different corners of Japan having trouble understanding each other because of dialects! Stereotypes are another phenomenon going hand in hand with the Kantō-Kansai-divide and it’s not uncommon to hear phrases like “Yeah, that’s how people from Tokyo are” or “Oh, they’re from Kansai, that explains a lot.” But how do tourists experience these cultural differences? They can be quite fun to explore and discover if you know what to look out for! Let’s take a closer look at the quirks and customs of Kantō and Kansai!

I have noticed that people from Kansai are more outgoing and willing to interact with strangers.

To read more, go here. 

Things To Know When Traveling To Japan

Above, Shibuya Crossing (also known as Shibuya Scramble). Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are many similarities between the U.S. and Japan. And, there are many differences, too.

In order to make a visit to Japan as pain-free as possible, a good read of an article by Insider would be an excellent start.

They begin with:

When I planned my first trip to Japan, I made sure my itinerary was filled with activities. I did exhaustive research on bars, restaurants, and landmarks I wanted to see, but unfortunately, there are a lot of things I didn't think to look up. 

There are a lot of cultural norms and common decencies that are specific to Japan, plus there are also a ton of logistical differences that I wish I had known about in advance. 

Here are 13 things I wish I had known before visiting Japan.

To read more, go here. 

Japanese Rail At Tourists' Bad Manners

Above, the Great Buddah of Kamakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether one is visiting someone's home or visiting another country, it is always desirable to be on one's best behavior and remember their manners. After all, they are guests.

The influx of foreign tourists to Japan has caused fiction for the local residents. This is being called "tourism pollution". Many of these visitors are clueless on local customs and etiquette and have displayed bad manners.

The National Post reported:

Japan’s traditional sense of “omotenashi”, meaning wholeheartedly looking after guests, is wearing thin. 

Residents of many of the nation’s must-see tourist spots are increasingly expressing their frustration at loud and disrespectful foreigners, crowded public transport and poor etiquette among visitors. 

Tourism has surged, and ahead of the Rugby World Cup next year, followed by the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, there is a growing worry that the pretty cobbled streets and ornate temples tourists flock to — as well as the train and bus networks — will be unable to take the numbers.

The problem has become so bad in some cities, such as the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Kamakura, that local people are complaining to the authorities about “tourism pollution”.

To read more, go here. 

Things Not To Do In Japan

Above, the pagoda at Sensoji in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is going to Japan as a newbie or are an old hand at Japan travel (but could use a refresher), The London Economic has an article on 15 things not to do in Japan.

They begin with:

Different communities have different cultural practices, and so does Japan. Japan is one tourist destination that attracts many people from all corners of the world because of their unique culture. While there, there are also other amazing tourist attraction sites and places to visit including Tokyo and Hiroshima peace memorial museums, Kasuga-Taisha and Meiji shrines. 

Like it is stated above, Japanese have unique cultural practices, and those planning to visit Japan should be aware of their dos and don’ts. It is for this reason that this article will highlight 15 top things not to do while there.

To see what they are, go here. 

How Not To Look Like A Tourist In Tokyo

Above, a filming shoot in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If this is your first trip to Japan or even your fifth, you may want to check out an article by Condé Nast Traveler on how not to look like a tourist in Tokyo. Even if you're an old hand at Japan travel, it is good to periodically refresh yourself.

They begin with:

If you don't want to stick out in Tokyo, here's what you need to know: how to greet people, how to dress, and what you definitely shouldn't say to locals in Japan's capital.

To read more, go here.

Eating Etiquette In Japan

Above, a sushi meal in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you happen to be contemplating a trip to Japan and wonder about the rules of Japanese eating etiquette, Femina Travel has an article that will help.

They begin with:

When you’re in Japan, you’ve got to dig into the local cuisine. But, it’s important to ensure that you are not offending anyone unintentionally while you’re eating out. Whether it’s using your chopsticks correctly or pouring yourself a glass of water, it’s the little things that go a long way. Fortunately, we’ve got your back – follow these simple rules of Japanese restaurant etiquette and you’ll make a good impression if nothing else.

To read more, go here. 

Japan's "Cultural Banana Skins"

Above, a group shot with Godzilla at Toho Studios in 2014. 

City-Cost.com has posted an interesting article on what they call "cultural banana skins" when in Japan. These are things that foreigners who are living in or just visiting Japan ought to avoid so not to make a fool of themselves in the eyes of the locals.

Fortunately for me, during my eight trips to Japan, I have not made any cultural errors (that I know of) while there. Nevertheless, it is always good to refresh yourself on what things to avoid so that you won't step in a cultural minefield.

They start with:

So you’ve made the decision to move to Japan.  Or, perhaps you’re contemplating moving to Japan.  Either way, congratulations.  Japan is fantastic; beautiful people, beautiful country, mad nights out and a complex culture await. The country isn’t without its quirks though, and even the Japanese themselves occasionally have a hard time getting to grips with their nation's cultural peccadillos. Whilst overseas visitors/residents will be forgiven most faux pas, a bit of awareness will certainly make your transition to Japanese life smoother.

A lot has been documented in this field, and we’ll include a list of the most common ‘rules’ later.  What we want to focus on initially are some potential ‘cultural’ banana skins that may not be so well known, as well as those that need to be stressed again, based on this writer’s personal experience.  Also note that we’ve treated this topic with a certain amount of irreverence.  If there’s anything you disagree with or you have suggestions of your own for people moving to Japan, we welcome your comments.

It is also good to have Japanese friends available to ask about proper etiquette if one is unsure of a situation.

To read more, go here. 

"8 Things You Should Never Say To A Japanese Person"

Above, the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If you're visiting Japan and happen to strike up a conversation with some of the locals (who happen to know some English), there are some things that should not be said to a Japanese person.

To help you avoid annoying anyone there, RocketNews 24 has "8 Things You Should Never Say To A Japanese Person",

It begins with:

We asked Japanese people to tell us the things foreigners say or think about Japan that really gets their goat—and they were happy to oblige! How many of these faux pas are you guilty of? 

We expats living in Japan tend to gripe about the stereotypes about our native countries. If you’re from England, for example, someone here might bring up the poor reputation of English food; if you’re Canadian, you probably don’t like being mistaken for American; and I once met an Iranian living in Japan who lamented that people confuse Iranians with Arabs. So today we’re going to turn the tables and ask Japanese people about the things foreigners say or think about the Land of the Rising Sun that really irks them.

To read more, go here. 

Japanese Business Etiquette Tips

Above, former Toho-Los Angeles Gen. Manager Masaharu Ina and Armand with the Godzilla statue in Hibiya.

Over the past years, I have known many Americans (including myself) who have had occasion to conduct business with Japanese.

Conducting business with Japanese people and corporations can be daunting and frustrating in many respects for those who are not familiar with their business culture.

Ivanka Trump (yes, the ex-wife of The Donald) has posted a few tips on proper Japanese business etiquette that will help avoid creating an "international incident".

She begins with:

Traveling to a new place for work is exciting, but what are you supposed to do when your new French client peppers you with kisses? What about when you first meet your Singaporean co-workers? In our new global business etiquette series, we’ll show you how to work abroad without starting an international incident. First up: Japan.

Having successful business relationships with the Japanese is nowhere near impossible, and those relationships can (and do) lead to actual friendships.

To read more, go here.