{"id":36460,"date":"2024-04-08T08:00:04","date_gmt":"2024-04-08T01:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exotravel.com\/blog\/en\/?p=36460"},"modified":"2024-12-02T13:17:33","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T06:17:33","slug":"japan-etiquette-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exotravel.com\/blog\/en\/japan-etiquette-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan Etiquette: Tips every traveller should know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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The very essence that makes Japan so uniquely appealing\u2014its deep-rooted customs and etiquette\u2014also necessitates a level of mindfulness and respect from those who visit.<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Steeped in centuries of history, the country\u2019s unique culture is endlessly fascinating but can be confusing to visitors. <\/span><\/p>

EXO encourages travellers to take time to understand and adhere to Japanese etiquette<\/strong>. It is not only a sign of respect but also is an integral part of experiencing the country and connecting with authentic Japanese culture<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>

EXO Travel\u2019s team is composed of local residents, guides and expats, all with a deep passion and understanding of Japanese culture. To help guests navigate this remarkable culture, EXO has prepared <\/span>Responsible Travel Tips<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> including an overview of cultural norms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In this blog, we take a closer look at essential etiquette for travellers,<\/strong> highlighting areas where cultural norms are particularly pronounced. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJapan travel tips<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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When encountering a geisha or maiko<\/span>, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance and photography should always be approached with permission.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Geisha etiquette: Respecting the art<\/b><\/p>

Geishas are artists and entertainers, embodying centuries of Japanese culture and tradition. And although there are \u2018tourist\u2019 performances, geishas remain an important part of the local cultural fabric. When encountering a geisha or maiko<\/span> (apprentice geisha) or while attending a performance, it’s important to maintain a respectful distance<\/strong> and photography should always be approached with permission.<\/strong>\u00a0 Photos should never be taken when the geisha or maiko is with a client.<\/span>
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<\/span>Improper behaviour by tourists has led the Kyoto government to enforce laws that protect the privacy and well-being of the geishas<\/strong>. A fine of 10,000 yen (around $65 USD) is levied for those who enter or take photos of <\/span>private<\/span> alleys in Kyoto. This does not apply to photos along the main streets and designated areas. As a result, EXO Travel\u2019s tours are not affected<\/strong> as our guides do not take guests to private alleys.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Bathers must fully wash and rinse, ensuring that all soap residue is removed, prior to entering the onsen.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Onsen etiquette: Tips for public bathing<\/b><\/p>

Onsens, or hot springs, are social gathering spaces in Japan, communal yet serene. To partake in this aspect of Japanese culture, following a few guidelines is both expected and appreciated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Bathers must fully wash and rinse<\/strong>, ensuring that all soap residue is removed, prior to entering the communal bath. Showers and cleansing areas are found between the changing room and the onsen for this purpose. Be careful to keep dirty towels away<\/strong> from the onsen water. Leave them in the cleaning area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

It is also common- and a rule at many onsens- to bathe naked, with hair covered<\/strong> to prevent it from touching the onsens water. And, once in the onsen, use a quiet speaking voice or stay silent. No drinking, splashing or swimming<\/strong> is allowed in the onsen, only soaking and relaxing.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMore Japan inspiration<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Tour guides are highly appreciative of tips and it is a welcome way to show your thanks for an enjoyable tour.<\/span><\/em><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Tipping guides in Japan: The one exception<\/b><\/p>

As a general rule, tipping culture does not exist in Japan. For many years, it was seen as rude to tip hotel staff, servers and other service workers. Japanese hospitality is built on providing top notch service<\/strong> without expecting any additional pay, so tips could be taken as a subtle insult.<\/p>

However, times have changed and customs have shifted, leading to one occasion where tipping is suggested when merited. Tour guides are highly appreciative of tips <\/strong>and it is a welcome way to show your thanks<\/strong> for an enjoyable tour.<\/p>

Your guides will probably be the only people you should consider tipping on your Japanese vacation. Tipping in restaurants, hotels, taxis and other occasions is still not expected or suggested, and can lead to confusion and awkwardness.<\/p>

If you choose to tip your guide<\/strong> for a job well done, the amount is up to you. If possible, hand over the money in an envelope<\/strong> (we suggest bringing one from your hotel room or front desk).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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If slippers or a shoe rack are found at the entrance, that is a signal to remove shoes and either go barefoot or use the slippers provided.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Removing shoes: When and how<\/b><\/p>

Japanese people never wear shoes inside of the house or temple<\/strong> and often remove them when entering restaurants, toilets and other buildings.\u00a0 Shoes are also removed before stepping or sitting on <\/span>tatami<\/span><\/i> mats,<\/span> a common style of mat used as a flooring covering in traditional-style rooms and <\/span>ryokans<\/span><\/i> .\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Travellers should pay careful attention<\/strong> when entering a building or room.<\/span> If slippers or a shoe rack are found at the entrance, that is a signal to remove shoes<\/strong> and either go barefoot or use the slippers provided.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

At non-public toilets, a pair of slippers will be waiting inside the door that are to be used only within the toilet. Change into these slippers at the entrance to the toilet and leave them inside the toilet after use.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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On trains or other forms of public transportation, it is expected that passengers will keep quiet. <\/span><\/em><\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDiscover more Japan insight<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Public behaviour: Being respectful in shared spaces<\/b><\/p>

Japan\u2019s public spaces, including trains and buses, are epitomes of order and courtesy. It is often in these areas that travellers stand out the most in regards to behaviour.<\/span><\/p>

On trains or other forms of public transportation, it is expected that passengers will keep quiet<\/strong>. Conversations, if necessary, should be in a low tone or whisper. Headphones should always be used<\/strong> for music, games or watching videos on phones and the ringer should be set to silent. Except for on express trains and bullet trains, eating and drinking on trains is considered taboo.<\/span><\/p>

When in other public spaces, follow local practices<\/strong> such as queuing up and standing on one side of escalators to let others pass. Loud conversations,<\/strong> especially on mobile phones, are frowned upon<\/strong> and it is impolite to sit on the floor or on stairs in public. Smokers should seek out designated smoking areas<\/strong> as smoking on the streets or sidewalks is considered rude.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Other tips:<\/b><\/p>