JAPAN;TAPESTRY OF CULTURE AND CUSTOMS.WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO LIVE IN 2024?

 

10 Japanese Unique Culture

Facts & TraditionsJapan is a fascinating tourist destination where you’ll find a seamless blend of old traditions and new technology. Visit here to discover gorgeous natural landscapes just a short train ride from sparkling, sprawling cities and loud, jarring outlets a short distance from quiet areas full of nuanced rules. Japan is the kind of place where people will wait patiently in line for water after a natural disaster, but socially ghost you if you accidentally offend them. Japanese culture and language so distinct, it’s tough to list all the Japanese customs you should know before heading to Japan. We could spend hours describing the country’s spectacular cuisine, listing the top spots to get ramen( Japanese food), sharing all the hidden gems, and explaining the different ways you’re likely to accidentally offend someone. However, for now, we’re sticking to the basics: all the things we think you need to know to help make sure your Japan shore excursions and tour to Japan is fun and only full of good surprises, especially, help you save some money along the way, too. Here are 10 things every traveler should know before going to Japan.

1. Bowing – Japanese Etiquette 

Bowing is nothing less than an art form in Japan, respect pounded into children’s heads from the moment they enter school. For tourists, a simple inclination of the head or an attempt at a bow at the waist will usually suffice. Bowing is also one of the Japanese business etiquettes that you can see in any office here.
The duration and inclination of the bow are proportionate to the elevation of the person you’re addressing. For example, a friend might get a lightning-fast 30-degree bow; an office superior might get a slow, extended, 70-degree bow. It’s all about position and circumstance.

In addition to bowing, addressing someone properly is key. Just as a “Dr. Smith” might feel a little insulted if you were to refer to him as “Smith”, so would a Japanese if you do not attach the suffix “san” to their last name, or “sama” if you are trying to be particularly respectful. Usually, children are content with just their first names, but you can add the suffix “chan” for girls and “kun” for boys if you like.

2. Table Manners – Traditional Japanese Way to Dining

Here are some Japanese dining customs you should know:
If you’re with a dinner party and receive drinks, wait before raising the glass to your lips. Everyone will be served, and someone will take the lead, make a speech, raise his drink, and yell “kampai!” (cheers).
You will receive a small wet cloth at most Japanese restaurants. Use this to wash your hands before eating, then carefully fold it and set it aside on the table. Do not use it as a napkin, or to touch any part of your face.
Slurping noodles or making loud noises while eating is OK! In fact, slurping hot food like ramen is polite, to show you are enjoying it.
You may raise bowls to your mouth to make it easier to eat with chopsticks, especially bowls of rice.
Just before digging in, whether it be a seven-course dinner or a sample at a supermarket, it’s polite to say “itadakimasu” (I will receive).