Chopsticks, Charm and Customs – A Guide to Japanese Etiquette

Kon’nichiwa or hello!

Nippon (Japan) – the land of the rising sun welcomes you! Busy cities, quiet prefectures. Cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji. Clean and pristine streets and bustling city centres. Anime and exquisite scroll paints. Elegance and energy go hand in hand in this fascinating country.

Immerse yourself in the sacred serenity of Mt. Yoshino in the Nara prefecture, the regal grounds of the imperial palace in Tokyo, the ruddy glow of the pillars at the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine in Kyoto. They all speak of the quiet elegance of Japan.

However, flip the switch and this graceful country reveals its marvellous metropolitan side. Blend into the massive crowds at JR Shinjuku station – the busiest train station in the world. Go shopping at Shibuya and cross one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.

You’ll find that the Japanese are polite and pleasant. However, the same country that prides itself on its traditions, has its own cheerful and charming streak. Ever heard of “kawaii” culture? It’s a celebration of everything cute and adorable. Love Hello Kitty and Pikachu? They’re from Japan, and undoubtedly kawaii. It’s twists and surprises like these, that will keep you on your toes in Japan.

Still, order takes precedence here. So, you’ll find clean, beautiful streets and polite locals, which will make navigating around Japan simple and pleasant. However, the Japanese also have set customs – everything from greeting someone, to the shoes you wear in the house, to how you hold your chopsticks. Although locals will understand that you’re not well-versed in these customs, knowing that they exist and practicing them will be greatly appreciated. So, slip your feet into some comfy shoes, we’re going to navigate the ins and outs of Japanese etiquette!

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Bow in respect

How do you greet people? Hi or hello? A handshake or a hug? Well, things are a little different in Japan. This is one of the most commonly known etiquettes in Japan. Here, when you meet someone, you bow. The difference is the depth and duration of that bow. For people on the street, or tourists simply inclining your head or a slight bow at the waist is sufficient. It can also be a quick 3-second movement. A superior at work or a respected elder, will get a deeper bow of a longer duration. This is entirely dependent on who you meet and are interacting with.

Forms of address

In addition to bowing, there is another custom that the Japanese practice when greeting someone. You will need to attach a suffix (in the context of a name, a suffix is the explanation of a name). If you want to be respectful, attaching a “san” or “sama” at the end of the name would be ideal. This can extend to children as well. You can address young boys with “kun” after their name, and “chan” after a girl’s name.

Chopsticks

It’s understandable if you’re a little intimidated by chopsticks. There is a particular way of holding them, when you’re in Japan. Most locals will understand if you commit a mistake. However, it will go a long way with them, if you try to hold the right posture. (Try and practice before you leave for your trip.) Here are some rules to follow – always place your chopsticks in a holder when you’re not using them. Sticking them in your bowl is a big no-no, as chopsticks in rice resemble a ceremony performed at funerals. If you’re sharing a dish, take from the top, don’t dig around with your chopsticks. Never lick the end of the chopstick. Never transfer food from chopstick to chopstick – always set it down on the other person’s plate. Do not cross your chopsticks once you’re done – keep them straight in the holder. This seems like a lot, but it can avert a serious table faux pas.

Table Manners, Japanese Etiquette for Food

Let us summarise these quickly for you.

As is common in many countries, do not drink first. Once everyone is served, and the speeches are done, then you can start sipping your drink.

Many Japanese restaurants offer a small moist towel to clean your hands before eating. Use it to clean your hands and then fold it and set it aside. Note, this is only for your hands and not for your face.

If you’re worried about slurping, don’t! Slurping up a soupy bowl of noodles is indicative of how much you’re enjoying the dish.

You can bring the bowl closer to your mouth, particularly if you’re eating rice with your chopsticks.
Before you eat, it’s polite to say “itadakimasu”, which roughly translates to “I will receive”. It indicates your gratitude for the food.

Tipping

Think about those frustrating moments after a meal, when all you want to do is digest but you need to figure out a tip. Should you give more? Or less? What a quandary! Luckily, in Japan there is no requirement for tipping. Not to cabbies, or restaurants or for any other personal service. The tip is included in the service charge and to offer a tip is sometimes considered offensive.

Shoes and Homes

Shoes and homes in Japan have a unique relationship. When you enter a local’s home, custom dictates that you remove your shoes at the entrance. This also applies to businesses and hotels. However, do not worry. You will not need to go barefoot or worry about losing your shoes. Most places have a shoe rack where you can store your shoes. You’ll also be provided (or you’ll need to carry) a set of indoor slippers. There are also a different set of slippers for the bathroom. Make sure you don’t mix outdoor, indoor and bathroom slippers – there’s a time and a place for each. Do note, that when you sit on a traditional tatami mat, you should not wear any slippers. We told you Japan was a clean country, didn’t we?

Masks

We’ve all seen people wearing masks – usually they’re associated with a viral outbreak. Hold on though! Before you panic, know that many Japanese wear sterilized masks on their way to work, school or in public areas. This is not unusual. It’s a thoughtful gesture on the part of the Japanese – protecting themselves and others from germs. Many locals also wear masks to prevent a slight cold from spreading. Don’t let it stop you, and don’t stare.

Bathing

Bathing is a form of bliss in Japan. And why not? Soak your body in clean, hot water at the end of the day and you can feel those troubles melting away. If you can’t do this at home, you can at the many public bathing houses across the country. There are two types – sento and onsen. Sento refers to the public bathhouse, whereas onsen uses the water from a natural hot spring (with a temp higher than 25 degrees). You can store your clothes in the lockers provided outside. However, swimwear is not allowed inside. You, and the other patrons will be naked. You are allowed to walk in covered in a towel, but this cannot enter the water. Carry a small towel so that you can wipe the steam and sweat off your face. The Japanese usually bathe and scrub themselves down before soaking in the hot water. There are areas, with small white stools, reserved for your initial scrub. Keep them clean and remove any trace of soap and shampoo when you’re done. Once you’re done, step into the water and soak. Make sure you’re at least partially dry when you leave. Remember, there’s no rule to do this if you’re uncomfortable. The choice is left to you!

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Taxi Doors, Japanese Etiquette for Traveling

This might be a strange topic but hear us out! This isn’t a custom but in Japan, taxi doors open and shut automatically. Simply wait for it to open, climb into the taxi and it will shut automatically. Convenient right?

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Passing Money

In Japan, money rarely moves from hand to hand. When you’re out shopping, you will place the money (or card) in a small tray on the counter, as opposed to handing it to the cashier. Your change will be placed there as well.

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So, there you have it! There are smaller customs that are prevalent in Japanese culture, but you can pick these up as you go. Like we’ve mentioned earlier, locals don’t expect you to be perfect, but will be touched by your attempt to master their customs. More importantly, it gives you an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a different culture. An opportunity to leave your day-to-day behind, and vacation in the shoes of the other. So, if you’re intrigued, this might be the time to visit the Thomas Cook website, book your trip, hotel, flights, visa and buy all the Japanese Yen you require.

Sayonara and safe travels!