Japanese Customs Travel Tips

Japan's 2,000 years of history have played a major role in shaping the country's unique cultural heritage. Visitors can partake in such traditions as flower arranging or the tea ceremony. Learn more about traditional Japanese customs including greetings, gift-giving and public bathing.

Greetings

Japan has its own unique form of greeting—the bow. Many a foreign visitor has marveled at the young women decked out in prim uniforms and white gloves who operate department store elevators, bowing every time customers get on and off. Although bowing may seem pretty straightforward, it's actually quite complicated, with everything from the depth of the bow to its duration dependent upon the people involved, their obligations toward one another, and their status. The proper form for the bow is to bend from the waist, keeping a straight back and arms held stiffly to the side of the body. For foreigners, a nod and slight bow are adequate. Japanese who have traveled abroad or had experience dealing with foreigners may extend their hand for a handshake, though they probably won't be able to stop from giving a slight bow as well. Some Japanese even bow when talking on the telephone! In any case, the Japanese also bow upon departing and to express gratitude.

Gift-Giving

The Japanese are among the most avid gift-givers in the world, and guests invited to a private home should always bring a gift. Wise visitors to Japan come prepared with their own small gifts, which can range from memorabilia from their own hometown to crafts and specialty foods. Otherwise, items readily available in Japan that make good gifts include flowers, candy, fruit, or alcohol. In any case, gifts should be wrapped or presented in an attractive bag.

Bathing

Public bathing has a long tradition in Japan, but it's as much about socializing as it is cleanliness. Even though most Japanese homes nowadays have private bathrooms, neighborhood public baths still play a role in the societal fiber, especially for the older generation. Even more popular are Japan's many hot-spring spas, which can range from simple hillside affairs with outdoor baths to huge, state-of-the-art spas with dozens of baths boasting various kinds of water and thermal treatments. Bathing facilities for males and females are separate.

In any case, whether large or small, humble or grand, the procedure for bathing in a public bath is the same all over Japan. After completely disrobing and placing clothes in a locker or basket (in other words, no bathing suits), bathers enter the bath area and head to the faucets with basins and stools, where they should then soap down and wash off all traces of soap. Only then are they ready to enter the bath, which may be so hot that it takes some time getting used to, especially for novice bathers. But with time, the hot water ebbs away all cares and tension, making the ritual of bathing the perfect end to a day of travel. The second-most important rule of public bathing (after soaping down and rinsing prior to entering the water): never pull the plug, as public baths should be thought of in same vein as whirlpools. In any case, hot-spring spas are so popular, especially among groups of family, friends, and co-workers, that the Japanese are apt to visit the baths several times during a one-night's stay: upon arrival at the resort, after dinner, and before departing the next day.

Shoes

Shoes are never worn inside private homes or Japanese inns. Some restaurants, temples, and shrines also require patrons to remove shoes. Slippers are usually provided, but even these should be removed for walking on tatami (straw mats), so travelers should be sure to pack warm socks in winter. In establishments that do not allow shoes, special restroom slippers are provided inside such facilities. These slippers are to remain in the restroom, though more than one foreigner has worn them throughout the establishment, blissfully unaware of their slipper faux pas.

Miscellaneous Tips

It is considered rude to blow one's nose in public places, especially in restaurants. Though casual attire is acceptable in resort and tourist destinations, skimpy or revealing clothing is improper when visiting temples or shrines or in crowded downtown areas. Businesswomen should wear pantyhose and blouses with sleeves. And everyone should bring business cards (called Meishi in Japanese), as these are exchanged virtually by everyone. When exchanging cards, they should be held with both hands, turned toward the recipient so they can be read easily. It's customary to examine a card upon receiving it and to leave it out on a table when conducting business, so that it might be referred to if necessary.