Manners and Etiquettes You Need to Know When Travelling Japan

Each country has its own manners and etiquettes. When you travel a country, you may not know how you should behave in certain situations such as on a train or at a restaurant. When you travel Japan, even if you will see people only once, you do not want to be in trouble. Therefore I will introduce you some manners that are different from other countries. Just knowing some manners, you will feel much confident in public places in Japan.

1.     Set cell phone to silent mode and do not talk on a phone on public transportations

It may surprise you, but when someone’s phone rings on a train or bus, many Japanese people feel annoyed about it. Also they do not want to hear someone talking on a phone on public transportations. Hearing someone talking in person on a train is no problem, but on a phone. There is even an announcement to remind you to set your phone to silent mode and not to talk on a phone. 

2.     Pay Money at a Cashier in a Restaurant after Eating

I know in many European and north American countries, you pay money at a table after eating in a restaurant. On the other hand in Japan, we usually pay at the cashier. No matter how long you wait for check, you will not get it, but have to go to the cashier. At many restaurants, you may also need to bring your check that is on your table to the cashier.

3.     Call a Waiter/Waitress When Ordering in a Restaurant

In restaurants in Japan, there is no specific waiter/waitress who is taking care of you, instead, any waiter/waitress can serve you. However, when you need to order or ask for something, you need to call a waiter/waitress. You can say “Sumimasen.” that means “excuse me.” when calling him/her. If you keep waiting no one may not come, or closing menu does not mean you are ready to order. 

4.     Japanese Do Not Shake Hands

Japanese people do not shake hands, let alone hug. We, instead, bow to each other when meeting someone. Each nationality has its own distance with others, and Japanese’ distance tends to be a bit far. If we get close enough to shake hands or hug, some may feel uncomfortable. Especially when you do not know a person well, it is always safe just to bow when you meet him/her.

I have introduced some manners that are different from many countries. I hope this blog will help you when traveling Japan.