Spring is one of most visited seasons in Japan. All visitors go to almost all major cities to see the full bloom of the iconic sakura or cherry blossoms. A few weeks ago, the Japan Weather Association released the cherry blossoms blooming forecast for every major & known city all throughout Japan. You can check out the updated forecast here & here. Authorities said that the cherry blossom’s full bloom this year will be earlier than expected.
🌸🌸🌸 Autumn sakura in Tokyo last October 2015 🌸🌸🌸
I haven’t been to Japan in spring, particularly during the cherry blossom season. My friends who’ve been there said that the cherry blossoms are beautiful. One downside of going during spring is everything is expensive & crowded – accommodation rates are double the usual price, air tickets are costly due to high demand, guided tours are price-y & recreation areas are full of tourists. I am not discouraging you to visit Japan during the sakura season; in fact I also want to visit the country in this season hopefully before my 5-year visa (Want to know how to apply for a tourist visa? Click here) runs out.
🌸🌸🌸 Winter sakura in Ueno Park Tokyo last February 2018 🌸🌸🌸
Most of you know that I’ve been to Japan several times over the past years. I’ve been to many known cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Sapporo (blog to follow) & Fukuoka. I’ve also visited less touristic places like Nara, Kobe, Fujikawaguchiko & Takayama. In these visits, I’ve noticed that Japanese people observe respectful daily practices & social etiquette. As tourists, we must be fully aware of these practices & manners specially we are just visitors in their home country. I asked help from friends who’ve also been to Japan (thanks heaps Majo, Junelle, Jolly & Jeng) on what we tourists should do & not do when traveling in Japan. The practices & manners listed below are purely based on our personal experiences in our past trips.
Here’s what you should do & not do when in Japan:
Bow
Taking a bow is a common practice when meeting someone in Japan. People take a bow when meeting a new friend, thanking someone & saying goodbye to colleagues. It’s not common to shake hands when in Japan. Wait for the other party to offer his hand before shaking your hands with another person.
Shoes Off
K’s House Kyoto‘s reception area – guests leave their shoes in the lockers & use the hostel’s slippers
This is probably one of the most famous Japanese practice. When you see a house or a building with a foyer with rows of footwear shelves on the side, you’re expected to remove your footwear. Some hostels provide indoor slippers which you can use whilst inside the building.
Two Hands Practice
Japanese people always give & receive with 2 hands. They practically do this in all things may it be food, drink or gifts.
Slurp Away
This ramen is perfect for slurping! 🍜
It is a standard practice to slurp when eating noodles in Japan. It may be uncustomary when you do it here in the Philippines but it’s perfectly fine when in Japan. Just make sure not to spill your food. Slurp responsibly.
No Tips
Japanese people do not accept tips in restaurants, hostels & service areas. In case you leave a small amount of money (paper money or coins) in your table, expect a waiter or staff to chase you in the streets. He / she will give your money back.
Queue Up
Japanese people form a line when waiting for the next train. Station platforms usually have lines drawn to guide the queue directions. Make sure to follow the lines when in train stations.
People lining up for the next train to New Chitose Airport in Sapporo 🚉
Keep Right / Left in Escalators
Be mindful of the escalator etiquette when in Japan. Major cities like Tokyo & Sapporo keep left when alighting in escalators. They allow those in a hurry to move faster on the right. Osaka & nearby Kansai region cities keep right when in escalators. This might be confusing for first timers but the key here is to be mindful of local practices when in a certain city / town.
Subway Phone Etiquette
Japanese people are known as quiet & respectful people even in public places like train stations & subways. It is inappropriate to talk to someone on the phone when in trains & buses. People are also encouraged to put their phones & gadgets to silent mode.
Bonus tip: If you want to talk to your friend or colleague, make sure to do it not too loud.
Soluble Toilet Paper Is A Thing
Filipinos are used to throwing toilet papers into trash cans to avoid clogging. In Japan, it’s the other way around. While this may not be true to some areas, but most toilet papers you see in Japanese toilets are soluble. Yes, these toilet papers dissolve in water. Make sure to always read the instructions located near the toilets.
Typical toilet in Japan 🚽 Make sure to check if the toilet paper is soluble or not.
Sacred Sakura Trees
Japanese people regard the sakura tree as a sacred tree. This means that picking a cherry blossom flower or shaking the sakura tree is a disrespectful act. This is definitely one thing you should not do when in Japan. I believe looking at the sakura trees & flowers is enough for us to appreciate its beauty.
🌸🌸🌸 One of the few sakura trees in Ueno Park last February 2018 🌸🌸🌸
That ends the list for now. Pretty sure we missed a few ones but I look forward to writing a second set of Do’s & Don’ts when in Japan. 👍
Is there something you want to share? Have you observed something during your recent or past visit? Feel free to share them in the comments below. If you want to remain anonymous, you can send an email to contact@thewkndtravel.com. Drop me a message on Facebook, drop a comment on Instagram or send me a tweet on Twitter.
Again, big thanks to my friends Majo, Junelle, Jolly & Jeng for helping me come up with the list above. Until the next set of Tuesday tips! 🙂