Q. I am planning a trip to Japan from the US and was wondering if there is anything I should know as far as what to do and what not to do? What about cell phones would US Cellular work there?
A. Woah there! I'm not sure if I agree with all of the comments in the 1st answer above (each to their own though..lol).
It's great you've chosen to come to Japan. It really is a fantastic country and its people are incredibly kind, generous and gracious hosts. To a foreign mindset, Japan's social customs and traditions can often seem alien to Westerners. Don't worry! Do you best not to prejudge or mock the way things are here. Some countries just do things a little differently to the West. Here's a few tips I found useful before I came out, and some I've learnt while I have been here:-
When sightseeing...
- don't blow your nose in public, for some reason this is considered VERY rude...if you really have to, do it in a toilet cubicle - preferably where nobody can hear or see you
- don't eat, drink or smoke while walking
- don't point within Buddhist temples, it's considered rude, there will be signs in English saying where you can and can't take photographs too
- some areas of Japan are quite conservative when it comes to women's clothing. If you're going to somewhere outside a big city - especially in the summer - don't expose your midriff or cleavage...some people also find tattoos offensive [see 'onsen' below]. It depends where you go though!
When eating...
- the hot towel given to you a the beginning of the meal is for your hands, not your face
- don't stick your chopsticks in your rice (Japanese do this to honour the dead)
- don't pass food from person to person with chopsticks
- don't lick the ends of your chopsticks
- eating all of your meal is fine (!)
- believe it or not...DON'T TIP WAITING STAFF.(or taxi drivers, or anyone for that matter)..it is not the custom in Japan and some even think it's rude!
When staying at a Ryokan/more traditional hostel or someones house...
- be aware of where to take your shoes off, a lot of traditional Japanese accommodation does not allow outdoor shoes to be worn indoors (bring some slippers!)
- don't wear your house slippers when you go to the WC, change into the toilet slippers provided (change them back when you finish!!!)
Generally...
- the Japanese bowing custom is very complicated. For foreigners, a gentle bow or a simple nod of the head and a little smile works wonders
- if you are offered a gift, receive it with 2 hands, if you are giving gift, give with 2 hands
- be careful about calling people by their given names...it's usually simple to ask them what they would like you to call them! Lots of people will say their name followed by '-san' is ok
- if you are going to a traditional Japanese hot spring (or 'onsen') be prepared to be turned away if you have tattoos...it varies widely from place to place but many onsen do not permit ANY, no-matter how small and insignificant you may think your ink is
- public displays of affection aren't the norm here, nor is being overly 'huggy' - many Japanese will shake hands to be polite but will often be taken aback if you try to hug them. This does not mean that Japanese people are cold - they are just not used to doing it!
Your phone will not work over here. You can hire them in most cities. Tourist information or whoever is providing your accommodation should be able to give you more information about this.
A lot of the social 'rules' in Japan are the same as anywhere else in the world, so it doesn't hurt to apply a bit of common sense to every situation: be polite, considerate and friendly to people and respectful of customs. Even if you do make a social faux-pas, people will usually understand because you are a foreigner! Japanese put a high value on people trying their best, so my advice is to remember a few of the no-nos but stay relaxed and friendly..you will meet a LOT of wonderful people here.
I hope you have a fantastic time wherever you chose to go in Japan. I can't tell you how awesome this country is.
It's great you've chosen to come to Japan. It really is a fantastic country and its people are incredibly kind, generous and gracious hosts. To a foreign mindset, Japan's social customs and traditions can often seem alien to Westerners. Don't worry! Do you best not to prejudge or mock the way things are here. Some countries just do things a little differently to the West. Here's a few tips I found useful before I came out, and some I've learnt while I have been here:-
When sightseeing...
- don't blow your nose in public, for some reason this is considered VERY rude...if you really have to, do it in a toilet cubicle - preferably where nobody can hear or see you
- don't eat, drink or smoke while walking
- don't point within Buddhist temples, it's considered rude, there will be signs in English saying where you can and can't take photographs too
- some areas of Japan are quite conservative when it comes to women's clothing. If you're going to somewhere outside a big city - especially in the summer - don't expose your midriff or cleavage...some people also find tattoos offensive [see 'onsen' below]. It depends where you go though!
When eating...
- the hot towel given to you a the beginning of the meal is for your hands, not your face
- don't stick your chopsticks in your rice (Japanese do this to honour the dead)
- don't pass food from person to person with chopsticks
- don't lick the ends of your chopsticks
- eating all of your meal is fine (!)
- believe it or not...DON'T TIP WAITING STAFF.(or taxi drivers, or anyone for that matter)..it is not the custom in Japan and some even think it's rude!
When staying at a Ryokan/more traditional hostel or someones house...
- be aware of where to take your shoes off, a lot of traditional Japanese accommodation does not allow outdoor shoes to be worn indoors (bring some slippers!)
- don't wear your house slippers when you go to the WC, change into the toilet slippers provided (change them back when you finish!!!)
Generally...
- the Japanese bowing custom is very complicated. For foreigners, a gentle bow or a simple nod of the head and a little smile works wonders
- if you are offered a gift, receive it with 2 hands, if you are giving gift, give with 2 hands
- be careful about calling people by their given names...it's usually simple to ask them what they would like you to call them! Lots of people will say their name followed by '-san' is ok
- if you are going to a traditional Japanese hot spring (or 'onsen') be prepared to be turned away if you have tattoos...it varies widely from place to place but many onsen do not permit ANY, no-matter how small and insignificant you may think your ink is
- public displays of affection aren't the norm here, nor is being overly 'huggy' - many Japanese will shake hands to be polite but will often be taken aback if you try to hug them. This does not mean that Japanese people are cold - they are just not used to doing it!
Your phone will not work over here. You can hire them in most cities. Tourist information or whoever is providing your accommodation should be able to give you more information about this.
A lot of the social 'rules' in Japan are the same as anywhere else in the world, so it doesn't hurt to apply a bit of common sense to every situation: be polite, considerate and friendly to people and respectful of customs. Even if you do make a social faux-pas, people will usually understand because you are a foreigner! Japanese put a high value on people trying their best, so my advice is to remember a few of the no-nos but stay relaxed and friendly..you will meet a LOT of wonderful people here.
I hope you have a fantastic time wherever you chose to go in Japan. I can't tell you how awesome this country is.
What is it about Asian women that enjoy Men with Swastikas tattooed on their Chests?
Q. My ex-Japanese girlfriend said it was very Holy in Japan.
And I often got free lunches by displaying it at restaurants.
My new Korean girlfriend said it is highly revered in Korea.
And every-time I go to the Gym, there's these Vietnamese Twins that bow to me and say they can make me real happy.
I come to America, and all the White People have a Hissy-fit about it.
And I often got free lunches by displaying it at restaurants.
My new Korean girlfriend said it is highly revered in Korea.
And every-time I go to the Gym, there's these Vietnamese Twins that bow to me and say they can make me real happy.
I come to America, and all the White People have a Hissy-fit about it.
A. That these men are blessed by the Buddhas and worthy to be with.
Either in a previous life their minds went towards the Dharma.
And this gesture of memory indicates their minds are pure, and worth the companionship.
Either in a previous life their minds went towards the Dharma.
And this gesture of memory indicates their minds are pure, and worth the companionship.
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