{"id":831821,"date":"2022-01-30T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-01-30T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=831821"},"modified":"2025-03-04T11:43:22","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T10:43:22","slug":"facts-japanese-cultural-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/facts-japanese-cultural-etiquette\/","title":{"rendered":"10 eye-opening facts about Japanese cultural etiquette"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From mouth-watering sushi and steaming hot ramen to Haruki Murakami novels and awesome anime \u2013 the world has fallen in love with Japanese culture. But touching down in Japan can be a culture shock for first-time tourists who have to get to grips with Japanese customs and traditions \u2013 and the do\u2019s and don\u2019ts that come with them. From taking your shoes off when entering one\u2019s home, pouring other\u2019s drinks first and never blowing your nose in public, these eye-opening facts about Japanese cultural etiquette will help you blend in with the locals in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Go for the bow!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Japanese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Respect is a huge part of Japanese culture. And the bow encapsulates this perfectly. But it can take some getting used to for first time travellers whose instinct is to go for the handshake. It\u2019s good Japanese culture etiquette to bow when meeting someone. To guide you: aim for a simple 15 degree bow. Bend at the waist, keep your back and neck straight, look down at the ground, and keep arms and hands by your side. The locals will be very impressed with your efforts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: From samurai to sakura, where to go and what to do in Japan<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slip your shoes off in homes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Japanese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cleanliness and politeness is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. So remember to take your shoes off when entering someone\u2019s home to prevent dirt spreading. Look for the row of neatly piled shoes in the genkan (entryway) and say \u2018o-jama shimasu\u2019 (\u2018sorry for disturbing!\u2019) for good manners. You must also slip your shoes off at Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, traditional tea ceremonies, some traditional restaurants (where you\u2019ll get cosy indoor slippers to put on instead).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never pour your own drink<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Japanese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Drinking in an izakaya (Japanese bar) is a special experience. A great way to bond with friends and colleagues. But before you can sip smooth sake or tasty sapporo beer, remember to always pour drinks for others, starting with the eldest at the table. When receiving a drink, it\u2019s good Japanese cultural etiquette to cup your glass with both hands to show appreciation of goodwill. All drinkers should drink together, so resist taking huge gulps alone. Importantly, if you need to slow down, leave your glass full so it doesn\u2019t get refilled (or you may wake up with a sore head the next morning). Wait to hear \u201ckanpai!\u201d (cheers!) before clinking your glasses and drinking together. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Touring Japan with Trafalgar<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be careful with chopsticks<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Japanese<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Food is an art form in Japan. Cherished for centuries. And there are important etiquette rules attached it. Particularly with chopsticks… note these down: <\/p>\n\n\n\n