4 Things Not To Do In Japan - Key Japanese Etiquette

Japan is a top holiday destination for many reasons. The country boasts a fantastic mix of energetic and cosmopolitan cities, cultural marvels, beautiful countryside and mountains, hot springs, volcanoes and delicious food. Plus the iconic bullet trains, wonderful cherry blossom season in Spring, and multi-coloured forests in Autumn as the seasons change all combine to add to the aura surrounding Japan. Visitors will usually find their first few days to be a massive culture shock, due to a number of reasons - the hectic pace of Tokyo (where most tousists will fly into), the lack of English on many signs, bars and restaurants, and the huge range of Japanese customs and entiquette that, if you are not creful, can lead to some awkward moments and a slightly red face on your part. Here are our top tips to help avoid any cultural faux-pas.

1) Chopstick etiquette

Chopsticks are the utensil of choice for most foods in Japan - but you have to know how to use them. There are a range of things you should and should not to. A few top tips - NEVER stick your chopsticks into your bowl so they are sticking up into the air - this is a funeral ritual in Japan and is especially bad form. Rest your chopsticks on the table with the tips to the left. Also, don't point the tips directly at people when holding them. Another big no-no - don't pass food from your bowl to someone elses - again this is associated with funerals so would be seen as extremely disrespectful.

2) Restaurants and Eating out

Some restaurants have both normal tables, and also tatami mats on the floor (you will also encounter tatami in Japanese guesthouses where similar rules apply). If dining on the tatami, you must remove your shoes or slippers first. Also, you should only step on the mats you are sitting on - don't go treading round everyone elses mats.

3) Hot spring etiquette

Onsen, or Japanese hot spring resorts, should be on the list of all travellers to Japan. With a hige range from indoor baths to outdoor pools overlooking snow-capped mountains, they are a great way to unwind an get away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. But you must know the rules before you go! Wash yourself and have a good scrub before you get in the communal baths. And don't bring soap into the baths - they are for relaxing rather than washing. Many onsen also have a no clothes policy although check this first. Generally, male and female baths are segregated too - so check this before you jump in with your other half.

4) Greetings

When meeting people in Japan, a bow is usually exchanged. Luckily, Japanese people kind of expect foreigners not to fully know the rules, so generally just a small bow will suffice. Shaking hands is generally not customary in Japan so stick to the bows. Also,  "wai" or bow while holding your palms together, is not done in Japan - so don't think just because you did that in Thailand in 2015 you should apply that to Japanese greetings too.