11 Things You Should NEVER Do in Japan 🇯🇵 Don'ts of Japan

Summary

In this video, the creator shares 11 essential cultural tips for visiting Japan, based on personal experiences and advice from local friends. Key points include the importance of not jaywalking, always removing shoes indoors, respecting onsen traditions, and never tipping at restaurants. The video also highlights etiquette around chopsticks, eating in public, and serving alcohol to others. With a focus on respect and mindfulness, the video provides a valuable guide to navigating Japanese customs to avoid cultural faux pas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Never jaywalk in Japan; always wait for the crosswalk indicator, even if no cars are around.
• 😀 When visiting an onsen (hot spring bath), never wear clothes. Also, tattoos may be restricted unless covered.
• 😀 Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick. Use proper etiquette when sharing food.
• 😀 Always remove your shoes when entering homes, hotels, temples, and other specific places.
• 😀 Expect smaller hotel rooms and apartments in Japan. Space is used efficiently.
• 😀 Eating while walking or on public transport is considered rude. Always eat in designated areas.
• 😀 Use the hot towel at restaurants only for your hands, not for your face.
• 😀 Tipping is not customary in Japan and is considered rude. Any service charge will be added to your bill.
• 😀 Never serve yourself alcohol in Japan. Always serve your companions first.
• 😀 When passing items like money or credit cards, use both hands to show respect.
• 😀 Punctuality is very important in Japan. Always be on time for appointments, meetings, or social gatherings.

Q & A

Why is it considered inappropriate to cross the street before the crosswalk indicator says you can in Japan?

In Japan, jaywalking is strictly frowned upon. Even if no cars are nearby, crossing before the indicator says it's safe is considered disrespectful to the rules and can result in disapproval from others, such as a local person signaling with an 'X'.

What is the correct etiquette regarding clothing in Japanese onsens?

In a Japanese onsen, it is considered inappropriate to wear clothes. Onsens are bath houses where you should be fully nude, and baths are segregated by gender. Additionally, people with tattoos may be restricted from entering unless they can cover them.

Why is passing food from one set of chopsticks to another considered taboo in Japan?

Passing food from chopstick to chopstick mimics a funeral custom in Japan where the bones of the deceased are passed between family members using chopsticks. This is seen as highly disrespectful, and the proper way is to let the other person pick up the food directly from your chopsticks.

What is the rule about wearing shoes indoors in Japan?

In Japan, it's customary to remove shoes before entering homes, certain shops, hospitals, hotels, dressing rooms, and religious shrines. If you see shoes stacked up at the entrance, it’s a signal that you should take yours off.

What should you expect regarding the size of hotel rooms and apartments in Japan?

Due to limited space, hotel rooms and apartments in Japan are typically much smaller than those in Western countries. It's common for beds to be smaller than a queen-size, and the overall living space is very efficiently used.

What is the proper behavior when eating food while transiting in Japan?

In Japan, eating or drinking in public places like transit areas is generally considered impolite. Street food should be eaten at designated areas near the food stall, and drinks should be consumed next to vending machines before disposing of the container in the nearby recycling bin.

Why is it wrong to use the hot towel provided at restaurants on your face?

The hot towel given at Japanese restaurants is meant for cleaning your hands before eating, not for your face. Using it on your face is considered a major faux pas and could lead to awkward looks from others.

Why is tipping considered offensive in Japan?

Tipping in Japan is considered an insult as it suggests that the service wasn't included in the price. Instead, service charges are added directly to the bill, and attempting to tip would result in the server returning the money to you.

What is the appropriate way to serve alcohol in Japan?

In Japan, it is considered rude to serve yourself alcohol. Instead, you should pour drinks for others, and they will return the favor. This custom promotes a sense of politeness and communal sharing.

Why is it important to use two hands when handing over items like money in Japan?

In Japan, presenting items like money, credit cards, or gifts with two hands signifies respect and formality. Using just one hand is considered impolite and shows a lack of respect for the person you're interacting with.