Japan Travel Guide

What Should You Know?

Culture	Example
Japan has a strong culture that is extremely diverse. It is mainly rooted in connections to nature, filial piety, and harmony. However, there is much more to know than just the basics. Respect: The Japanese highly believe in respect, especially within family, and this is showcased with the actions of the Japanese. For example, bowing as a traditional form of greeting, to name one example. Connection to Nature: The Japanese have a long history of reverence for nature deeply embedded into their culture. From haikus (poems) expressing their respect for nature, to national gardens, sakura trees, as well as shrines, nature leaves a spiritual impression on the people. Arts: Japan has many forms of art, including: Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony) Ikebana (Flower Arrangement) Shodo (Calligraphy) Kabuki and Noh (Theaters) Religion: Japan, being heavily influenced by spiritual beliefs, also tend to believe in god(s), more known as kami(s). Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion, emphasizes the presence of spirits in nature. They also blend religions such as Buddhism into Shintoism. Language: Japan implements 3 writing systems: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. This system reflects on the culture's focus of formality. It also emphasizes heirarchy and politeness, with honorifics commonly used depending on the relationship/status of the other person to you. Work Ethic: The Japanese work culture is known for its dedication, precision, and respect for craft. There is a strong emphasis on loyalty to one's company, teamwork, and excellence. This is evident in practices like kaizen (continuous improvement) and shokunin kishitsu (the artisan's spirit), where workers strive for mastery in their craft.

Culture

Example

Japan has a strong culture that is extremely diverse. It is mainly rooted in connections to nature, filial piety, and harmony. However, there is much more to know than just the basics.

Respect: The Japanese highly believe in respect, especially within family, and this is showcased with the actions of the Japanese. For example, bowing as a traditional form of greeting, to name one example.
Connection to Nature: The Japanese have a long history of reverence for nature deeply embedded into their culture. From haikus (poems) expressing their respect for nature, to national gardens, sakura trees, as well as shrines, nature leaves a spiritual impression on the people.
Arts: Japan has many forms of art, including:
- Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony)
- Ikebana (Flower Arrangement)
- Shodo (Calligraphy)
- Kabuki and Noh (Theaters)
Religion: Japan, being heavily influenced by spiritual beliefs, also tend to believe in god(s), more known as kami(s). Shintoism, Japan's indigenous religion, emphasizes the presence of spirits in nature. They also blend religions such as Buddhism into Shintoism.
Language: Japan implements 3 writing systems: kanji, hiragana, and katakana. This system reflects on the culture's focus of formality. It also emphasizes heirarchy and politeness, with honorifics commonly used depending on the relationship/status of the other person to you.
Work Ethic: The Japanese work culture is known for its dedication, precision, and respect for craft. There is a strong emphasis on loyalty to one's company, teamwork, and excellence. This is evident in practices like kaizen (continuous improvement) and shokunin kishitsu (the artisan's spirit), where workers strive for mastery in their craft.

Do's and Dont's	Etiquette
	Japan has many etiquette rules. These include: Bowing: Bowing is a traditional greeting in Japan. It is used to show respect, express gratitude, or apologize. A small bow (15°) is for casual or polite situations. A deeper bow (30°) is used for more formal settings or when showing deep respect. A very deep bow (45°) is used for sincere apologies or when addressing someone of much higher status. Honorifics: People address others using honorifics depending on the status/relationship of the other person. There are many honorifics, but the most common ones are -san (Mr./Mrs.), -sama (Sir/Ma'am. Used for those with much higher power), -senpai (Senior), and -sensei (teacher). Gifts: Gift giving is an important aspect of Japanese culture and is usually done when visiting someone's home. These gifts should be wrapped neatly to leave a strong first impression. Some ethics include giving and receiving gifts using both hands and avoid gifting at 4 or 9 o clock, as 4 sounds like death and 9 represents pain. Footwear: Some etiquette involving footwear include: Removing shoes before entering a home/some indoor spaces Don't point your feet at people when sitting Bathroom slippers are provided, so use them for their intended use Public Behavior: The Japanese value quietness, especially in the public, so keep your volume to a minimum. Respect personal space, and make sure to line up in an orderly fashion whenever applicable. Compliments and Apologies: When receiving a compliment, it is common to modestly deflect the compliment rather than directly accepting it, just to show compassion rather than pride. When apologizing, bowing and using respectful apology terms is essential. Temples and Shrines: When visiting these sacred areas, be mindful of other visitors, as it is very influencial spiritually to the people. It's common to bow before entering the temple/shrine. If you see a temizuya (Purification fountain), use it to wash your left hand, right hand, and mouth, in that order respectively. Lastly, in Shinto shrines, it is common practice to toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap your hands twice, make a silent prayer, and bow once more. Nature: Lastly, the Japanese deeply value their connection with nature. Make sure to dispose of any trash you see and don't litter.

Do's and Dont's

Etiquette

Japan has many etiquette rules. These include:

Bowing: Bowing is a traditional greeting in Japan. It is used to show respect, express gratitude, or apologize.
- A small bow (15°) is for casual or polite situations.
- A deeper bow (30°) is used for more formal settings or when showing deep respect.
- A very deep bow (45°) is used for sincere apologies or when addressing someone of much higher status.
Honorifics: People address others using honorifics depending on the status/relationship of the other person. There are many honorifics, but the most common ones are -san (Mr./Mrs.), -sama (Sir/Ma'am. Used for those with much higher power), -senpai (Senior), and -sensei (teacher).
Gifts: Gift giving is an important aspect of Japanese culture and is usually done when visiting someone's home. These gifts should be wrapped neatly to leave a strong first impression. Some ethics include giving and receiving gifts using both hands and avoid gifting at 4 or 9 o clock, as 4 sounds like death and 9 represents pain.
Footwear: Some etiquette involving footwear include:
1. Removing shoes before entering a home/some indoor spaces
2. Don't point your feet at people when sitting
3. Bathroom slippers are provided, so use them for their intended use
Public Behavior: The Japanese value quietness, especially in the public, so keep your volume to a minimum. Respect personal space, and make sure to line up in an orderly fashion whenever applicable.
Compliments and Apologies: When receiving a compliment, it is common to modestly deflect the compliment rather than directly accepting it, just to show compassion rather than pride. When apologizing, bowing and using respectful apology terms is essential.
Temples and Shrines: When visiting these sacred areas, be mindful of other visitors, as it is very influencial spiritually to the people. It's common to bow before entering the temple/shrine. If you see a temizuya (Purification fountain), use it to wash your left hand, right hand, and mouth, in that order respectively. Lastly, in Shinto shrines, it is common practice to toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap your hands twice, make a silent prayer, and bow once more.
Nature: Lastly, the Japanese deeply value their connection with nature. Make sure to dispose of any trash you see and don't litter.

Transportation
One final important note to make is that Japan utilizes many forms of transportation other than just cars. These may include: Trains, such as the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), Japanese Railway (JR) Trains, and Subways Buses, both long and short distance Taxis Bicycles Ferries Walking And of course Cars