Familiarizing yourself with a country’s culture and customs can help you navigate foreign waters and avoid embarrassing incidents. Travelers need to acquaint themselves with the traditions commonly followed in the country they’re visiting and should educate themselves about practices that may be considered offensive or disrespectful. When greeting people, eating a meal, or in other everyday situations, knowing how to embrace a cultural landscape can eliminate significant errors.
In countries like Japan, many social practices that would be acceptable in countries like the United States are either uncommon or frowned upon. While you’re not likely to be an expert on Japanese culture and customs, becoming familiar with and respecting basic etiquette such as appropriately serving a drink and removing your shoes when entering a home can impress upon others your desire to be considerate and deferential during your visit to their home country.
Before taking that trip to Japan, take some time to research the dos and don’ts of the country’s cultural norms and traditions. Here are 12 things travelers should never do when visiting Japan:
1. Don’t break the rules of chopstick etiquette.
2. Don’t wear shoes indoors.
3. Don’t ignore the queuing system.
4. Avoid eating on the go.
5. Don’t get into a bathtub before showering first.
6. Don’t blow your nose in public.
7. Don’t leave a tip.
8. Avoid loud phone conversations while on public transit.
9. Don’t point.
10. Don’t pour soy sauce on your rice.
11. Avoiding giving and receiving things with one hand.
12. Don’t serve yourself a drink.
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