Author: aeroflotchess
Nobody wants to do the wrong thing when visiting a foreign country, and with Japan regarded as one of the politest countries in the world, there are plenty of wrong things that one can unintentionally D’oh!
I posted a “Tourist Tip #5: Five Don’ts to Do” list a while back, and thought I would expand on it for the sake of helping all avoid those embarrassing cultural faux pas.
So here, in no particular order, is a quick guide to a few more DON’T!s to definitely remember.
DON’T!
- Walk out of toilets with the toilet slippers still on. Bad form. Very. Bad. Form.
- Try to open/close taxi doors. They’re controlled by the taxi driver, who will get cross with you for not knowing.
- Use your chopsticks to point at anything or anyone. Taboo.
- Single out someone to give a gift to. Have gifts for everyone present (no pun intended). Fairness is key in Japanese culture. You’ll not only embarrass yourself, you’ll probably also embarrass the sole receiver of your gift.
- Finish the drink in your glass (at a party) if you want more; refilling empty glasses is considered etiquette in Japan. Especially true for beer.
Along the same lines, DON’T!
- Pour your own drink in the company of others. It is customary in Japan for people to pour drinks for others.
Speaking of drinks, DON’T!
- Say “chin chin” when making a toast. This means “penis” in Japanese. Self-explanatory.
Moving on… DON’T!
- Expect ambulances or taxis to rush you to hospital if you’re in labor/delivering a baby; you will most likely be refused service.
- Be surprised or overact by the lack of personal space on (crowded) trains. This is Japan. Get used to it.
Speaking of trains… DON’T!
- Ask strangers on the train what flavour gum they’re chewing unless you enjoy
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