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What to do at a Japanese Funeral | Funeral Etiquette

Attending a Japanese funeral can be stressful, even shocking, if you don't know what to do. The more you know beforehand the better, as you'll be able to comfort and support mutual friends and their families as is wont to do.Varying in size and ceremony, it's safe to say that most Japanese, fun…(418 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Japan Etiquette Funeral custom Japanese

Know your Receipts in Japan!

Are you in Japan on business and working with a Japanese firm? Will you be taking your clients out for a meal?Recently I have been doing some consulting work for one of Japan’s eminent Chinese cuisine restaurants, Ginza Aster, and I learned that many of the international clients are confused by t…(1173 words)

Japan Restaurant Etiquette Ginza Coffee Cuisine Business Japanese Culture and Style Japanese Traditions Chinese Restaurant Tokyo

Japanese Massage Etiquette to Enjoy a Relaxing, Stress Relieving Moment

Just last week, I’ve experienced another massage establishment called “Minnanotemomi”. Minnanotemomi mean’s roughly everyone’s massage and the massage they did for me was excellent caliber, yet one of the most inexpensive fees that I’ve came across thus far during my stay in Japan. A very well …(392 words)

AustinA

Etiquette Massage

Do not stick your chopsticks upright in your rice!

Do not stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. This is considered as a very bad manner and it makes people cringe. Because it’s the way a bowl of rice is offered to a dead person, at their deathbed or in front of their photograph on the household Buddhist altar. Also, do not spear your foo…(107 words)

EmiOnishi

Etiquette Chopstick

Tatami smells good !!!

Tatami is a very traditional floor mat, which is a symbolic item indispensable for a Japanese style room; so called "Wa-shitsu", and is also considered as an official cultural gadget necessarily used in such Japanese architectures as temples, and tea rooms besides "Wa-shitsu". For example, when yo…(606 words)

Masa

Tatami Etiquette Kanto Kyoto Okinawa Tea Tera (Temple)

Figuring out the Green Car in Japan: JR Train Business Class Seats

JR Green Car is my favorite way to travel. After living here almost 27 years I still almost start to cry when I see the Green Car (premium seat car) slide past and go way down to the other side of the platform when I thought I was standing in the right place to meet it right when it arrives... Even…(825 words)

Green Car JR Trains JR Train Etiquette and Tips Japan Travel Railway platform Extended distance travel Japan Etiquette

Don't go Nude!

In Japan, the concept of nude tanning at beaches does not exist. They call this mittomo nai, or unsightly. It is acceptable to go shirtless or wear a bikini. At the same time, if you go to a remote beach, then there is nothing to worry about. But definitely don't go nude at a major public beach…(97 words)

KurtisW

Etiquette Beaches Furo (Japanese bath)

Portable ashtray

Cigarette butts constitute a huge amount of the garbage that fills our streets, parks, and oceans, all over the world. Japan is no exception to this, as although there is a small amount of littering, cigarette butts are still a common site, especially in the shop and club-heavy downtown areas like …(160 words)

KurtisW

Etiquette Shibuya Roppongi

6 Interesting Japanese Manners & Customs

Have a comprehensive look at what you MUST know before traveling to a new place.Learning the manners and customs of the country you are traveling to is imperative to impress and socialize with the locals. Plus, it is part of your travel manners. Doesn’t it sound more educated and literate when a …(580 words)

Lara

Japanese Etiquette Interesting Japan Japan Restaurant Food Trip English Drink Eat

How to be Polite in a Restaurant in Japan?

These are not just little finger towels placed neatly next to your plate for conveniently wiping stray food off of hands and fingers...these Oshibori are almost like an appetizer to the meal itself. You go into a restaurant, settle in with some water or tea and an Oshibori wet towel. Some places wi…(139 words)

Etiquette Japan Restaurant Tea Tera (Temple) Oshibori Summer Food

What does the kiosk on the train platform offer?

A convenience store on the train platform where you can buy very basic stuffs! Kiosk offers best possible basic needs with a minimum space on the train platform. We had Kiosk even before all the convenience stores did not exist. As each Kiosk store has only one staff, they use a lot of full…(221 words)

totowatanabe

Train Railway platform Convenience store Etiquette Phrase

Japanese Etiquette and Queue Lines

Although it isn’t like someone will yell at you if you don’t follow them, there are certain rules that people follow in general on train. First of all, people rarely make phone calls on trains. If it is an emergency, you should stand up from your seat and go near the door where there are less peopl…(184 words)

GenS

Etiquette Railway platform Train Japan love emergency Priority Seat drinking

Don't pass food using chopsticks!

Although chopsticks are probably one of the most useful utensils you will every use, there are some manners that you should learn about them prior to using them. The most important rule is to never pass food using chopsticks. This is done in funerals to pass the bones of the dead. Therefore, if you…(93 words)

RieS

Etiquette

I was born in Osaka Japan and Here is My View

Let me compare Tokyo and Osaka in terms of culture by using a metaphor of kitchen accessory. Tokyo is "Sponge". It soaks up all kinds of information and people are somehow drawn to this metropolis. The majority of companies hold their headquarters in Tokyo and that's one of the reasons behind i…(450 words)

yumin

Tokyo Osaka Train Etiquette Nature Subway Japanese Culture and Style

Visit the "Castles" of Past Daimyo, Feudal Lords in Japan

If you are interested in learning about the Edo Period, I recommend visiting one of the many daimyo yashiki (feudal lord mansions) that can still be found in many parts of Tokyo. During the Edo Period, every feudal lord was forced by the Tokugawa Shogunate (the central government) to build and main…(221 words)

GenS

daimyo yashiki Visit Japan Tokyo River Etiquette Trip History architecture

“Renoir” Ginza, The Most Luxurious Coffee Shop in Japan

I remember walking into my first “Ginza Renoir” coffee shop (Kissaten in Japanese) in 1988 and wondering what the heck was going on!First of all, I must admit I am a huge fan of “oshare” which is usually translated as “dressing up” or “dandy-ness”. I have a different view of the word “Oshare”, ho…(846 words)

Ginza Coffee Coffee shop Drink Etiquette Shop Mayonnaise Business

Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" Legend of Japan.

There is a big baseball stadium in Tokyo.It is called the "BIG EGG", it has been popular.Because very visible to a large egg.The town side of the big egg,Hell of gatekeeper, "Enma the Great" There are in the shrine."Enma the Great" is God.It is God, dead people meet for the first…(157 words)

asteka

Japan Tokyo Jinjya (Shrine) City Etiquette Japanese Shop Guide Baseball

Etiquette on the train/ subway and public places...

As you may know, Japan is the country of courtesy and helping each other as well as trying not to bother others. Well, used to be, at least. These days, I find that it is becoming the "lost art", sadly. Nonetheless, I would like foreign tourists and visitors to know and understand Japanese way t…(537 words)

KIH

Train Etiquette Subway Bus Transportation Cafe Phone Priority Seat

Japanese Perfection in Flower Gift Design

Japanese Perfection in Flower Gift DesignPutting the “Wow” into flower design.Every time I wonder what to send someone for a birthday, office move or wedding, I think FLOWERs!! Okay, no one would say “No” to a flower gift right? How about a super cool, Japanese-style flower arrangement?…(432 words)

K-FLORIST design

Flower design Hotel Etiquette Beauty Japanese inn May Communication Businessman style

5 Tips On How to Eat Sushi in Japan

As we sat at the Sushi Bar in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Station we were so excited about what would emerge over the glass separation from the Sushi Shokunin (Chef). We watched as he deftly clumped slightly sweetened and vinegar-kissed white rice into little Nigiri Gunkans (literally translated at “Pressed …(1182 words)

Sushi Chopstick Etiquette Green tea Horse radish Restaurant Sashimi (Raw fish) Soy sauce Tea Tokyo

Getting Clean in Japan

When you want to get clean after a long, crowded, sweaty day on the subway, you may retreat to your bathroom and jump into a deep Japanese bathtub and let the stress of the day drift away. Many westerners love a good soak, but like many things that are wonderfully different here in Japan, there is …(290 words)

Alex

Onsen sento Etiquette Public Bath Bath

Tourist Tip #7: DON'T!

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 exp…(495 words)

Former Deep Japan Writer

Tourist Tip Etiquette Guide Taxicab Train Drink Beer Party

It is ok to drink in public in most of Japan

In Tokyo and all of Japan, there are not many laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public, whether it's on the sidewalk or in a park. Some parks, such as Shinjuku Gyoen park, prohibit, but if there's no signs posted, then it's fine. However, it's best to be considerate of others and not g…(83 words)

KurtisW

Tokyo Park Etiquette Shinjuku Drink Beer

Cleanliness in Key in Japanese Shops

One thing I absolutely love about Japan is how clean everything is. Today I was at a soba shop and I noticed the little cup of toothpicks was knocked over and that about 20 toothpicks were strewn across the countertop. I noted this to the staff in the restaurant and he immediately said "So Sorry!" …(183 words)

Fast food Tokyo Restaurant Etiquette Soba noodles Coffee Shop

Use Hashi (chopsticks) in order to be different!

There are some different types of suchi such as Nigiri and Gunkan-maki. Gunkan maki is a sushi made by wrapping rice with dried seaweed around its perimeter and placing “neta” on rice. When neta seems to drop if you try to dip gunkan maki in soy source, it is one of very smart manners to pick up Ga…(104 words)

OKAKI-sun

Chopstick Restaurant Etiquette Sushi

Good Smoking Rule in Japan

Many years ago, my Dad as well as some of my other family members from the US were stationed in various parts of Japan from just after WWII. When I was with them, one of the questions they often ask me is about cigarette smokers and proper manner for smoking in Japan.During their assignments in…(272 words)

AustinA

Etiquette

Hot spring etiquette: Please, do hot-bath like a pro.

Hot springs are often marketed for their positive effects on health: skin, articulations, cardio-vascular system, muscular relaxation… depending on its mineral content, the hot water is supposed to have an impact on your body. As the Romans used to say - and they were enjoying hot springs too - men…(705 words)

Claire

Etiquette Onsen Hot Spring Japan short trip Kusatsu Onsen

Do You Know "Hidari Gawa Tsuko?" Pass on the left in Japan

"To the Left, To the Left" is one of my favorite songs and it well applies to some parts of my life....okay, yes you're right, Ill avoid that topic for today :) But, "To the Left" is an important concept in Japan. When you walk around, basically anywhere in Japan, you'll see the cool everyone k…(435 words)

Japan Walk Japanese Airport Police Work Rainy Day Commuting Umbrella Etiquette

How to be successful at a japanese-english bilingual fair. Be an explorer.

Career Forum is a bilingual job fair organized by DISCO International worldwide (Boston, Tokyo, Osaka, London,etc). You have to register through the CFN website. Rome wasn't built in one day. Finding a job is a lengthy process. Furthermore, nothing could guarantee you to win the first prize: a …(645 words)

Naoka

English Japanese Work Tokyo Japan Event Etiquette Business Osaka Stay

Toilet Ikebana

One thing that the digital revolution in photography has allowed is for one to have a camera on your mobile 24/7 .... so you can take photos anywhere, anytime, any place. Near my home we have a large park with public toilets where I occasionally make use of the men's facilities. Have been doing so …(337 words)

GMBPGM tEChOvision

IKEBANA Japan Etiquette Toilet Park Japanese Flower Camera used new

Before you leave...

When staying at the park or street with cherry blossoms, you should not take up excessive amounts of space, especially if it is a popular location. Take a picnic sheet that will fit your friends and/or family members with whom you will be doing hanami. Also, you must remember to throw out your own …(106 words)

RieS

Park Etiquette Cherry blossom Cherry Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) Flower

Japanese Etiquette Of Exchanging Name Cards

In Japan, the exchange of name cards is much more than just exchanging contact information and is considered almost a ritual carrying great meaning. The way you exchange your card with somebody can greatly influence the impression they get of you. Exchanging cards the "proper" way will make the rec…(198 words)

GenS

Etiquette Business Japan Guide

Packed Trains, Bustling Streets, How to survive as a foreigner in Japan

You may see someone move to another seat when the person next to them starts to nod off as the sleepy passenger might actually accidentally rest their head on the person sitting next to them. Or, you might see someone who has partied too hard, stretched out sound asleep on a station bench. Well, th…(164 words)

Transportation Japan Train Park Etiquette Railway platform

Japan has the Cleanest Shops in the World

If you happen to be a bit jet lagged and feel like walking around some of Tokyo's downtown neighborhoods (Roppongi, Shinjuku, Shinbashi, etc.) early in the morning, you will see some interesting culture that has to do with how this city stays clean. In the Summer time, shop owners will often do som…(170 words)

Japan Tokyo City Etiquette Shinjuku Roppongi Salt Shinbashi Summer

The Delicious Combo of Japanese Crackers and Tasty Beer

If you are going somewhere in the suburbs late at night you will notice a lot of people choose to take a breather on the Green Sha (green car first class seats) on the way home. A nice Green Car attendant comes through the car to offer drinks and snacks and I always choose Asahi Super Dry beer and …(216 words)

Persimmon Train Drink Ticket Soy sauce Beer Etiquette Wine Rice cracker Railway platform

Japan's intelligence comes from the 4 seasons?

When you ask someone from abroad on what they think of JapanWhat answers would you get back?Some many say that Japanese people are polite.Have mannersGood at staying in line.Smart. Have respect for each other.There are many things people think about Japan.Today I would like to t…(572 words)

Yuuki I

Etiquette Business Education School Japanese cartoons

How do the Japanese promote good behavior?

I always wonder how it is possible to get so many people behave in a special way, especially when it comes to public manners. No scoop here, but the Japanese society model is not based on individualism. Fitting in is a matter of survival. But well, how do they promote good manners? But what…(433 words)

Claire

Train Etiquette Strawberry Cake

Omiyage wrapping

Omiyage is the Japanese social obligation of gifting. It's expected for travelers/guests to bring omiyage when they go somewhere for hosts or when they return home for family, friends or coworkers. It's best when the gift is a specialty product of the region, from which that the traveler is coming.…(226 words)

EmiOnishi

Souvenir Shopping Visit Etiquette Beauty Region Japanese Culture

Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto

Nothing is as symbolic of Kyoto as Kinkaku-ji's golden reflection shimmering on the surface of the pond before it. A lot of people should be familiar with such a picture appeared on postcards and guidebook. I would like to share my personal experience with Kinkakuji. When I first visited Ki…(450 words)

EmiOnishi

Kyoto Visit Tera (Temple) Building Statue Travel Etiquette

Be polite

The key is to be conscientious of others: don't eat on the train, don't talk on the phone, remove your back-pack, try to speak a bit quieter than normal, and don't cross your legs.(34 words)

Sweet42.195

Train Etiquette

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