What must you avoid doing in Japan if travelling for the first time?

Japan has an etiquette, a discipline that everyone, including visitors, must follow. It is the reason it may feel intimidating for the one visiting it for the first time. You may wonder that in a disciplined state, the festivals must be soundless too.  

The fact is, there are no restrictions or rules to celebrating a particular event. Moreover, most locals are willing to help you get accustomed to the air. You may get to know the basic rules that you must follow during your stay in Japan.  

One of the things that you must follow is to avoid eating or drinking while walking. Instead, you may spot some places to relax and have your food. Additionally, avoid eating something else in front of another shop.  

It is especially when it is not a restaurant. Doing so indicates that you don’t appreciate or respect the food. Thus, avoid it completely. The blog lists other things that you should avoid if travelling to Japan for the first time.  

7 Things that are absolutely a “NO” in Japan 

Indeed, you don’t have an itinerary for Japan if travelling for the first time. One may err anytime and anywhere without even acknowledgement. It is because you are new to the Japan culture. You cannot avoid errors every time. However, knowing certain rules to spend your holiday peacefully in Japan certainly helps. It may save you from whopping fines, also.  Here are some aspects that you must avoid if travelling to Japan:  

It is common for individuals to take out their smartphones to kill some time. It is especially when they are on a train, bus, taxi, etc. You cannot play a multiplayer game and chat loudly in Japan on public transport. It is the reason most Japanese use texts to chat instead of speaking on public transport.  

If you make a call while travelling on public transport, other passengers might deem it rude. Just lower your voice while talking to your friends or fellow passengers in the train. It is particularly important in crowded trains.  

It is better to take a pass, which may help you travel across Japan without paying separately for every transport. You can use a prepaid travel card from companies like Suica and Pasmo. You can use these cards to travel in trains, buses, and subways. You can also use it to buy something from a vending machine or convenience store.  

 However, if you have yet to apply for that and the cash seems short that you need to cover a particular distance, don’t worry. Bridge the amount using the holiday loans from the UK through an online transfer. It is ideal for native UK people to get some cash to pay for travel. You can get cash within moments of applying. It prevents you from extreme cashless situations. Moreover, you can borrow one according to your cash requirements.        

You may be habituated to clicking selfies with the scrumptious dish on the table in every restaurant. However, Japan has a different perspective on it. It might not be ideal to take pictures without the consent of the chef. Therefore, always ask as you enter the restaurant- “ Is taking pictures of the dish allowed here?”. Do so only if the chef nods to it. Otherwise, you may be in trouble. 

Yes, unlike other nations, leaving a tip is not allowed in Japan. If you do so, the person may come running after you to return it.  Instead of money, you can learn a Japanese phrase to say thank you. It is because providing a tip goes against the culture of doing their duty perfectly. They believe it is part of their job and don’t need appreciation for that.     

Chopsticks are deemed sacred in Japan. It is because it is an integral part of the dining table.  Also, it has a few symbolic beliefs attached to it. For example, don’t pass your food with chopsticks if you have tasted it earlier. It is not hygienic, but if you want your buddy to taste it too, do it the other way. You can use the unused tip of the chopstick to share the food. Don’t stab pieces of food with your chopsticks. It ensures that they stay clean and avoid rolling it off the table.  

Japan is known for its unique blend of travellers. You may think that your credit cards/ debit cards/ travel cards will be accepted everywhere. However, it is not, especially for the visitors. Certain places in Japan don’t accept card payments. There you must pay in cash, and not having one could prove problematic then. From public transport to hotels and restaurants, you may need cash. Thus, always keep some currency free to pay for some aspects without worries.  

It is a basic attitude that you should keep no matter how much hurry you are. You must not skip the queues in Japan. Instead, you may request the person standing ahead of you to give you a way. From airports to railways, restaurants to grocery stores, Japan holds a wonderful approach to discipline. You must observe such things as a traveller. Having a Japanese tourist alongside can make things easily navigable. 

Thus, queuing up is a culture in Japan. Thus, never jump the queue as it reveals the sign of disrespect towards fellow passengers. Not only this, but you are not allowed to push one another while standing in a queue. Instead, wait until your turn and join the right lane. 

Japan is extra careful about keeping the environment germ-free. So, always wear a mask while on a subway, train or any other public transport. It is because they believe that “ if we are sick, the other person should not catch the flu”. If sick, don’t sneeze or cough in your hand or touch the handrail. You can instead use gloves and mask up your mouth while travelling. 

Bottom line 

Thus, Japan is a beautiful place to explore its culture and discipline in true form. However, you should be aware of certain aspects that may prevent you from avoiding fines. It also helps you understand and respect the culture of the alien land. Check and take the right precautionary measures while travelling in public transport. Know the rules to avoid embarrassment and discomfort.