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In Japan, Tokyo is the capital city with the most unique and vibrant culture in the country, along with its own diverse set of customs and etiquette. Furthermore, the era of international integration has led to the gradual abandonment of some traditional customs, replaced by more modern ones. Let's explore eight things you need to keep in mind if you plan to visit Tokyo during this time, to avoid cultural overload and ensure the most enjoyable trip possible.
1. Greeting
Learning how to greet someone when visiting a new country is very important.
Japanese people often bow when they meet. Usually, the person of lower status will bow first and lower than the older person. However, most Japanese people – especially young people today – no longer expect a bow from you; instead, they will shake hands as a greeting. When meeting friends, they usually greet each other in a more informal style called ossu – meaning "hey," "hello," "how are you," "how are you?"...
2. Sumimasen with arigatou
People in Western countries often say thank you when someone helps them, such as holding a door for them or returning a jacket left on a subway seat. It's similar in Japan; people say thank you with the Japanese phrase "arigatou." But to make this expression of gratitude feel more natural and authentically Japanese, say "sumimasen," which means "I'm sorry for bothering you."
3. Eating out
A man dines alone at a Japanese restaurant.
"Itadakimasu" is a polite expression used before meals, but it's not often used when dining out, especially among younger generations. Typically, in restaurants, particularly those where diners sit at the counter directly opposite the chef, they'll say "gochisou" or "gochisousama"—equivalent to a compliment to the chef—before leaving.
4. Services
People shop at stalls in Tsutaya, Shibuya, Tokyo.
While Westerners are typically accustomed to greeting, thanking, and tipping service staff when dining out, things are a little different in Japan. People generally don't respond to the loud "irasshaimase" greetings from shopping mall staff every time they enter or exit, even if they are the first customers of the day. You also don't need to leave any tips, as the service charge is already included in the bill.
5. Use chopsticks.
Knowing how to use chopsticks is a useful thing to know when visiting Japan.
It's very helpful for tourists to know how to use chopsticks when visiting Japan, and it doesn't actually take much time to learn. Many traditional Japanese restaurants, besides chopsticks, won't even offer you a substitute other than a Chinese soup spoon. Imagine how difficult it would be to eat noodle soup without chopsticks. Furthermore, you shouldn't rub your chopsticks together when eating in a restaurant as it suggests "this is cheap food." And if using disposable chopsticks, put them back in the paper bag and fold the corners when you're finished.
6. Slippers
A kitten is curled up asleep in a slipper.
Always bring your own slippers whenever requested. Your own shoes are often not welcome in some places, so you must leave them outside the door with the toes facing outwards and neatly folded; in these cases, you should only wear indoor slippers. Wearing shoes in areas such as nature reserves, temples, or tea houses is considered disrespectful. In hotel rooms, guests are usually provided with a pair of slippers in the bathroom and only allowed to wear them there. If you are visiting someone's home, always make sure to leave your shoes outside and take indoor slippers if provided by the host (some families choose to wear socks indoors without slippers).
7. Driving
Cars drive on the left side of the road.
In Japan, driving is on the left, with the driver seated on the right side of the vehicle. Road signs are in English or Romaji, and speed limits are in kilometers per hour. A valid international driving permit, accepted in many countries, allows you to drive in Japan for up to one year. Bicycle lanes are also limited in Tokyo, so be prepared to share the road with larger vehicles if you cycle.
8. Japanese and English
Tokyo's subway stations are among the only places in the city with English signs.
English signs and notices are not widely available throughout Japan, except in major tourist areas like Yoyogi Park or subway stations. Many Japanese people do not speak or do not want to speak English. Furthermore, because a large number of foreigners in cities like Tokyo are quite proficient in Japanese, locals often choose to speak their native dialect first. However, university language students and professors who use English for work are still happy to practice the language with tourists.
