5 things to avoid while traveling in Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is a nation full of contrasts. This is where you will see people in traditional costumes walking side by side with teenagers in their cosplay outfits, traditional ryokan lodges and modern hotels, sumo wrestlers and baseball players, Koto players and rock bands, serene gardens and hi-tech amusements parks, and urbanized cities and traditional old towns.
Although the country is a mixture of the eclectic and traditional, there are still some things you must avoid when traveling to Japan. It is still a country whose people are sticklers for proper decorum and behaviors that most westerners do not know about. Here are five things you must avoid when traveling to Japan.
- If you are invited to enjoy a traditional Japanese bath, don’t just plunge in! You must take a thorough shower before stepping into the steaming hot pool called Onsen.
- Avoid walking around without a face mask if you are suffering from colds or the sniffles. Even if you are just feeling a little unwell, you must wear a face mask. Heath concerns are a big issue in Japan.
- Most tourists are very tip-oriented. In Japan, tipping is not the norm. No matter how big or small your tip is, they will return it back to you.
- It is considered impolite to eat or drink while walking around in Japan. Although there are stand-up eateries in Japan, you must stay put and not wander around.
- Avoid displaying your tattoos if you have them. Tattoos are not fully accepted in Japan.
Now you are ready to conquer Japan! Have a safe and exciting trip!
by Sunshine Silva on 09/01/2015 in Before your trip