Things Westerners Must Remember While Visiting Japan

The article is all about the customs, foreigners must know before visiting in the country in order to avoid an awkward situation. Without any further discussion let’s jump into the topic directly.

When you order, don’t expect everyone’s food to come at a time 

In the USA, it’s an ingrained trend to serve the food of the guests at the same time, but this trend is not followed in Japan. They serve the dishes as fresh as possible thus the guests of the same table can expect of to have it in differ times. Hence, instead of being offended try to adjust for that few days, remember it’s not considered as a rude gesture in the country it’s just their effort to cater the fresh food quickly.

Go to the register to pay the restaurant bill

Once everyone finishes the meals, the waiter generally leaves the bill on the table at the Japanese restaurants. However, you simply can’t lay down the cash on the table and wait for the waiter to come and take it away from you, just like an American restaurant. Things are little different here, you may need to pay the bill at the register as this the commonly followed custom here.

No tipping

Most of the people in America or European countries like to offer tips to the waiters but in Japan offering that extra bucks is considered as an insulting gesture. However during your Thailand luxury travel you can expect to see a complete contrary scenario, here the custom of tipping is wielded. When it comes to talk about money let me remind you, don’t expect to expect your credit or debit card at every shop, store, and tourist attraction and train stations. Even the card may not be accepted at every ATM counter; only the ATMs of post office always accept the card but remember they stay closed on Sunday. Hence, always carry sufficient cash to avoid any sort of inconvenience. 

Expect to travel by fully crammed trains

If you prefer to travel by local train then you must be aware of the fact that during the busy hours of the day most of the train stays overcrowded. Hence, instead of waiting for the next train it’s better to ride on the train though you may find a dime sized spot to place your foot. 

Take off your shoes every time you enter a home, and even many business facilities and hotels follow this trend.  Generally, a rack is kept outside the threshold to store the shoes. A pair of guest slippers will be provided by the store. Always wear off your slippers before stepping on the tatami mat. A slipper is usually kept outside the bathroom and don’t forget to wear that before entering there.

Remember, with deep-rooted conventions and respect to the conventional customs Japan still nurtures those norms to preserve their ethnicity. When you fly to have your Luxury travel in Japan, expect to encounter several unique rituals besides the aforesaid ones.