Page 366 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide: Japan

364  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Etiquette and Language shoes can be worn by both
guests and staff. Ordinarily, to
Etiquette is important in Japan – the social lubricant for a walk on tatami matting, slippers
crowded community. Over time attitudes have relaxed, should be removed and socks
yet even the most apparently rebellious Japanese won’t or tights worn instead.
break certain rules. What constitutes correct behavior often Most restrooms, public and
private, have special toilet
varies according to the situation and status of individuals. slippers waiting outside: be
Foreigners will be forgiven most gaffes, but good manners sure to change into them as
will earn you respect. The best approach is to be as sensitive you go in (this is one way
as possible to situations, avoid loud or dogmatic behavior, people know the restroom is
and follow the lead of those around you. occupied!) and to change back
again when you emerge.
stop infect ing others and to
avoid catching colds, and as Smoking
a preventive measure during Restrictions on smoking have
hay fever season. increased around Japan. In
many Tokyo wards, smoking
on the street is banned (some­
Shoes times punishable by on­the­
Shoes are an important element spot fines) except in specially
of etiquette, and it is a serious designated areas, but this is
mistake to wear shoes indoors not strictly enforced. Smoking
in all private and some public zones are usually well marked
buildings. When you enter a and can often be found near
Japanese house or traditional major stations. Smoking is
Gauze mask, worn to stop the spread restau rant, take off your shoes banned on buses and trains
of colds and put on slippers before step­ (except for some long­distance
ping onto the raised floor. If no trains, such as the shinkansen,
Taboos slippers are provided, or if they which have smoking cars)
Few allowances are made even are too small, go in socks or as well as in most stations,
for foreigners on certain points, tights. The principle is not to but smoking is usually per­
mainly relating to Japanese contaminate the clean interiors mitted in bars and restaurants.
standards of hygiene. with dirt from outside. However, the number of non­
Surprisingly for many visitors, it If the area immediately smoking bars and restaurants
is considered unforgivable to beyond the entranceway to a is on the increase.
get soap or shampoo in a room or building is at a higher
bathtub; wash ing belongs to level than the entrance itself,
the shower area (see p301). shoes should normally be Taxes and Tipping
When it comes to table removed. Other people’s shoes A consumption tax of 8 per cent
manners, serious errors include will usually be evident or there is paid by consumers for goods
touching food in a communal will be some kind of rack in and services. Shops and service
dish with your chopsticks but which shoes are to be placed. In providers are required to
then not taking it, and shovel­ a Western­style hotel, the main include the tax in their prices.
ing food direct from bowl to part of the room is not raised Other than with really
mouth (though the latter may above the entranceway, and so exceptional service, there is
be practiced by the Japanese at no tipping in Japan, and an
home). For more informa tion attempt at tipping might
about eating etiquette, see even cause offense.
pp312–13.
At one time, eating while Body Language
walking was seldom seen,
though customs have changed This is not as sensitive an
over time; many older people issue as in many other Asian
would still never engage in countries, although it is
such a practice. Eating on considered rude to point
longer train trips is fine. Bodily your feet at people, and it is
emissions are considered very preferable to avoid wild
rude, though anything drawn gesticulations or talking loudly.
inward is acceptable; sniffing is The Japanese appreciate that
fine, but blowing your nose in sitting on the floor can be a
public is reviled. Gauze face Traditional footwear neatly lined up on strain for those not used to it,
masks are worn in public to racks outside a temple but try not to stretch out your

364-365_EW_Japan.indd 364 08/08/16 3:10 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm