- I wish I'd known more proper etiquette and unspoken rules in Japan before I visited.
- On my trip, I got stern looks for drinking water on a train and speaking loudly at a restaurant.
Japan is widely considered to be a polite, rule-following country, but knowing its reputation didn't fully prepare me for my recent trip.
As a frequent traveler, I consider myself quite culturally aware when entering a new country. I know to cover my shoulders when entering Vatican City or to give up my bus seat for elders in Taiwan.
But when I recently traveled from the US to Tokyo with friends, I found I wasn't as prepared for Japan as I'd thought.
Although I tried to be mindful of cultural differences and local etiquette, I kept messing up. I received a few stern looks and some gentle reprimanding that made me feel like a kid who wasn't sure how to behave.
Through trial and error, I learned rules I wish I'd known before I left — and things travelers should keep in mind if they visit Japan.
Train etiquette is different than what I'm used to in Chicago, but some rules are the same
Upon entering my first Japanese subway, I learned several rules of commuting and just how widely followed they are. For starters, drinking and eating on a train is highly frowned upon.
As a frequent commuter back home in Chicago, I'm used to taking sips of water or eating quick snacks on the train. It's technically not allowed, but passengers do it so often and casually that it feels like it is.
But when I took a sip of my water bottle on a train in Tokyo, I got a few looks and immediately sensed I was doing something wrong.
It's considered rude to eat or drink in public while walking or standing around in Japan. Again, this is different from my home city, where it's common to see people having a coffee or snack on the go.
But these rules in Japan are, in part, meant to stop people from creating spills and messes or inconveniencing others with an unwanted smell.
My mealtimes looked different here than they did back home
Food was the main event during my trip, but I quickly found dining experiences were different from what I'm used to.
At one point, I was reprimanded by a stranger for talking — perhaps too loudly — while eating at a restaurant. I was surprised because in the US meals are primarily used as a social gathering and time for conversation.
I now know that diners in Japan generally focus on consuming their food during mealtimes, sometimes in silence or while occasionally speaking quietly.
Silence at the dinner table is seen as awkward in the US, but in Japan, it's considered perfectly polite.
Japanese movie-theater etiquette inspired me
I learned another unspoken rule while seeing a movie at a theater. After the film was over, everyone around me stayed seated until the absolute end of the credits.
Turns out, this is somewhat common in Japan — it's a way to pay your respect to all of the people who worked on the movie.
I thought it was wonderful. In America, we're often in such a rush that we forget to appreciate those who have worked hard for us to experience the things we enjoy.
I also had to get used to removing my shoes
During my trip, I also got used to taking off my shoes upon entering certain shared spaces, like my hotel.
In many American homes, taking our shoes can be done to keep a house clean or to signify that we're comfortable in an environment. In Japanese culture, removing one's shoes isn't all about comfort — it's about cleanliness and respect.
Overall, my trip reminded me how important it is to be a respectful traveler
Although I experienced quite a learning curve at times, I felt more self-aware by the end of the trip, and I had a fabulous time.
Etiquette and what's considered polite varies around the world, so it's important to research how best to be respectful in whichever place you're visiting.
Next time I visit Japan, I'll be sure to finish my 7-Eleven onigiri before stepping onto the subway and stay until the end of the credits at the movies.