The Culture
Central to Japanese culture is the concept of harmony, or "wa." Japan emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance and peace in relationships, society, and nature. This philosophy can be seen in Japanese gardens, architecture, and traditions. Japanese people are also taught from a young age to respect others, especially their elders. Bowing is a common greeting, symbolizing respect and humility.
Traditional arts and crafts play a significant role in Japanese culture. Ikebana (flower arranging), origami (paper folding), and calligraphy have all been passed down through generations. The art of tea ceremony, or "chanoyu," is a highly ritualized practice that combines elements of hospitality, aesthetics, and spirituality.
Shintoism and Buddhism are the major religions in Japan, and Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples dot the landscape. Traditional festivals, such as the cherry blossom viewing and the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, are deeply rooted in these religious traditions.
Japan is also a passionate global leader in innovation and technology, which coexists harmoniously with its traditional culture. That contrast is a testament to Japan's ability to embrace change while preserving its heritage.
What is the visiting etiquette in Japan?
There are many small conventions of etiquette in Japan and you won’t be expected to master them all, but knowing a few basics will help your trip to run a lot smoother. Remove your shoes in homes and ryokans (occasionally in restaurants) and use slippers when they’re offered. Avoid blowing your nose in public or being loud on public transit.
Purity and cleanliness are important Japanese values, so learn the proper way to wash your hands and face before entering a shrine. The most popular ones including Meiji Jingu in Tokyo will have instructions posted. Similarly, wash thoroughly before using an onsen or bath. These are for relaxing, not bathing.
Use both hands and offer a slight bow when giving or receiving something. When receiving a bow, particularly from staff at a hotel or restaurant, offer a slight nod of the head as acknowledgement. Bowing will probably prompt the other person to bow again, and theoretically, this could go on for a while.
Finally, it seems obvious, but from cosplayers to teens sporting the latest creative fashions, always ask before taking a photo. Geishas in Kyoto are used to it, but these busy entertainers will not stop for you. If you are lucky enough to see a real one, take your photo quickly and respectfully, and never get in their way or chase them just for a photo.
What is Japan best known for?
Japan evokes powerful symbols, from elusive geishas to noble samurai, sumo athletes, neon-soaked cities filled with cutting edge technology, serene onsen baths, the perfect symmetry of Mount Fuji, and immaculately presented meals. Japanese society values balance, order, hard work, and social and spiritual harmony. Trains in Japan run on time, cities are designed for optimal liveability. and family is usually prioritized. The country is famous for technological innovations, yet its social norms command great respect and tend to resist change.
Japan’s steady, ritualized way of life can be seen in its national sports and art forms as well from martial arts to theatre. Don’t be fooled though. The Japanese also love a good party. They rarely, if ever entertain at home, preferring to stay out late, socializing with friends. Sakura, the annual cherry blossom festival, is more lively celebration than simple flower viewing. Japan’s contributions to pop culture, including animation and video games have also made it a dream destination for fans around the world. Otaku or fan culture of this kind is celebrated in neighbourhoods like Tokyo’s Akihabara, aka Electric Town.
What are some Japanese traditions?
The onsen is a Japanese communal bath, and the rituals involved, from receiving one’s kimono, to learning the etiquette for hopping between the baths can be as fun as it is relaxing, particularly at some of the larger, more tourist-friendly onsens. Some hotels and inns will have a private onsen as well.
Sumo is Japan’s national sport, and Tokyo’s competitive sumo season runs during January, May and September. The big boys also face off in Osaka every March, Nagoya in July and Fukuoka in November. Tickets go on sale roughly one month before a tournament begins.
Kabuki theatre is performed across the country, though Kabukiza in Tokyo sells very affordable one-act standing tickets (don’t worry, you can lean), with English audio guides ideal for first-timers.
A tea ceremony is a simple and wonderful way to experience Japanese culture up-close. You can simply watch, or participate, kimono and all.
If you want to see a geisha performance, the easiest and most affordable way is to take part in a group appointment designed for foreigners, where several geisha arts such as dance, instrumental music, flower arranging and conversation are showcased. It’s a great way to learn about one of the most misunderstood professions in Japan.
What are Japanese people like socially?
Stereotype paints Japanese people as reserved and distant with strangers. While there’s some truth to that, it’s far from universal. The difference between people in Tokyo and Osaka illustrates this perfectly. Life in Tokyo tends to be ordered and businesslike, and while Tokyoites are very social (living in one of the best nightlife cities in the world), they tend to keep to themselves. In Osaka, life flows a little differently. Osakans are known for being more gregarious, fond of a good joke over good food, and (according to Tokyoites) being louder and more playful than most Japanese. Etiquette and respect however, are fairly standard across Japan. You will not find Osakans being loud on public transit, for example.
Japanese customer service tends to be extremely polite. Workers welcome customers who enter their business and say goodbye when they leave. Acknowledging them (ideally in Japanese) is a good way to feel more integrated in local culture and may land you smoother, more confident service as well. The Japanese are typically proud of their country, and for all their ‘reservedness,’ it’s not unusual to have one approach you to offer conversation or local insight.
What language do Japanese people speak?
Japanese is the de facto official language in Japan. That being said, there is much more diversity in religion and ethnicity in Japan than most outsiders expect, and you’ll find different dialects of Japanese around the country.
While anywhere between 13 to 28 percent of Japanese are thought to understand some English, some sources drop that figure to as little as two percent when it comes to speaking fluently. Many Japanese can seem reserved because they do not want their English skills to seem poor (even if they’re actually quite good). If you master a few Japanese phrases, people may attempt to speak with you in Japanese. Even if you can’t go any further, it’s a good way to break the ice and put the other person at ease.
