Location
Located in the continent of Asia along the North Pacific ocean beside China, Russia North Korea and South Korea.
Capital
Tokyo
Etiquette & Customs
Greeting
When greeting someone it is common to bow with either a small nod of the head or leaning forward a bit bending the waist. Bowing is also used to thank, ask a favor, or apologize.
Dining out
It is common for restaurants in Japan to display a visual display of their dishes using plastic or wax replicas in a window at the entrance. This attracts customers and also comes in handy if you do not speak Japanese.
When entering a restaurant customers are greeted with the saying “irasshaimase” meaning “welcome, please come in”. The waiter or waitress will ask how many people are in your party then lead you to your table.
Sitting
Restaurants in Japan usually provide table and chairs along with low traditional tables where you sit on pillows on the floor, this is commonly referred to as zashiki you will be asked which one you prefer. For zashiki style seating remove your shoes at the entrance before stepping onto this sitting area. When sitting on the floor the formal way of sitting for both genders is kneeling called seiza. In Japan restaurants there are usually smoking and non smoking seating areas that you can also choose from.
Wet towels referred as “oshibori” are provided at most restaurant to clean your hands before eating.
If water, tea, and chopsticks are not served they are usually available for self service somewhere in the restaurant.
Ordering
When you are ready to order you can say “sumimasen” to the staff which means excuse me. Some restaurants in Japan have call buttons on the table and some have ordering machines where you can select the food and pay there.
Utensils
Chopsticks are used to eat most kinds of Japanese foods. A spoon is used to eat soups and certain Japanese dishes such as donburi and curry rice.
To use the chopsticks take the first one a rest it between your thumb and index finger. Grab the second chopstick and hold it like a pencil. Keep the bottom chopstick still and move the second chopstick to pick up your food.
Do not spear food with your chopsticks.
Do not point with your chopsticks, wave them in the air or play with them.
If you have already eaten with your chopsticks, use the opposite end to take food from a shared plate.
Billing
Once you are finished eating the bill will be presents face down and in most restaurants in Japan it is expected of you to bring your bill to the cashier located near the exit when leaving.
At Japanese restaurants they do not expect nor ask for tips. It is polite to say “gochisosama deshita” which mean thank you for the meal when leaving.
Language
Japanese
Music
Traditional music of Japan consists of shomyo and gagaku. Shomyo is buddhist chanting and gagaku is orchestral music. Some traditional japanese instruments include, Biwa (琵琶), Fue (笛), Hichiriki (篳篥). The mainstream music of Japan is known as J-pop.
Religion
Shinto and Buddhism are Japan’s two major religions.
television
The animation style referred as “anime” originated in Japan. It is for both children and adult audiences.
Art
“Oshibori Art” or the art of folding towels, that can be turned into cartoon characters, animals, plants, and mushrooms.
Fashion
Fashion
The traditional clothing of Japan is the kimono that was once worn on a daily basis by most Japanese people.
Fashion
Yukata is a summer robe that’s popular at parties and festivals. It’s inexpensive and informal.
Fashion
Zori is a type of Japanese formal sandal.
Geta
Geta is a Japanese sandal that keeps your kimono above the floor.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Japan mainly consists of rice, seafood, miso soup, noodles, curry and vegetables.
popular dishes
Donburi
Large rice bowl consisting of fish, meat, vegetables.
Sushi
raw seafood, vegetables, tropical fruits, and vinegared rice.
Soba
Wheat and buckwheat flour noodles.
Dessert
Anmitsu
Small cubes of agar jelly, a white translucent jelly made from red algae. The agar is dissolved with water to make the jelly. Red algae or seaweed and fruit juice.
Castella
Sponge cake made of sugar, flour, eggs, and starch syrup.
Traveling to Japan?
Add to the discussion!