Home 

Japan Travel and Culture Guide

 
 
  Japan   »  japan travel   »  culture shock   »  67 reasons you won't like japan   »  67 reasons you won't like japan (part 3)

67 Reasons You Won't Like Japan (Part 3)

        posted by John Spacey, Japan Talk, June 25, 2012

21. No tipping

You shouldn't tip in Japan. You may learn to like this. Most Japanese staff will consider a tip demeaning. You'll quickly find the lack of tips doesn't affect the level of service.

cashier

22. Reserving a seat with your purse

In Japan people reserve a seat at restaurants and cafes by leaving possessions on the table. This may seem like cheating when you're not accustomed to it. However, it's a well established local custom.

Japan is so safe that people sometimes use their wallet or purse for this purpose. Here a woman has left her wallet in plain view and gone to restroom.

restroom

That's not to say that purses aren't stolen in Japan. Drive by purse snatchings are a problem. Usually the thieves aren't out for credit cards and petty cash. They target shop staff who have a shop's daily bank deposits.

purse snatching

23. No blowing your nose in public

In Japan it's generally considered rude to blow your nose in public. It's best to go to the restroom to do it.

The good news is that touts hand out free tissue paper on the streets (with embedded advertising).

free tissue paper

24. Exotic food

You will find that there's a big difference between Japanese food outside Japan and the real thing. There are at least 30 types of Japanese restaurant. Many varieties of Japanese cuisine are challenging for those with particular tastes.

grilled fish with miso

25. Dangerous areas

There aren't many dangerous areas of Japan but they do exist. There are also areas where you wouldn't want to bring kids.

ganster punches homeless guy in himeji

26. Smoky restaurants

Japanese restaurants (particularly izakaya and cafés) can be smoky. Some restaurants don't have non-smoking sections. However, things have improved a great deal over the past 10 years.

tokyo couple

27. Baka gaijin

Baka gaijin (馬鹿外人) means stupid foreigner. Japanese people don't say it much. It's said more by gaijin themselves to explain the behavior of some of their compatriots. For example, some gaijin incessantly complain about Japan in a bigoted manner.

If you meet a baka gaijin maintain a distance. They can interfere with your travel karma.

28. Natto

Natto are unpleasant fermented beans that are a popular breakfast food in much of Japan.

natto

29. Chopsticks etiquette

The rules of ohashi etiquette are more complex than you might imagine.

chopstick manners in japan

30. Kappa monsters

If you swim in a Japanese river a kappa monster is going to get you.

kappa in river

read part 4 »


« read part 2





Trending
Visiting Japan? Why not meet the locals?

NA
loyal, honest, thinkful, cheerful, libra sign i am from istanbult

Caleb
Id love to meet people, its a fun thing in my life. talk to you soon

Anako
I am Anna, 23 years old.I am from Poland but i live in ireland. I like meeting new people, going out, having fun. I love animals, travelling and language study. will be great to meet new friends!

katalina
hi my name is Katalina im just on here trying to make me some new friends. im also learning how to speak and write japanese.


Search Member Profiles

Women






Men






Both








randomly selected from the most viewed profiles in the past 30 minutes


Japan's Sleep at Work Culture

Kyoto After Dark: 7 Best Things to do in Kyoto at Night

The big list of Japanese sushi.
Japan has hundreds of rules of etiquette. At times this can feel a little restrictive. Not to worry, there are several surprising things that are not considered rude in Japan.



We are always striving to improve Japan Talk. If you find an error or have a suggestion please let us know.

Permalink:
http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/67-reasons-you-wont-like-Japan-part3
Home »


subscribe in a reader about penpal search culture copyrights trends travel privacy tokyo daily photo friends, penpals and language exchange

Copyright 2012 Japan Talk. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Report violations here.