How to be Polite in Japan

The Japanese are known to be some of the most polite people in the world and are sure to treat you with respect. It is evident that manners can take you far in Japan if you ever plan on visiting. Here are a few tips on Japanese etiquette to help enjoy your holiday even better.

Pour other's drinks but not yours

If you are going to Japan to work, you will find that nomikai or drinking parties are quite popular. It is where your team will go out for a shot of sake or two together to get to know each other better. It is very important that you allow your colleague or friend to pour your drink as pouring your own drink is seen as a selfish and greedy act. Not to mention it also looks antisocial and you definitely don't want to come across as antisocial at a party. The next rule at a drinking party would be to pour for your boss, superiors and customers.

Point with your hand

The Japanese feel its better to point with your whole hand when indicating a direction, person or place. Never use your index finger to point at anything unless its to point at yourself. Also, remember that when pointing at themselves, the Japanese point at their nose rather than their chest.

Stand on the correct side

When it comes to taking the escalator, unlike anywhere else in the world, there is a specific side for those who want to wait and let the moving stairs gradually take them up or down. But there is also a side for those in a hurry who'd rather climb than wait. In the Kanto region and Tokyo as well, if you want to stand and let the stairs do the work, you should be standing on the left side. If you are in the Kansai region which includes Osaka and Kyoto, you'll need to stand on the right.

Quiet train rides

When taking the subway, you'll find that the ride is absolutely quiet. Noisy passengers have never been a thing in Japan and will not be tolerated either. People getting into the train are usually those going to work, school or trying to get to an important destination. Therefore, most of them might be tired after work or trying to collect their thoughts on the way and it would be extremely rude to speak loudly and disturb the peace and quiet. If you need to take an urgent phone call, there is a special car designated for this purpose.

Blow your nose in private

Most people anywhere in the world try to avoid blowing their nose in public and this is the same in Japan as well. Blowing your nose in public is seen as uncultured and a potential way to spread germs. It is completely alright to sniffle quietly but wait to you get to a private spot where no one will hear or see you blowing your nose.

Shower before getting into a public bath

Onsen (hot springs) and sento (public bath) are quite a popular attraction in Japan and if you plan on having the experience remember that showering and scrubbing yourself from head to toe is important. Many others are using it as well and if you step into the pol of water without showering first it is seen as rude and gross. The traditional shower place will have a stool with a hosepipe, but now there are showers in most places so foreigners will find things much easier.

Socks for tatami

Tatami mats were used in the good old days as a sort of carpet for the floor and the tradition is still kept in some of the Japanese style inns known as ryokan. You can wear slippers for the hard-wooden floor, but you are expected to walk on tatami mats only with socks as slippers or shoes can wear them off quickly. If you are in another type of Niseko accommodation, perhaps a hotel like Chatrium Niseko Japan you can walk into your room with your shoes on and change into the room slippers provided.