Japanese Customs Tips – Things to Know Before Your Trip to Japan
Many know Japan as a country with an excellent cuisine and advanced technology. More importantly, though, it is a country with a rich culture and deeply rooted unique traditions. Before you go on a trip to Japan, then, it’s best to learn about Japanese culture, starting with knowing the top Japanese customs.
Bowing is one of the most practiced Japanese customs, as well as one of the most important. Therefore, try to bow when you are introduced to a Japanese. You do not always need to bow from the waist. A short bow angled at about fifteen degrees should suffice, although keep in mind that bows are usually longer and lower when you are apologizing or in front of someone superior.
Greeting one another is also encouraged, so remember to always say good morning (ohayo gozaimasu), good day (konnichiwa), good evening (konbanwa) or good night (oyasuminasai) during your trip to Japan. Don’t forget to say thank you (arigato gozaimasu), as well or say goodbye (sayounara or jyaa ne) before leaving. When addressing someone, always use their last name, and then add the suffix -san or -sama, since only very close friends or family members call each other by their first name.
In case you get invited to a Japanese home, remember to remove your shoes at the entrance and place them in an orderly manner on the rack or beside the others. The same is true with most business establishments and hotels in Japan. If there is a pair of indoor slippers at the entrance, put them on but take them off before stepping onto a tatami mat, the traditional Japanese straw mat.
Do you know how to use chopsticks? If not, you better learn before making your trip to Japan, not just so you can enjoy Japanese food better but so you can avoid being stared at when you are in a Japanese restaurant. Just buy your own set, which shouldn’t be hard to find, learn the right method and keep on practicing. While you’re at it, make sure you keep in mind not to leave your chopsticks sticking out of a rice bowl, as well, since this is considered extremely rude.
After mastering the use of chopsticks, you can now move on to table manners, which are also important Japanese customs. If you are offered an oshibori or wet towel before eating, use this to wipe your hands only, not your mouth, face or neck, then set it aside. Make sure you say ‘itadakimasu’, as well, which is the Japanese equivalent of ‘Bon appetit’. Make sure you clear your plate and don’t be afraid to slurp while eating your noodles since this is acceptable in Japanese culture.
On the other hand, tipping is not acceptable and is even considered insulting so just pay the price without leaving any extra. This doesn’t just apply to restaurants, but also to hotels, cabs and most business establishments and services. When paying, put your cash on the tray provided instead of handing it over to the waitress or the cashier.
Japanese customs apply to bathing, too. When bathing, the Japanese usually use the same tub with the same water, bathing in order from the oldest to the youngest. Technically, they do not use the water to bathe, though. Rather, they wash and rinse beside the tub then just soak in it afterwards. The same is true with public baths like onsens or thermal springs. Therefore, if you happen to relax in an onsen during your trip to Japan, make sure you wash and rinse first, then be careful not to dirty the water in any way.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car hire Portugal, or learn more about car hire deals worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
Spain Vacations – What to Buy During Your Holidays in Spain
What should I bring home from Spain? This is one of the questions most tourists ask while on holidays in Spain. Looking for things to buy in Spain should not be a problem, though, since Spain is known for many world-class products. Here are just some you can fit into your suitcase.
1. Spanish saffron – Saffron is one of the world’s most sought-after spices, and Spanish saffron is the best of them all. Grown in the plains of La Mancha, Spanish saffron has the best rating when it comes to color and quality. It’s not easy to find, too, so it’s best to bring home a bottle or two for your kitchen or one of your cooking enthusiast-friends when you return from your holidays in Spain.
2. Sherry – True, sherry may not be as popular as red or white wine but it is definitely a treasure of its own – a treasure you’ll want to bring home from the town of Jerez. Like the Spanish saffron, sherry can be a great addition to your kitchen, if not to your own wine cupboard, since it can be used as a cooking ingredient, too.
3. Ceramics – Spain is well known for its ceramic industry so make sure you buy ceramic plates when you go shopping in Spain. You can buy ceramic tiles, too, if you wish, from Valencia and Seville or bring home some exquisite pieces of Majorcan pottery to decorate your living room with.
4. Leather goods – Spanish leather goods are excellent souvenirs, too, and you can even use them for years after your trip, so make sure you include a pair of leather shoes, a leather purse or a leather belt in your shopping list while spending holidays in Spain.
5. Lace – Shopping in Spain won’t be complete unless you buy a lace handkerchief, shawl or tablecloth. Spanish lace products are handmade in Catalonia, where the lace-making industry began in the 16th century.
6. Hand fans – Finally, don’t forget to pick up some authentic Spanish hand fans. Whether wooden or made of ivory, simple or embroidered, hand fans are beautiful souvenirs and great gifts for all your friends. Even if it’s cold where you live, you can always use your hand fan as a prop when you dance the flamenco or simply hang it on your wall.
These are just some things you can buy during your holidays in Spain. Keep in mind, though, that the best souvenirs are your own photographs and memories, which are priceless and can be treasured for a lifetime.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Spain, by car. Zencarhire.com offer car hire from many locations throughout Spain, including, Car Hire Alicante Airport. To book a car rental in Spain, or learn more about car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com