Japan Travel

From its language and religious beliefs, to the cuisine and daily social norms, Japan is a unique country steeped in tradition. It’s well known as a friendly, polite, and tolerant nation that makes everyone feel at home, but here are a few general tips on Japanese culture and etiquette if you want to make an effort to fit in like a local and avoid any common misunderstandings. Greeting Others: Mastering the Bow One famous element of Japanese social etiquette is the bow. This form of greeting differs from the handshake that is more common in Europe and America. Although people in Japan are familiar with the handshake, they also practice this. Getting the bow right in Japan doesn’t take too much practice. It generally comes down to remembering how deep to bow. The general rule is to bow deep in formal settings or when meeting someone for the first time (lowering your head to around chest height), and to perform just a light nod (no lower than the neck) if greeting friends or others in more informal settings. If you want to say something, you can opt for Konnichiwa (hello) or Hajimemashite (nice to meet you). Be Friendly, But Don’t…