Five things you may know about Japan

I want to share five things you may definitely want to know about staying at a Japanese home. Even if you will be staying at a hotel, learning these etiquettes will be very helpful for you and your travel mate.

Some of my American friends have Japanese friends and most of them are familiar with the culture very well. But when this guy learned Japanese with me and stayed with his friend’s parents’ home in Chiba, I felt a bit nervous.

Why?

Because I didn’t really have the time to go over the basic Japanese household etiquettes that are very useful when you are staying at your Japanese friend’s home.

1) Take off your shoes at Genkan (entrance): It is a traditional entry area for a Japanese house. I can say that all Japanese houses have the genkan so please take off your shoes. 

Your host may offer guest slippers. It will be nice for you to thank your host and wear these slippers as a courtesy.

2) Say Itadakimasu and Gochisousama Deshita: Itadakimasu is for pre-meal and Gochisousama is for post-meal. Basically you are thanking the meal preparer for taking the time to prepare a delicious meal for you. You usually put your hands together when you say these expressions.

3) Don’t be surprised if they want you to sleep on the floor (Futon): Bed is relatively new to Japan and traditionally Japanese people sleep on Futon. It’s a thick mattress placed on the floor. It is a firm thin mattress and some people who have never slept in the Futon may think it is too firm but you will get used to it. If you have severe back problem, arrange to stay at a hotel. (this is probably the best bet.)

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4) Bring Omiyage (suveniors) : it is not necessary but if you are staying at your Japanese friend’s home and it would be very nice to bring a small gift to your friend and her family if they live together. You will give a great impression right off the bat.

5) Ofuro (bath): Don’t be surprised to see one family sharing the same bath tub for a whole night..this is very uncomfortable for westerners because many of them just take showers not bath. When we take a bath here in the US, it is usually for one person but I don’t want to consume too much water, so I don’t do this everyday obviously.