One of the most unusual countries for Europeans remains Japan. The streets of the cities surprise and delight. There is a lot of everything bright and colorful, incomprehensible and attractive. It is sometimes difficult for a stranger to navigate in the crowded megacities of the Land of the Rising Sun. And it is far from always clear how to behave, what is permissible to do and what is not. The article offers a few notes about local etiquette and the peculiarities of the streets of Japan (you can also check out the photo).
About silence
It's unbelievable, but one of the planet's most densely populated metropolises turns out to be the most silent. Except for some areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku, the streets of Tokyo are pretty quiet. No one speaks loudly, no one shouts, no hum of constant chatter is heard. Walking in the center of the night capital (for example, in the Chiyoda district) will bring enjoyment comparable to a quiet Sunday afternoon in the park.
Of course, everything seen for the first time on the streets of Japan causes almost childish delight and joy, but one should express emotions as calmly as possible, and speak quietly. If you watch from the side of the noisygroup of foreigners, you can see how awkward their hubbub causes the locals. Even in the center of Tokyo, there are many neighborhoods that do not hear loud noises throughout the evening.
About precipitation and umbrellas
Rain in Japan is not uncommon. It is considered extremely impolite to hit a passerby with your folded umbrella, wet the clothes of others, drip on the floor in transport and public places. Therefore, after the end of the rain, the accessory must be folded into a waterproof cover. In restaurants and department stores, you can borrow a plastic umbrella sleeve at the entrance. This is a free service as the owners are seriously concerned that the floor is not wet and slippery. In many cities in Japan, you can find special stands with umbrellas on the streets, which every passer-by has the right to use when it rains. If there is no need, the umbrella is left in another nearby container.
About garbage
The streets of Japan confuse foreigners at first because it is impossible to find garbage containers or bins anywhere. Local residents put everything in a plastic bag and carry it home to sort and throw garbage into a strictly designated container. And this is generally accepted. Tourists should do the same, especially since in any Japanese hotel the maids empty the wastebasket every day. You can see waste containers next to vending machines, but they are only for users of these outlets, and not for general use. That's why it's not customary to throw them at them.foreign garbage.
About smoking
In Japan, smoking on the streets, especially while moving, is considered irresponsible to say the least, as it can ruin clothes or burn someone in a crowded crowd. Therefore, smoking is allowed only in specially designated areas in the open air. There are many areas in Japan where it is illegal to smoke outside, and smoking areas are clearly marked. As for bars and restaurants, there are still establishments in the country where visitors are allowed to smoke. These places include most gambling establishments, such as Pachinko in Tokyo.
About food
In the cities of Japan it is incredibly indecent to drink or eat on the street. This may be a little perplexing. What if you are thirsty or have a desire to satisfy your hunger? The streets are considered dirty, so there are special areas for eating and drinking, in addition, there are many vending machines, cafes, bars and pubs around. It is accepted that purchased food and drinks are consumed where they were purchased. All vending machines are provided for this place and a wastebasket for packages and empty containers. All street food vendors usually offer small venues for their customers. In no case should you eat on the subway or train, and do not use a folding tray in front of the passenger seat for food if you are on an airplane. Some overnight trains have a dedicated area for food and drink. It should be remembered that eating inintended for this public places, completely obscene.
About moving along the streets and in transport
Always keep to your side of the road in pedestrian areas and allow others to pass freely. Never interfere with anyone is one of the main rules and norms of Japanese behavior, and this should be respected. Most sidewalks, escalators, subway platforms have signs indicating which side to follow. While enthusiastically looking at street curiosities, one should not forget to ensure that one does not walk along the bike path.
There are also separate zones for queues in the subway and at the shinkansen (high-speed trains). You can not look for them, because people have already lined up, and it remains only to take their place, but do not forget that coming close is unacceptable, personal space should be respected. On shinkansen platforms, circles, squares, or triangles can be seen with numbers indicating the position and start of the queue. When getting on the Japanese subway or train, it is imperative to remove the backpack from your shoulders and take it in your hands so as not to inadvertently hurt anyone.
As for taxis in Japan, it is worth considering that the doors in most cars are automatic. which open and close on their own. Therefore, you should not try to operate the doors yourself, this behavior may upset the taxi driver.
On the difficulties of orienteering
Streets in Japan do not have names and are used herecompletely different, in comparison with Western countries, the addressing system - only the numbers of quarters and houses are indicated. There are some exceptions to this rule, where mostly central highways have names, but local residents and postal workers ignore them. The streets of neighborhoods can deviate at the most incredible angles, diverge and merge with some kind of incomprehensible logic, intersect with tiny streets without clear signs. At the same time, the numbers of the buildings are not observed in a clear sequence. Therefore, finding a place or object at the right address for a foreigner is very difficult, especially in the absence of language skills. What to do in such a situation? You can use a map or navigation system. Most travel brochures or guidebooks include small, simple maps, but these are often not to scale. The locals are very patient and kind, in the most desperate situation, even if you do not understand Japanese, you can still resort to their help.
About the communication process
Don't expect all Japanese to speak English. This is far from the case, and most of the inhabitants do not know a foreign language. Before visiting Japan, it is still worth learning a few basic phrases, and relying on gestures for the rest. The Google Translate app on your smartphone will help a lot. One should never get annoyed if a Japanese does not understand English, one should remember that he is at home and it is unacceptable to make people feel uncomfortable in theirown country. When gesturing, you can not point your finger, in Japan this is perceived as a threat. When asked to indicate something, the Japanese tend to show directions with an open palm. It is worth making an effort when communicating, always remaining friendly and patient, gesturing with restraint and not talking loudly.
Finally, I would like to mention that Japan maintains a reputation for being an incredibly safe country. Here you can not be afraid to walk at night along the most remote and back streets with a wallet full of yen. Moreover, throughout the country they prefer cash to credit cards.
