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Never do this 5 things in Japan if you don’t want to get kick out

25, Jan 2024

Talk or Make Phone Calls Loudly on the Train

Many people take out their smartphones to kill some time when they feel bored on the train or other public transportation, such as playing games, watching videos or chatting with friends. Talking on the phone on the train seems to be commonplace overseas, but it's considered bad manners in Japan. Japanese people often only use e-mail and chatting apps on trains. There is no problem exchanging messages, but if you make a phone call on the train, most people will think that you are rude. If you must talk on the phone, remember to lower your voice and it is better to do it after getting off the train.

When talking to people on the train, also should be careful of the volume of your voice. This rule depends on the region in Japan, and it is especially important on crowded trains. In the case of Tokyo, the more people there are on the train, the fewer people talk loudly. It is also important to turn off mobile phones near priority seats.

 

Enter the Train Tracks

In Japan, it is forbidden to enter train tracks. This is the same even when the train is not running, and entering the premises is prohibited by law. Taking pictures on the railroad tracks might give you a nice view of the scenery, but you should never take pictures on train tracks in Japan. It is also prohibited to place stones or objects on the tracks. Please be careful if you are traveling with children because behaviors that sabotage the trains such as laying stones are very serious sins.

In Japan, trains in Kamakura are very popular with foreigners, especially fans of Japanese manga(anime) "Slam Dunk" since Kamakura is the main stage of the story. Many foreigners stay on the tracks until the train comes, or hold the camera so close that they almost hit the train. This problem is considered very serious and there are even security guards standing at railroad crossings.

Such behaviors may lead to train delays and may cause inconvenience to many people, and the railway company may demand a large amount of compensation for damages.

 

Smoke in a Non-Designated Area

In Japan, it is polite to smoke only in designated areas to avoid secondhand smoke and to respect nonsmokers. However, many foreign tourists are confused about where to smoke. In Japan, smoking is illegal in public indoor spaces (restaurants, cafes, bars, etc.), partially enclosed spaces (buildings with open roofs or walls, bus stops, etc.), and in the workplace.

Although you can smoke indoors in some designated areas, you can't smoke while walking the streets of Tokyo. There are places where you will be fined if you smoke while walking. You can also be fined for throwing cigarettes or garbage on the street.

 

Take Photos Without Consent

Before taking a photo, be sure to check the places where you are not allowed to take pictures in Japan. If you want to know if you can take pictures, ask the people around you. Photography is often prohibited in museums and galleries in Japan. This rule is made to protect copyright, and Japan is a very strict country against "copyright". Also, please note that some shopping malls and cafes may not allow you to take pictures of other people. In addition, it is prohibited to photograph books and magazines in bookstores, libraries, cinemas, etc. In Japan, this is called "digital shoplifting".

It is also prohibited to take pictures in hot springs. If you want to take pictures, remember to ask someone else for permission first. Even if you are allowed to take pictures, do not take pictures of other bathers, or make them uncomfortable. Also, do not post such photos online.

 

Leave the Food at the Restaurant

In Japan, it is considered bad manners to leave food behind in restaurants. This is because leaving something that was made for you is considered disrespectful to the person who made it. Thus, in Japan, leaving food behind has been viewed as bad manners due to the spirit of waste and disrespect towards the person who made it.

The take-out style has become popular in many countries, but it has not yet spread in Japan. This is probably due to cultural differences between countries. In Japan, if something goes wrong with the food brought back, it could be a disadvantage for the restaurant since it may be fully responsible for the problems. However, depending on the restaurant, it seems that guests may be able to take it home if permitted. If permission is given, you are responsible for the food you bring home, and you need to be careful not to disturb the restaurant while asking for take-out.


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