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These days, many Koreans travel to Japan at least once a year. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of tourists visiting Japan in 2023 would be 25.06 million, of which approximately 7 million would be Korean. As the amount of travel to Japan increases, the importance of respecting the culture and keeping proper etiquette becomes more crucial, especially to avoid being called an 'Ugly Korean,' a term that specifically refers to Koreans who misbehave in a foreign country. This article aims to help you avoid being called an ‘ugly Korean’ in Japan by introducing Japanese travel etiquette. If you are planning a trip to Japan, please read the article carefully and get some help.
Basic conversational skills useful for traveling in Japan
When you are planning a trip to Japan, there are a few things for travelers to note for smooth conversations with the locals, which may help them avoid potential conflicts arising from misguided communication. If you are not familiar with Japanese, learning some basic phrases can be helpful. Even though popular tourist destinations in Japan often provide Korean guides, knowing simple phrases in Japanese can still be useful. The best conversational sentences to use are “ikkuradesuka?(How much is it?)” when asking for the price and “~wa dokodesuka?(Where is the ~?)” when asking for directions. Also, it is okay when ordering from a store as a customer, also even if you are not a customer, it is not polite to say “~kudasai(~please)” when making a request. When Japanese people ask for something, they say “~onegaishimasu(~please)” in a more polite way. Don’t forget to say “arigatougozaimasu(thank you)” afterward.
Things to Be Careful During Your Trip in Japan
Be mindful not to confuse Japanese and Korean cultures. In Japan, you cannot sit in an empty seat anywhere in restaurants or cafes. Wait for the staff to show seats. Additionally, when boarding buses in Japan, remember that passengers embark and disembark in the opposite direction compared to Korea. If you enter through the rear door and exit through the front, the driver will express gratitude upon your exit. Moreover, Japan follows left-side traffic, so be careful when walking, driving, and using escalators. However, some tourist spots in Osaka and certain areas may follow right-side traffic, due to the high number of foreigners visiting these spots.
Etiquette to Follow in Japan
There are a few implicit behavior codes to observe while traveling in Japan. When using public transportation, avoid touching taxi doors as they are automatic. In addition, refrain from having conversations loudly on Japan's subways. Keep your cell phone on silent, vibrate, or manner mode, and do not make loud noises. Moreover, equally important is not to charge your phone at stores, as there's a saying about 'electricity thieves,' so be mindful.
Respecting Japanese culture and etiquette is important to avoid inconvenience and fully enjoy your trip to Japan. Be prepared for valuable experiences in Japan and be mindful of local customs and norms. “Tanoshi ryoukou ni narimashyo-(Let’s have a fun trip)”
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