CULTURE INFO AND VIDEOS
HOW TO VISIT A TEMPLE AND SHRINE?
We will be visiting up to three Shrines. It is important you have an idea of what they are and what are the customs before visiting.
Shrines generally are a place and object that in-captures the spirit of a person, or gods.
Click on the Shrine entrance to take you to the link.
HOW TO VISIT A TEMPLE AND SHRINE?
We will be visiting up to three Shrines. It is important you have an idea of what they are and what are the customs before visiting.
Shrines generally are a place and object that in-captures the spirit of a person, or gods.
Click on the Shrine entrance to take you to the link.
HOW TO HOLD CHOPSTICKS
As most places will only have Chopsticks, please practise before you arrive in Japan.
Click on the Chopsticks to find out how to hold them correctly.
As most places will only have Chopsticks, please practise before you arrive in Japan.
Click on the Chopsticks to find out how to hold them correctly.
WHAT TO DO AT THE TABLE BESIDES STRUGGLING TO USE CHOPSTICKS?
Try your best to follow these points. It will make our stay much more pleasant and less"Hazukashi" (Embarrassing) for us all.
Try your best to follow these points. It will make our stay much more pleasant and less"Hazukashi" (Embarrassing) for us all.
- Blowing your nose in public, and especially at the table, is considered bad manners.
- It is considered good manners to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.
- Talking about toilet related and similarly unappetizing topics during or before a meal is not appreciated by most people.
- Unlike in some other parts of East Asia, it is considered bad manners to burp.
- Replace the lids on dishes and put your chopsticks on the chopstick holder or back into their paper slip.
WHAT TO SAY BEFORE AND AFTER EATING?
Before you eat (especially if other Japanese people are present), say 'Itadakimasu' (I/ta/da/ki/ma/su) which sounds like "ea-t a duck he must". If you say this very fast just changing the 'eat a' to 'ita' and the 'must' to'mus', you will have this down pat. The meaning is close to 'I gratefully receive'.
After eating, and as you leave past the counter, it is polite to say 'Gochisosamadeshita'(Go/chi/so/sa/ma/de/shi/ta), which sounds like 'go chi so summer deshita'. This means Thankyou for the meal. You are basically complimenting the chef.
Before you eat (especially if other Japanese people are present), say 'Itadakimasu' (I/ta/da/ki/ma/su) which sounds like "ea-t a duck he must". If you say this very fast just changing the 'eat a' to 'ita' and the 'must' to'mus', you will have this down pat. The meaning is close to 'I gratefully receive'.
After eating, and as you leave past the counter, it is polite to say 'Gochisosamadeshita'(Go/chi/so/sa/ma/de/shi/ta), which sounds like 'go chi so summer deshita'. This means Thankyou for the meal. You are basically complimenting the chef.
JAPANESE TOILETS
Japan has perhaps the most technologically advanced toilets in the world. The one featured above is the modern Japan toilet and is common in many hotels and newer buildings. Some of the features include:
- Heated seats - No one likes to plop their tushie down on a cold seat in the winter and the Japanese have figured this out. The little cord coming out of the wall hooks into the seat to provides electricity to heat it up.
- Adjustable Shower / Bidet - As seen in the picture their is a control panel on the toilet that allows the user to shoot water at their bottom for cleaning purposes (it is assumed). There is a little dial for adjusting the level of the water pressure and what looks like two settings, Shower and Bidet. The difference between these two settings is anyone's guess, and only those brave enough to try it out will know for sure. Rumor has it there is a little blow drying effect that comes on afterwards to do the drying. It is questionable that many people use these features (for cleaning purposes anyway) as toilet paper is quite prevalent in Japan. But use it or not, how can you not get a toilet with all these features?
- Water adjustment - Sitting down on the seat automatically causes additional water to flow into the bowl. Apparently it knows a biggie is coming and prepares extra water to take care of the job.
Warning - it can be tempting to 'try' the buttons and knobs - a word of warning - don't hit the EMERGENCY button on the wall - you may not appreciate the attention you receive, unless you genuinely need it.
These toilets are quite a step up from the traditional toilets in Japan, which are more of the hole in the ground variety as are popular throughout Asia. Even these though have their own special features.
As spoken about at the information nights, toilets may need to be overviewed prior to arriving to Japan.
While there are high technology toilets, this link mainly talks about what to do if you get stuck with one of the more 'traditional' facilities.
Click on the picture the link.
Japan has perhaps the most technologically advanced toilets in the world. The one featured above is the modern Japan toilet and is common in many hotels and newer buildings. Some of the features include:
- Heated seats - No one likes to plop their tushie down on a cold seat in the winter and the Japanese have figured this out. The little cord coming out of the wall hooks into the seat to provides electricity to heat it up.
- Adjustable Shower / Bidet - As seen in the picture their is a control panel on the toilet that allows the user to shoot water at their bottom for cleaning purposes (it is assumed). There is a little dial for adjusting the level of the water pressure and what looks like two settings, Shower and Bidet. The difference between these two settings is anyone's guess, and only those brave enough to try it out will know for sure. Rumor has it there is a little blow drying effect that comes on afterwards to do the drying. It is questionable that many people use these features (for cleaning purposes anyway) as toilet paper is quite prevalent in Japan. But use it or not, how can you not get a toilet with all these features?
- Water adjustment - Sitting down on the seat automatically causes additional water to flow into the bowl. Apparently it knows a biggie is coming and prepares extra water to take care of the job.
Warning - it can be tempting to 'try' the buttons and knobs - a word of warning - don't hit the EMERGENCY button on the wall - you may not appreciate the attention you receive, unless you genuinely need it.
These toilets are quite a step up from the traditional toilets in Japan, which are more of the hole in the ground variety as are popular throughout Asia. Even these though have their own special features.
As spoken about at the information nights, toilets may need to be overviewed prior to arriving to Japan.
While there are high technology toilets, this link mainly talks about what to do if you get stuck with one of the more 'traditional' facilities.
Click on the picture the link.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE OFF MY SHOES? AND WHEN?
My personal advice here is, make sure you have new pairs of socks. You don't want to be caught out with a toe hanging out. Some people may find slip-on shoes more practical.
There will be numerous times we will be taking off shoes. Our accommodation will be the first place.
For more information please click on the picture
My personal advice here is, make sure you have new pairs of socks. You don't want to be caught out with a toe hanging out. Some people may find slip-on shoes more practical.
There will be numerous times we will be taking off shoes. Our accommodation will be the first place.
For more information please click on the picture
ONSEN AND BATHING
Most Inns have a traditional おふろ bath. Like many other experiences in Japan, this is something to try, even if just once. Ask your teacher if you are able to reserve a time so that you can experience the bath.
Remember the bath house is segregated. For logistical ease, just go to the bathhouse in your underwear and yukata (if provided), and carry fresh underwear and a towel. Upon entering the bath house, there will be many baskets, into which you should place all your clothes. If there is a pile of washcloths, take one into the bath room with you.
In the actual bath room, there are rows of taps about knee height. Take a stool and a bucket from the entrance way. Sit opposite a tap, and wash yourself very well, several times. Shampoo and body soap is provided. You can fill your bucket up with the tap then wash the soap off by either pouring buckets of water over yourself, or using the handheld shower.
Only when you are completely clean of soap and dirt do you get in the bath, where you can soak all the cares and aches of the day away. You cannot wear any item of clothing into the bath.
Traditionally, the bath was a very social place for people to catch up, and relax. Now, Japanese people honestly wonder how westerners can rid themselves of stress without a bath in the evening. Japanese baths are square and deep and the same water is used by many people. Traditionally, baths were taken at night and were lengthy, to soak away the troubles of the day. Young people, though, tend to prefer to have a shower in the morning. The shower is in the bathroom, and usually hand held.
The bath is for relaxing and soaking. Do not remove the plug when you are finished.
When on homestay the same rules of etiquette apply - as the guest you may be offered the first bath. If it is too hot, do not add cold water, as this will cool the bath down too much for those who follow you. Simply get into the bath very slowly and your body will get used to the changing temperature._
Most Inns have a traditional おふろ bath. Like many other experiences in Japan, this is something to try, even if just once. Ask your teacher if you are able to reserve a time so that you can experience the bath.
Remember the bath house is segregated. For logistical ease, just go to the bathhouse in your underwear and yukata (if provided), and carry fresh underwear and a towel. Upon entering the bath house, there will be many baskets, into which you should place all your clothes. If there is a pile of washcloths, take one into the bath room with you.
In the actual bath room, there are rows of taps about knee height. Take a stool and a bucket from the entrance way. Sit opposite a tap, and wash yourself very well, several times. Shampoo and body soap is provided. You can fill your bucket up with the tap then wash the soap off by either pouring buckets of water over yourself, or using the handheld shower.
Only when you are completely clean of soap and dirt do you get in the bath, where you can soak all the cares and aches of the day away. You cannot wear any item of clothing into the bath.
Traditionally, the bath was a very social place for people to catch up, and relax. Now, Japanese people honestly wonder how westerners can rid themselves of stress without a bath in the evening. Japanese baths are square and deep and the same water is used by many people. Traditionally, baths were taken at night and were lengthy, to soak away the troubles of the day. Young people, though, tend to prefer to have a shower in the morning. The shower is in the bathroom, and usually hand held.
The bath is for relaxing and soaking. Do not remove the plug when you are finished.
When on homestay the same rules of etiquette apply - as the guest you may be offered the first bath. If it is too hot, do not add cold water, as this will cool the bath down too much for those who follow you. Simply get into the bath very slowly and your body will get used to the changing temperature._