Page 10 - Japan Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

TAXI ETIQUETTE Anywhere in the world even a Japanese manners and customs are vastly different from those of savvy traveler can be taken Western people. A strict code of behavior and politeness is recognized advantage of by a taxi driver and and followed by almost all Japanese. However, they are aware of the Japan is no exception. To avoid difference between themselves and the West and therefore do not problems it is wise to never accept a expect visitors to be familiar with all their customs but expect them to ride with anyone who does not behave formally and politely. A straightforward refusal does not form have a working meter and a part of Japanese etiquette. A vague 'yes' does not really mean 'yes' but displayed license. One way to have the visitor may be comforted to know that confusion caused by non- a good Taxi experience is to ask committal replies occurs between the Japanese themselves. your hotel where to find a Entertaining guests at home is not as customary as in the West, as it is legitimate taxi. You may be able to an enterprise not taken lightly and the full red-carpet treatment is get a business card of a reputable given. Japanese men are also sensitive lest their wives be embarrassed taxi driver that you can either call and feel that their hospitality is inadequate by Western standards; for PAGE 3-4 when needed or arrange to pick instance, by the inconvenience to a foreign guest of the custom of Population | Time | Visas you up at a predetermined time sitting on the floor. Insurance | History and place. Bowing is the customary greeting but handshaking is becoming more PAGE 5 History | Religion SAFETY & CRIME common for business meetings with Westerners. The honorific suffix "san" should be used when addressing all men and women; for PAGE 6 Crime in Japan is lower than in instance Mr. Yamada would be addressed as Yamada-san. When Health | Language many other first world countries. While crime is still infrequent, the entering a Japanese home or restaurant it is customary to remove PAGE 7 shoes. Table manners are very important, although the Japanese host past decade has seen increasing Climate will be very tolerant towards a visitor. However, it is best if visitors crime. There are controversies familiarize themselves with basic table etiquette and use chopsticks. It PAGE 8 regarding crimes committed by The Land | The People non-ethnic Japanese people and is customary for a guest to bring a small gift when visiting someone's home. Exchange of gifts is also a common business practice and may PAGE 9 misconduct by police in reporting take the form of souvenir items such as company pens, ties or high- Currency | Credit Cards crime statistics. quality spirits. Smoking is only restricted where notified. Changing Money | Tipping PAGE 10 PHOTOGRAPHS Etiquette | Taxis Safety & Crime It is polite to ask permission before taking photographs, Some people may take offense. PAGE 11-12 Communications | What to Pack Health & Vaccinations DRUGS Illegal drugs - The simple answer - don’t. PAGE 13 Shopping | Customs Prescription drugs - It is recommended to travel with prescriptions PAGE 14-16 for any drugs you are required to travel with for your personal Food & Drinks health. PAGE 17 Culture & The Arts | Religion Note: Some drugs available by prescription in the US are illegal in other countries. Check the US Department of State Consular Information for the country(s) you intend to visit or the embassy or consulate for that country(s). If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.