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"It’s a Park, But It’s Useless!?" 4 Japanese Customs that Shocked Foreigners

Last updated: 20 July 2020

The number of tourists visiting Japan increases every year, but so does the number of non-Japanese who live here. There are many local customs and rules that often make expats go, “That’s strange” or “I don’t quite understand!”

We asked overseas visitors what customs confused them, and their impressions of things that are commonplace for Japanese people. (The following comments are the personal opinions of only those interviewed.)

When talking about Japanese parks, people agreed that they are clean and beautifully maintained, but in some locations:

“Playing catch isn’t allowed in Japanese parks? And the birth rate is falling. Both are unthinkable in my country!” (Cuban man)

“You can drink alcohol, but not play ball? Who are Japanese parks for?” (Australian woman)

Occasionally you may see unexpected rules, such as “No ball play for children” or “No dancing” and there are places where “practicing manzai comedy is prohibited.” News about park rules is a frequent topic of conversation among Japanese, too.

Rules about noise and playing contrasted by consuming alcohol in the park during cherry blossom viewing season may make you think, “What kind of standards are those?” But the circumstances are more complex due to consideration for the people living in the area.

As for greetings, these often define Japanese courtesy itself.

“Do Japanese have only a few ways to greet others?” (Mexican woman)

This was certainly an unexpected opinion from a different perspective. Perhaps because there are many Japanese greetings are conveyed by means of gestures like bowing, some people may get the impression that there aren’t many verbal greetings. Since everyone is taught in elementary school the “greetings should be loud and cheerful,” this comes as a surprise.

“Why can shop clerks’ greeting be ignored? Do Japanese people dislike the clerks?” (Moroccan man)

“I always say hello to others but sometimes the response is kind of empty. Are others really shy?” (Australian woman)

People could return the greeting saying, ‘Thank you, hello!’ but perhaps we really don’t often see that.

Not only shopkeepers’ greetings, but also saying “excuse me” or “thanks for your hard work” are received similarly. Maybe we should think more about that…

Some opinions on alcohol:

“Japan is a good place for drinking in public! But I don’t think it looks good to be drunk on the street...” (American man)

“You can’t smoke on the street, but you can drink!?” (Mexican woman)

“Personally, I think there are too many drinking parties.” Isn’t eating dinner with the family normal?” (Romanian woman)

Drunk people are often found on the streets or in trains, and it’s not unusual for people to walk with an open can of beer. These seem to be points that bother many foreigners.

There were also many opinions on how to work-related drinking parties: “Why do I have to drink with my boss after work?” Or “Japanese people are usually kind, but I was surprised by how some people change when they drink.” It’s good that you can drink freely, but self-discipline and being careful to get along with others are important.

There was an interesting opinion about the inns that support the Japanese sightseeing culture.

“At the ryokan I went to bed early and got up early, eating breakfast at 6 a.m. Such an intense day off!” (Laotian man)

“The ryokan hostess is almost like a mother. She brought my meals, and even prepared my futon (lol).” (Sri Lankan woman)

You can certainly stay at a ryokan while on holiday, but if you think about it, staying on a regular weekday could be good too. Take a bath and go to bed early, get up early and eat breakfast...

Because of the motherly treatment at the ryokan, will we want to go back to everyday life? A 12 o'clock checkout is reason enough to like some inns!

These are just a few Japanese cultural points that sometimes cause confusion. There are many unique viewpoints that may make you think, or say “Yeah, that’s right!” On the other hand, there were a lot of positive comments about Japan too.

When visiting Japan, you might have some questions too, but be sure to enjoy your trip anyway!

English translation by Gabriel Wilkinson