Hotelupwell.com – In general, the definition of culture shock is a feeling of surprise that a person experiences when encountering various customs, norms or traditions in a new place. Usually, culture shock is experienced by people who are traveling or moving to a new country, and then discover things they never knew before.
Just like what happens to tourists when on holiday to Japan. This is influenced by culture as well as the number of technological advances and innovations.
So, what are the culture shocks that tourists often experience in Japan? Here are some of them.
1. Crowds in Japan
In Japan, we will often find large crowds of people, especially in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Usually, these crowds can be found on the streets and stations, especially during rush hour or rush hour.
One of the busiest locations in Japan which is very famous is the Shibuya intersection. At this location, every time the special traffic light for pedestrians changes to green, you will see more than 2,500 people walking across the road. A truly astonishing number, isn’t it?
2. Very safe environment
Of course, you are already familiar with the news about Japan’s very safe environment. This can happen because the crime rate in Japan is very low.
One of the efforts made by the Japanese government to prevent criminal activity is by placing CCTV cameras or metal detectors in various locations. The government also implements a very strict firearms distribution policy.
3. Competitive work environment
Japan has long been known to have a competitive work environment. So it is not surprising that many immigrants find it difficult to adapt to these conditions.
Generally, Japanese people work around 70-80 hours a week. Japanese people are also reluctant to take leave and prefer to spend their time working. In fact, working overtime every day is considered normal in Japan.
4. Manners in Japan
Japanese people are famous for their habits of orderly living and respecting others. This is because Japanese people have been taught good manners from an early age.
One action that reflects this attitude is bowing or the bowing gesture which is familiar to Japanese people. Someone who makes a bowing gesture can mean they are greeting, saying thank you, or showing respect to another person.
5. Limited use of English
One of the most difficult things that tourists and newcomers have to face in Japan is language. Even though it is an international language, many Japanese people do not use English for daily conversations.
As a result, two-way communication is limited. Before deciding to go to Japan, it would be a good idea for you to learn the basics of Japanese first, so you can communicate with local residents.
6. Don’t give tips
Unlike in other countries, you won’t find the culture of giving tips in Japan. In fact, by giving tips, you will be considered to have behaved impolitely towards employees.
In Japan, service fees are included in the total fee that must be paid. So, you no longer need to give extra money as a tip, OK?
7. Modern toilet
As a fairly advanced country with various technological innovations in many fields, don’t be surprised if you find that public toilets in Japan are very modern.
Toilets in Japan are equipped with various kinds of buttons and sophisticated features that you might not find in other countries. Some of them are features to warm the toilet seat.
There is also a music feature that can be turned on to cover or muffle the sound when you are urinating or defecating in a public toilet.
These are some of the culture shocks that you will face on holiday to Japan. In order to adapt more easily to this environment, you must be able to be more open and appreciate the differences that exist. Hopefully this gives an idea for those of you who are planning a holiday to Japan, OK?
