Unique Cultures and Traditions in Japan
Land of the rising sun. JAPAN. A country full of treasures. A country where you would enjoy digging out gold. The term “Japanese Traditions” signifies the customs or practices that have been passed on from one generation to another in Japan. The captivating and dazzling traditional festivals of Japan are made more attractive by their processions. This spectrum of festivals includes Sanja Matsuri, Sapporo Snow Festival, Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Takayama Matsuri, Chichibu Festival and Nagasaki Kunchi. Foreigner’s life in Tokyo is a little difficult at the start. The traditional arts of Japan offer an opportunity to experience something truly exotic or find inner calm. These ancient ‘ways’ are not for the faint of heart, but many foreigners come to Japan each year to enlighten themselves through their study. Giesha They are trained in various traditional Japanese arts, such as dance and music, as well as in the art of communication. Their role is to make guests feel at ease with conversation, drinking games and dance performances. Geisha can be found in several cities across Japan, including Tokyo and Kanazawa, but the former capital of Kyoto remains the best and most prestigious place to experience geisha, who are known there in the local dialect as geiko. The unique cultures and traditions in Tokyo make foreigner’s life in Tokyo a little difficult. Another legend that follows is Sumo. Sumo is a Japanese style of wrestling and Japan’s national sport. It originated in ancient times as a performance to entertain the Shinto gods. Many rituals with religious background are still followed today.
Known for its beauty and sharpness, Japanese swords can never be forgotten. The sword used to be the distinguishing mark of the samurai. Japanese gardens, that is, gardens in traditional Japanese style, can be found at private homes, in neighborhood or city parks, and at historical landmarks such as Buddhisttemples, Shinto shrines and old castles.
Landscape gardener Seyemon Kusumoto wrote that the Japanese generate “the best of nature’s handiwork in a limited space.”
Few customs that foreigners need to know when they are in Japan:
- Bowing is nothing less than an art form in Japan. For tourists, a simple inclination of the head or an attempt at a bow at the waist will usually suffice.
- There is no tipping in any situation in Japan – cabs, restaurants, personal care. To tip someone is actually a little insulting.
- If for some reason you aren’t too adept with chopsticks, try to learn before passing through immigration. It’s really not that hard.
- Take off your shoes at the entrance to all homes, and most businesses and hotels. Usually a rack will be provided to store your shoes, and pair of guest slippers will be sitting nearby; many Japanese bring a pair of indoor slippers just in case, though.
- Japanese society is focused on the group. Western cultures are focused on the individual.
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