• A travel brochure is outlining what you should and really shouldn't do while visiting Japan (Hokkaido Tourism Organisation)Source: Hokkaido Tourism Organisation
This brochure will tell you exactly how you should be behaving on your holiday to Japan.
Bianca Soldani

2 May 2016 - 4:42 PM  UPDATED 2 May 2016 - 4:42 PM

Close to 20 million tourists travelled to Japan in 2015, but according to one local travel group, not all of them were very well behaved.

The Hokkaido Tourism Organisation has released a brochure designed at teaching foreigners some of the more basic (and rather entertaining) dos and don’ts about their stay in Japan.

Speaking quietly, queuing in an orderly manner, throwing your rubbish in the bin, and of course, abstaining from farting and burping in public, are all highly recommended.

As to the latter, the guide advises that "Japanese etiquette is based on avoiding causing discomfort or nuisance to others. Accordingly, Japanese will avoid bodily functions such as belching or flatulence in public entirely, or perform bodily functions as discreetly as possible.

"Of course, these functions are a necessary part of human life, but please be modest and discreet when visiting Japan."

The set of instructions also includes a page on proper bathing etiquette and another on how to dine out - which in case you were wondering, involves making sure you finish all the food on your plate and not dirtying the dinner table.

It comes after a previous brochure, which was aimed largely at Chinese travellers and released last year, was deemed “condescending”. What do you think of this version? You can read it all here.


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