What are the taboos in Japanese culture?

Japanese culture is deeply influenced by Chinese civilization, but the changes in time and historical encounters in the long-term island country have produced some alternative cultural factors. Japan’s tourism industry is developing day by day, attracting a large number of tourists every year. , so what Japanese taboo customs should you pay attention to when traveling?

Kyoto is the place with the oldest history in Japan. It not only has well-preserved ancient buildings and beautiful scenery, but also has a strong sense of traditional culture. Perseverance and inheritance, when talking about Japanese cultural customs and taboos, we have to start with Kyoto. These traditions have been followed to this day and have become the living habits of Kyoto people and even all Japanese people.

Kyoto's Akimahen [Akimahen] means "no" in Kyoto dialect, which is a travel taboo

NO.1. Don't touch private houses or cultural relics

Since there are many historical relics left on Kyoto Road, if you are not careful, you may damage national treasures.

NO.2. Smoking is prohibited on almost all roads

The above red areas are no-smoking areas

Since most of the houses in Kyoto are made of flammable wood, in Kyoto Smoking on the roadside is basically not allowed (smoking while walking is also not allowed, otherwise you will be stopped by the police and asked to pay a fine of 1,000 yen.

If you really can’t find a no-smoking area, you can look for a Convenience stores or cafes in smoking areas, and some shrines and temples will also set up smoking areas within the territory.

NO.3. Avoid walking side by side

Walking side by side in Kyoto is regarded as quite serious. It's rude, because the roads in Kyoto are generally narrow, and walking side by side can easily hinder the people behind you, so please be courteous to each other when walking.

NO.4. Don't leave the store where you have made a reservation. Pigeons

The Japanese are very punctual and trustworthy. If you make a reservation at a restaurant or hotel, be sure to call and inform them even if you can't go or will be late.

< p>A friend once made a reservation at a very remote hotel, but couldn't find it on the day of check-in, so he looked for a hotel nearby and planned to check in. However, the store owner heard that they had already made reservations at other hotels and immediately persuaded them to find the original hotel. Check in at that hotel, otherwise the store there will wait until the guest arrives.

NO.5. Take off your shoes when entering the house

This behavior has long been internalized. Japanese people’s subconscious living habits. It is said that Japanese thieves will take off their shoes before even entering the house to steal things. Therefore, whether you are visiting a temple or shrine, visiting someone’s home, or even entering a hotel room, you must remember to take off your shoes or change into slippers. Oh.

NO.6. Photography restrictions

You are not allowed to take photos without asking permission first. This is something that modern civilized tourists should be aware of, especially in Kyoto. Pay attention to these two points:

Temples and shrines

Pay attention to the entrance signs before visiting. Photography is allowed in some places, but flashing is prohibited, and photography is completely prohibited in some places.

Kabuki geisha

They wear kimonos when working. Please do not take secret photos or force them to take photos when you meet them on the road. Avoid touching the kimonos or pulling sleeves at will. Please remember to ask politely before taking photos.

[There are special things to do when visiting a shrine | Three steps]

STEP.1. Go to the torii gate before entering the shrine

A shrine is a house that worships and worships various gods in Shintoism. The torii gate at the entrance is the most obvious symbol of the shrine. A shrine may not have a main hall dedicated to the gods, but it cannot be without a torii gate.

The torii gate consists of a pair of thick wooden pillars. The cross beams and the fins under the beams are similar to the shape of a Chinese archway, but the purpose is different.

In Japanese Shintoism, the torii gate implies the boundary between the divine realm and the secular world. , it means entering the realm of gods, so according to etiquette, you should show some courtesy before entering the torii gate (this awareness has become less popular in Japan recently.

In addition, the road in the center of the shrine is for gods to enter and exit. Visitors should avoid the passage and walk to the side to show their piety. When leaving, you should also turn around and salute the torii gate, and express your gratitude to the gods in your heart.

STEP.2. Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the "hand water house"

The "hand water house" is also a standard feature of Japanese shrines.

Before worshiping and drawing lots, people will come here to wash their hands and rinse their mouths with the water dishes and spoons provided by the shrine to cleanse the filth of the world. In ancient times, people had to go naked in the sea or river to purify their body and mind before worshiping. It can be said that Teshuisha is the inheritance and simplification of this tradition.

The process of washing hands and gargling in the hand basin is as follows:

1. Hold a spoon in your right hand, scoop out water and wash your left hand.

2. Hold the spoon in your left hand and scoop out water to wash your right hand.

3. Use your right hand to scoop water into your left palm, and then rinse your mouth with the water in your left palm. (*Do not put the water in the spoon directly into your mouth

4. Hold the spoon up and use the remaining water to clean the handle.

STEP.3. "Two rituals. "Two claps, one bow"

"Two bows, two claps, one bow", that is, bow twice, clap twice, and bow once.

Different shrines have different rules for worshiping. The same. But the basic steps are indispensable. The specific operations are as follows:

1. Gently put the incense into the money box. The incense symbolizes the tribute offered by the worshipper to the god.

(*5YEN is usually invested, because the Japanese pronunciation of 5YEN is the same as "ご_", which symbolizes the connection with God

2. Ring the bell to inform the gods.

3. 2. Bow (Second Ceremony

4. High five each other twice. This is exactly the same as our usual clapping, expressing the joy of seeing the gods and respect for the gods. (Second Claps

5 . Put your hands together and silently express your inner gratitude to the gods.

6. Bow (a bow)

Remember to take off your hat and sunglasses before entering temples and shrines to show respect. .