During your tour with Rediscover Tours you may be staying at a Japanese house and/or a ‘ryokan’ (Japanese inn). Here are some guidelines.
When entering a house or ryokan, you may be asked to take off your shoes in the genkan (entrance). Either leave them on the floor facing out or put them in the shoe box or shoe shelf. After you take care of your shoes, change into a pair of house slippers. It is customary to wear these slippers throughout the building. The only time you should take them off is when you enter a tatami mat room, bathroom or restroom. On tatami mats please wear your socks or your bare feet. In the restroom, change into the restroom slippers which you will find when you open the restroom door. Please do not forget to change back into your house slippers when you leave the restroom.
Many Japanese homes and ryokans have tatami mat rooms. In the tatami mat room there is usually a low table used for dining. In some homes and ryokans low-lying chairs are provided for guests to sit around the table. However, if no chairs are available then zabuton or cushions are provided. When sitting on a zabuton, the formal way of sitting is called seiza, a kneeling style of sitting which can be very difficult for Westerners (your legs may turn numb very quickly!). An alternative for men is to sit cross-legged and many women sit on their knees with both legs lying to one side. The sitting rules are not strict however and you can sit any way you feel is most comfortable.
It is popular for everyone to share food from common dishes when dining together. Dining is an important part of socialization in Japan and sharing food is a way to break down the barriers and bring people closer together. Use the opposite end of your chopsticks to transfer food from the shared dishes to your plate. Alternatively, serving spoons or chopsticks may be provided.
Here are some basic table manners to remember:
*Before eating say ‘itadakimasu’ (ee-ta-da-kee-maas) which means ‘I humbly receive this food’ and at the end of the meal say ‘gochisosama deshita’ (go-chi-so-sama-deshi-ta) which means ‘thank you for this food’ or literally ‘I have feasted’.
*Blowing your nose or burping at the table or in public is considered rude but slurping your noodles is OK.
*If you are drinking alcoholic beverages, it is a Japanese custom to serve other people and let others serve you. It is polite to periodically check other people’s cups when they are getting empty and refill them. If you do not want to drink any more just leave your cup full. Do not start drinking until everyone’s glass is full and then say ‘kampai’, the Japanese word for ‘cheers’.
*Do not stick your chopsticks into your food or pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. These techniques are only performed at funerals.
*Do not point at someone with your chopsticks or wave them around in the air. Use them quietly and discreetly.
*If you are taking a break during eating or if you are finished eating, lay down your chopsticks with the tips pointed to the left.
The tours featured throughout our website are intended to give you ideas for what's possible when you travel with us. Treat them simply as inspiration, because your trip will be created individually by one of our specialists to match your tastes and budget.
It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...
Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...
I would like to take this opportunity to commend and thank you for the marvelous vacation we recently enjoyed in Japan. The entire experience exceeded...
Years after years we have selected the best specialists about Japan. They have at least lived a minimum of 10 years in the country. They are here to answer all your questions and to make your tour just the way you want it.
![](https://www.rediscovertours.com/wp-content/themes/RediscoverTours/img/team/team1.jpg")
Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training & teaching Aikido.
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.
Noriko was born in Nagoya. During her childhood she moved around Japan following her father’s office transfer. She especially liked her time in Shizuoka, facing Mt Fuji. She now lives in Minoo (in the suburb of Osaka). Noriko graduated from Hiroshima university. She’s been to Malaysia, Thailand and Europe (Germany and Bulgaria). Her hobbies are hiking, reading and surfing.
Great trips don't just happen It takes a lot to create a truly memorable holiday. You can rely on us to make your trip a perfect Japanese Experience
This is your trip. Together we will design it just for you.
Your interests will be front and center.
We handle your specific requests. We will inform accommodations, guides and partners of any meal requirements, allergies or disabilities you may have.
Your Japan expert has lived in Japan for many years or is Japanese.
We know the hidden treasures of Japan.
Because most of our staff live in Japan we are always aware of what’s happening in Japan. Throughout our network of partners we get first-hand information that will benefit your trip.
They add a whole new depth to your Japanese tour.
Our local guides are extremely professional and knowledgeable.
Your guide will listen to you, give you suggestions and show you sights you want. They are also very flexible and can make on the fly changes to fit your style, mood, weather and crowds.
Our office in Japan is here to assist you.
Rediscover Tours has been organizing travel to Japan since 2000.
You will arrive in Japan feeling safe and comfortable knowing that all the details have been taken care of and that our Japan office is just a phone call away. Indulge yoursefl!
