Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia for a number of reasons. Boasting centuries-old architecture, amazing cuisine, and enchanting cherry blossoms that seem to have popped out of a fairy tale book, this fascinating country holds surprises for the whole family. However, if you want to have a truly immersive experience and make the most of your time there, there are a few facts about Japanese culture that you need to take into account before travelling.<\/p>\n
According to our teacher from Kyoto, Akio, people who travel to Japan rarely do it just once. And that\u2019s not just because of how naturally beautiful the country is. It\u2019s mainly because of how hospitable Japanese people are.<\/p>\n
Japanese hospitality revolves around the concept of Omotenashi<\/em>. [I stare blankly at Akio; he proceeds to explain<\/em>]. The term is a compound word in which \u201comote\u201d means public face \u2013 how you want other people to see you \u2013, and \u201cnashi\u201d, which means \u2018nothing\u2019. The combination of these words is the principle that dominates Japanese codes of behaviour as hosts: service is from the bottom of the heart, and honesty is the basis of any successful interaction. No hiding or pretending is accepted in Japanese culture.<\/p>\n If you ever take part in a tea ceremony (which, by the way, you should totally do), don\u2019t be self-conscious about your manners, nor afraid of making mistakes. In Japanese culture, the idea behind a tea ceremony is beautifully defined in a famous haiku by Sen no Rikyu, a renowned tea master:<\/p>\n Though you wipe your hands <\/em><\/p>\n and brush off the dust <\/em><\/p>\n and dirt from the vessels, <\/em><\/p>\n what is the use of all this fuss <\/em><\/p>\n if the heart is still impure?<\/em><\/p>\n The concept of Omotenashi, then, is not about flawless manners, but about openness and sincerity.<\/p>\n