Traditions and Modernity: Discover the Secrets of Japan

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A trip to Japan takes you to a modern country still filled with customs and traditions. Read on to discover the secrets of Japan. 
Japan is one of the countries that is uniquely in touch with its traditions. Japan is a perfect example of a fantastic juxtaposition: It is modern yet follows its old customs and traditions. However, it is important to understand Japan’s traditions, culture, and modern way of life before hopping on a plane to The Land of the Rising Sun.
A visit to Japan offers a glimpse of tradition blended with amazing modern features. Photo by Adobe Stock.
Japan’s Traditions Meeting Modernity
Japan has excellent technological advancement while remaining deeply rooted in its traditions and customs. If you ever want to know and understand the meaning of being humble, visit Japan. Whether you’re a foreigner or from the region, you’ll experience a warm sense of belonging.
One of Japan’s technological advancements is evident in its infrastructure. Japan Rail Pass offers inbound travel across the nation. The railway system has operated for over 40 years, providing transport service to local and foreign visitors. The JR Pass covers all of Japan, enabling travel to and within the country’s four main islands: Kyushu, Honshu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido. These islands are home to major tourist attractions like Osaka Castle, Mount Fuji, and the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
JR passes are easy to use and valid for a given number of days (21, 14, or 7). Booking in advance before traveling within Japan is unnecessary when using a JR Pass, as it allows you to board any JR train and travel to your destination.
A Japan Rail Pass lets you take the train anywhere in Japan. Photo by spyarm via iStock by Getty Images
Japanese Hotels Offer Unique Stays
Japanese hotels offer two types of room designs: Japanese-style and English-style. Foreign guests can choose either of the two-room styles and can switch between them during their stay if they wish.
Japanese-style rooms typically feature foldable beds that only take up space when in use for sleeping. Japanese use the same space for various activities like reading and dining. As a small country, Japan makes good use of any available space. Most of the time, they don’t use chairs, especially when eating.
Customs, Values, and Traditions
Japan differs from Western cultures in terms of its collective society, which prioritizes the well-being of the community over individualist societies in the West that favors individual interests. In a broader sense, collectivist cultures entail selflessness, unity, and promoting good actions.
Japanese culture works towards instilling moral values of politeness, hard work, and harmony in their culture. Children in Japan, from a young age, are taught the importance of being considerate and respectful, especially toward their elders. Buddhism, Confucianism, and the Shinto religion partly influence this amazing culture.
As time progresses, the Japanese lifestyle gradually mixes with Western culture. Nevertheless, Japan emphasizes the importance of preserving and passing its rich customs and cultural heritage from one generation to the next. Japanese people are integrating their traditions into modern lifestyles to maintain their culture. For instance, the Japanese continue to wear traditional clothing (Kimonos) on special occasions, study traditional crafts and arts from an early age, and practice serene tea ceremonies.
The skyline of Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan, showcases the blend of modern with tradtion. Photo by SeanPavonePhoto via iStock by Getty Images
Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan
Since Japan cares for the well-being of everybody rather than individual comfort, they strictly adhere to certain etiquette. Therefore, you must familiarize yourself with these etiquettes before landing in Japan to avoid unintentionally offending others or being embarrassed in a social setting.
Always Use Both Hands When Taking or Giving Something
Avoid using one hand when giving or receiving something from someone else. Using both your hands is considered polite and good manners. This gesture signifies your appreciation and reflects your intention to handle the item carefully and respectfully.
Wash Hands When Entering a Shrine
It is customary to wash your hands before entering a shrine or temple. Every temple or shrine has a water basin with wooden ladles, also known as temizuya. This purification ritual aims to clean your body and mind as you enter the sacred space.
Greet People with Respect
The Western way of greeting people (shaking hands, kissing, or hugging) is considered a sign of disrespect in Japan. To show respect to the person you are greeting in Japan , bowing at an angle of approximately 45 degrees is customary. Bowing is one of the ways that the Japanese can show humility and modesty toward each other, as expected by their tradition.
The longer you bow or the higher the degree of angle conveys the respect you hold for the other person. Therefore, when greeting an important person in society, you should bow longer to show profound respect and that you are not above them.
Don’t Enter Someone’s House with Shoes On
Entering someone’s house with shoes on is disrespectful since the shoes come with outside dirt. Japanese dining practices often involve sitting on tatami mats at a low table called chabudai. They use the same floor to spread the mattress or futon for sleeping. Therefore, removing your shoes as you enter the house prevents the accumulation of dirt on the floor and maintains cleanliness.
A trip to Japan will help you experience the beauty of the place and its people. Photo by Mr. Saryanto via iStock by Getty Images
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Final Thought About Visiting Japan
Japan is a country that perfectly balances modern and traditional, blending the new with the old. People in this amazing country have the best personalities. Experiencing the modern inheritance of Japan’s cultural legacy will give you a profound glimpse into the spirit of its people. We invite you to explore  Wander With Wonder for more to see and do when you visit Japan or other parts of Asia .
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Traditions and Modernity: Discover the Secrets of Japan
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