Free yourself from travel etiquette concerns! STROLLING AROUND TOWN
Travel etiquettes and concerns this and that.
The shinkansen bullet train reached Kanazawa in 2015.
Travelers flocked to everyday cafes, markets and streets, delighting the locals but also causing some unease.
Some would say, “There’s more littering on the streets,” or “I don’t feel comfortable having my photo taken without permission.”
Travelers, on the other hand, would say, “I had a hard time finding a garbage bin,” and “I was scolded for taking pictures.”
If locals and travelers could get to know each other a little better, we’d all feel happier and more at ease - this city and your travels would be more fun.
Let’s make the city of Kanazawa and our trip more stylish and more fun.
Travel Concerns: NO.1
I see something I like ! Can I photograph merchandise and shop interiors without permission?
Simply ask before you take pictures. Enjoy the communication!
Of course you want to take photos of your travels, but take note when you’re in shops.
You shouldn’t snap photos of goods you haven’t paid for, and you shouldn’t inconvenience others. Privacy
issues need consideration, too.
Simply asking the person at the shop before you start shooting is the smart way to do it.
Travel Concerns: NO.2
I wanna try the local grub on the spot ! Where can I eat the snacks I bought?
Eating while walking is not cool. Ask where you can eat.
It’s generally considered bad manners in Japan to eat while walking.
If you want to eat outdoors, it’s best to sit on a bench in a park or a square. If you’re looking for an eating
spot, ask the shop clerk where you can eat the food you bought.
KANAZAWA SHIGUSA Part 1
“Kanazawa shigusa” stands for the mindful and warmhearted manners and gestures of the people of Kanazawa.
Here are a few examples of this treasured culture that has been handed down for generations.
When welcoming guests in summer, we sprinkle water onto the entry way.
We sprinkle water both outside and inside the entryway. This is a purification ritual and also a means to cool down the surrounding heat in the morning and evening.
Travel Concerns: NO.3
I suddenly can’t move... What should I do if can't make it to the restaurant I booked?
Make sure you make a cancellation early. Ask others for help.
Unexpected things happen when you’re traveling. If you are unable to go to the restaurant you booked, make sure you let them know early. The restaurant is making preparations for you for that particular day and a sudden cancelation would cause trouble.
If you find it difficult to notify them, ask a staff member at your accommodation or get in touch with the tourist information center noted below.
Kanazawa Station Tourist Information Center (8:30-20:00, open 365 days) Tel. 076-232-6200 (English assistance and Wi-Fi available)
Kanazawa Central Tourist Information Center (10:00–21:00, open 365 days) Tel. 076-254-5020 (English assistance and Wi-Fi available)
Travel Concerns: NO.4
I’ve enjoyed my food and drinks, and now... I can’t find the garbage bin! What can I do with my waste?
Ask to have your waste thrown away at stores or carry a small trash bag handy.
For security reasons, there are only a very few public garbage bins in Japan.
We recommend you ask a sales staff at the shop to dispose of the garbage for you or have a small bag ready to hold on to your refuse until you get to your inn, where you can throw it away.
KANAZAWA SHIGUSA Part 2
Sweets accompanying tea are placed on two pieces of folded hanshi papers and served on Meimeibon.
Meimeibon is a small tray used to serve sweets for one person, The hanshi paper is for wrapping up leftover sweets and handing them to the customer.
Travel Concerns: NO.5
Tell me about Japan's toilet culture. What can we flush down a toilet in Japan?
The only things you can flush down a toilet is toilet paper that dissolves. Keep everything else out of the toilet.
Toilet papers used in Japan are soluble and can be flushed down the toilet. However, flushing anything else can clog up the toilet or harm the pipes, so please do not flush down anything other than the paper provided.
KANAZAWA SHIGUSA Part 3
"Anyato", "Kiganena" ... There are many words and phrases in the Kanazawa dialect that express consideration for others.
"Anyato" means "Thank you"
"Kiganena" means "Thank you your kindness"
"shimasshi" means "you should ..."
"shinashinaato" means "don't rush, take your time"
Travel Concerns: NO.6
What’s the correct house entryway etiquette? How do I take my shoes off at a Japanese-style house?
Don’t put your feet on the ground after you’ve taken off your shoes.
Also, try to avoid entering someone's house barefoot.
In Japan, people take their shoes off to keep the house clean. Remove your shoes in the designated space, and do not step onto the “outside” ground once you’ve taken your shoes.
When entering a Japanese-style house, avoid going bare feet and wear socks.
