Local Customs & Etiquette in Amagasaki, Hyōgo, Japan

1. Amagasaki's Morning Market

Daily market selling fresh produce and local specialties. It showcases the city's morning ritual of shopping for daily needs.

Early Start Time: Operates from early morning hours, ensuring freshness of goods.
Local Specialties: Offers regional specialties like Obon-yaki, a sweet potato cake.
Community Gathering: A great place to interact with locals and learn about their daily life.

Visit Kamukura Shrine with respect, follow its unique etiquettes such as washing hands before prayer.

Hand Washing Ritual: Requires visitors to wash their hands in the purification basin before praying.
Offering Sticks: Offer prayer sticks (Ema) for your wishes.
Festival Attire: Visitors may wear traditional festival attire during special events.

Show respect when visiting Amagasaki Shrine by following its unique customs like bowing.

Bowing Etiquette: Visitors should bow twice upon entering and leaving the shrine.
Prayer Procedure: Clap hands twice before praying, then bow once.
Offering at Shrine: Make an offering by throwing coins into the offering box.

Participate in the Obon-yaki festival by eating sweet potato cakes and learning about ancestor worship.

Community Bonding: An opportunity to interact with locals during the festivities.
Festival Food: Taste the unique Obon-yaki sweet potato cakes.
Ancestor Worship: Learn about the traditional ancestor worship practices during the festival.

Join locals in dancing the Bon-odori dance during the Obon festivals.

Community Unity: A chance to experience community bonding through traditional dancing.
Dance Steps: Follow simple and rhythmic steps in the dance.
Music and Instruments: Enjoy traditional music and instruments like the shamisen.

Experience tea ceremony at Yumebutai with respect and grace.

Calm Atmosphere: Enjoy a serene, tranquil environment.
Tea Etiquette: Follow the proper procedures for tea preparation and drinking.
Traditional Artwork: Appreciate traditional artworks surrounding the tea house.

Participate in the beautiful tradition of floating lanterns during Tanabata festival.

Savor street food with respect for the vendors and fellow diners.

Street Food Culture: Experience the vibrant street food culture in Amagasaki.
Courtesy to Vendors: Always be polite and patient with food vendors.
Food Sharing: Sharing food is common among friends and family.

Explore bustling night markets offering local delicacies and souvenirs.

Local Specialties: Find regional specialties like Obon-yaki and Yūgen dango.
Social Interaction: Interact with locals and other travelers while exploring the market.
Lively Atmosphere: Enjoy the vibrant, energetic atmosphere of the night markets.

Experience authentic ramen by following local etiquettes like slurping.

Slurping Appreciation: Slurping the noodles shows appreciation for good ramen.
Custom Orders: Place custom orders based on your preferred toppings and broth type.
Table Sharing: Sharing tables with fellow diners is common in smaller ramen shops.

Plan your visit around Amagasaki's vibrant calendar of festivals and events.

Cultural Exposure: Gain an in-depth understanding of local culture through various festivals.
Community Engagement: Participate in community events and activities during your visit.
Unique Traditions: Experience unique traditions like the Obon-yaki festival and Tanabata festival.

Explore Amagasaki by bike and immerse yourself in the city's cycling culture.

Bike-Friendly City: Amagasaki offers numerous bike paths for easy exploration.
Local Cyclists Interaction: Meet and learn from local cyclists about the best places to visit.
Scenic Routes: Discover scenic routes that showcase Amagasaki's beautiful landscapes.

Discover unique local souvenirs to bring back home from Amagasaki.

Local Specialties: Find regional specialties like Obon-yaki and Yūgen dango.
Unique Gifts: Choose from a variety of traditional and modern souvenir options.
Supporting Local Artisans: Help support local artisans by purchasing their handmade goods.

Relax and enjoy the traditional Japanese onsen with proper etiquette.

Bathing Procedures: Follow the correct procedures for using the onsen facilities.
Modesty: Be mindful of nudity and maintain privacy while in the onsen.
Onsen Etiquette Guide: Refer to an etiquette guide or ask staff for assistance if needed.

Experience traditional dance performances in the charming teahouses of Amagasaki.

Cultural Performances: Witness beautiful traditional dances showcasing local culture.
Tea and Snacks: Enjoy traditional teas and snacks while watching the performances.
Local Musicians: Listen to the soothing sounds of traditional Japanese instruments.