Local Customs & Etiquette in Machida, Tōkyō, Japan

1. Machida Shrine Manners

Learn proper behavior when visiting this historic shrine, including purification rituals and offering etiquette.

Ritual Knowledge: Understand traditional Japanese purification techniques
Offering Customs: Know what and how to offer at the shrine
Respect for Shrine Culture: Gain appreciation for the cultural significance of the Machida Shrine

Navigate bustling local markets with ease, following the customs for bartering and interacting with vendors.

Bartering Techniques: Learn the art of polite yet effective bargaining
Vendor Interaction: Understand the correct way to approach and communicate with vendors
Market Navigation: Get familiar with market layouts and crowds for a stress-free experience

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony and learn the intricate customs surrounding this ancient art.

Proper Posture: Master the proper seated posture during the ceremony
Tea Preparation: Understand the steps involved in preparing matcha tea
Gift Giving: Learn about appropriate gifts to bring when attending a tea ceremony

Relax in a local onsen while following the specific rules and customs unique to Machida's hot spring culture.

Proper Bathing: Learn when and how to bathe in the onsen
Onsen Etiquette: Understand the customs surrounding clothing, bathing order, and body etiquette
Onsen Health Benefits: Experience the healing properties of Machida's mineral-rich hot spring water

Indulge in delicious local street food without causing offense or appearing rude.

Food Sharing: Understand the customs surrounding sharing and eating street food with others
Street Food Manners: Learn how to order, eat, and pay for street food efficiently
Respecting Vendors: Show appreciation for the hard work of street food vendors

Visit local temples with confidence, knowing the correct behavior and customs to follow.

Purification Rituals: Understand the steps involved in cleansing yourself before entering a temple
Offering Customs: Learn what and how to offer at the temple
Respect for Temple Culture: Gain appreciation for the cultural significance of Machida's temples

Shop at local stores with ease, following the customs for trying on clothes and negotiating prices.

Trying On Clothes: Understand the correct way to try on clothing in a store
Price Negotiation: Learn when and how to negotiate prices effectively
Customer Service: Understand the Japanese customer service culture in local stores

Join in the excitement of local festivals while respecting the customs and traditions unique to each event.

Festival Participation: Learn how to participate in festival activities
Respecting Traditions: Understand the historical and cultural significance of each festival
Festival Safety: Stay safe while enjoying the festive atmosphere

Greet locals and fellow travelers with the appropriate level of formality, based on their age and relationship.

Age-Based Respect: Understand when to bow or use formal language based on someone's age
Relationship Level: Know the appropriate level of formality for acquaintances and close friends
Nonverbal Communication: Learn the importance of body language in Japanese greetings

Enjoy meals at local restaurants without causing offense or appearing rude.

Table Manners: Learn the correct way to use chopsticks and eat various dishes
Ordering Food: Understand how to read menus, order food, and ask for refills
Dining Etiquette: Learn the customs surrounding dining with others, such as sharing dishes

Navigate Machida's transportation system with ease, adhering to the customs and etiquette unique to Japan.

Train Manners: Learn how to board and exit trains smoothly
Bus Etiquette: Understand the customs surrounding standing, giving up seats, and exiting buses
Taxi Courtesy: Learn how to flag down taxis, enter vehicles, and pay for fares

Choose appropriate gifts for various occasions while following the customs surrounding wrapping and presenting them.

Gift Selection: Learn about appropriate gift choices for different recipients
Wrapping Techniques: Understand the correct way to wrap and present gifts
Gift-Giving Etiquette: Learn the customs surrounding when, where, and how to give gifts in Japan

Use public restrooms with confidence, following the customs and etiquette unique to Japanese bathrooms.

Cleanliness: Learn about the importance of cleanliness in Japanese bathroom culture
Toilet Usage: Understand the customs surrounding using different types of toilets
Hygiene Practices: Learn about appropriate hand-washing and personal hygiene practices in public bathrooms

Navigate social situations with ease, understanding the customs and etiquette unique to Japanese society.

Politeness: Learn about the importance of politeness in Japanese culture
Cultural Differences: Understand and respect cultural differences between Japan and your home country
Communication Styles: Learn about the nonverbal communication common in Japanese social interactions

Conduct business meetings with ease, following the customs and etiquette unique to Japanese business culture.

Formality: Understand the importance of formality in Japanese business settings
Punctuality: Learn about the emphasis on punctuality in Japanese business culture
Gift Giving: Understand the role of gift-giving in establishing and maintaining business relationships