Local Customs & Etiquette in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan

1. Kashiwa Shrine Manners

Learn how to properly bow and purify hands before praying at this historic shrine.

Bowing Etiquette: Know the correct depth of bow depending on the situation.
Hand Purification: Understand the significance of washing hands before praying.
Offerings and Prayers: Learn what offerings are appropriate and how to make a prayer at the shrine.

Navigate the bustling shopping street with respect for local merchants and fellow shoppers.

Avoiding Crowds: Learn to move through crowds efficiently without causing discomfort.
Treating Merchants Respectfully: Understand the importance of being polite and patient with shopkeepers.
Bargaining: Recognize when it is appropriate to bargain for goods, if at all.

Master the art of dining and shopping at Kashiwa's local food market.

Queueing: Understand the importance of lining up in an orderly fashion.
Negotiating Prices: Learn how to politely negotiate prices for fresh produce and seafood.
Food Sampling: Discover the custom of trying a small portion of food before making a purchase.

Ride safely and courteously along Kashiwa's well-maintained cycling paths.

Staying on the Right Side: Always stay on the right side of the path, moving left to pass other cyclists.
Giving Audible Warnings: Use a bell or verbally warn others when passing or approaching from behind.
Respecting Pedestrians: Slow down and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.

Observe proper train station etiquette when commuting in Kashiwa.

Queueing for Tickets: Stand in line and wait your turn when purchasing tickets.
Using Escalators: Stand on the right side of escalators to allow faster walkers to pass.
Leaving Space for Others: Leave a comfortable space between yourself and fellow commuters.

Participate in Kashiwa's vibrant festivals while respecting local customs and traditions.

Festival Participation: Understand the role of visitors during local festivals.
Dressing Appropriately: Learn about traditional festival attire and when it is appropriate to wear it.
Festival Food and Drink: Discover local delicacies and learn how to properly enjoy them during festivals.

Appreciate the beauty of Kashiwa's cherry blossoms while respecting their significance.

Respecting Nature: Minimize your impact on the delicate cherry blossom trees.
Using Picnic Areas: Find designated picnic areas to enjoy food and drinks during sakura viewing.
Taking Photos: Take photographs with respect for the beauty of the sakura and other visitors.

Experience Kashiwa's beautiful autumn leaves while respecting their significance.

Respecting Nature: Minimize your impact on the autumn leaves and surrounding nature.
Using Picnic Areas: Find designated picnic areas to enjoy food and drinks during autumn leaf viewing.
Taking Photos: Take photographs with respect for the beauty of the autumn leaves and other visitors.

Enter local homes in Kashiwa with understanding and sensitivity.

Removing Shoes: Remove your shoes before entering the home.
Accepting Gifts: Gently decline gifts if not comfortable accepting them.
Respecting Privacy: Ask permission before entering private spaces or touching personal items.

Participate in a traditional Japanese meal while showing respect for the host.

Using Chopsticks Properly: Learn to use chopsticks effectively and with grace.
Showing Appreciation: Express appreciation for the meal and hospitality.
Following Table Manners: Observe traditional Japanese table manners during the meal.

Master basic greetings and expressions to build connections with locals.

Greeting in Japanese: Learn to say hello, thank you, please, and other common phrases.
Using Correct Pronouns: Understand the appropriate use of formal versus informal pronouns.
Listening Actively: Listen attentively to responses and show interest in conversation.

Participate in local sports while respecting the rules and customs of each game.

Understanding the Rules: Learn the specific rules for each local sport or game.
Respecting Other Players: Play fairly and with sportsmanship, respecting your opponents.
Following Dress Code: Dress appropriately for each sport or game according to local customs.

Participate in community events while understanding and respecting local customs.

Respecting Local Customs: Learn about the history, traditions, and meanings behind each event.
Dressing Appropriately: Dress in a way that respects the formality and significance of each event.
Participating Actively: Engage fully in the event, showing interest and enthusiasm.

Appreciate local art while observing proper museum etiquette.

Silence and Respect: Maintain silence in the gallery to allow others to appreciate the artwork.
Respecting Artwork: Do not touch the artwork or lean against walls near it.
Asking Questions: Feel free to ask museum staff questions about the artwork and exhibitions.

Experience local music while understanding its cultural significance.

Respecting Performers: Show appreciation for the performers and their music.
Listening Actively: Listen attentively to the music, allowing it to immerse you in its beauty.
Learning about Traditions: Ask about the history and cultural significance of the music you're hearing.