Japanese greeting manners! A must-see guide for tourists

For tourists visiting Japan, understanding Japanese culture and manners is an important point to make the trip even more enjoyable.

In particular, greetings are a basic means of communication frequently used in everyday life, and are essential for respecting Japanese culture and promoting smooth interaction.

In this article, I will explain Japanese greetings in detail.

Basics of greetings in Japanese

In Japan, greetings are regarded as very important, and they are often used in encounters and everyday interactions with people you meet for the first time.

Below are basic greeting expressions that tourists should know in Japan.

Hello (Konnichiwa)

“Hello” is a common greeting used during the daytime. It is an extremely versatile expression that is also used by close friends and in business situations.

Good morning (Ohayou gozaimasu)

It is used as a morning greeting. In formal situations, “good morning” is politely said, and in casual situations, “good morning” is often abbreviated.

Good evening (Konbanwa)

It is a greeting used from evening to night. It's a good idea to use this expression when you meet someone after the sun has set.

How to greet someone politely in Japanese

In Japan, it's important to show courtesy when greeting someone. If you keep track of the following points, you can make a good impression on local people.

Bowing (Ojigi)

It is common to bow lightly when greeting someone.

The depth of bowing varies depending on the relationship with the other party and the situation, but it is deep in business situations, and people often bow lightly in casual situations.

Wording

In addition to greeting words, it's also important to try to use polite language.

For example, it's a good idea to continue introducing yourself using the expression “nice to meet you (Hajimemashite)” to someone you meet for the first time.

Greetings in specific situations in Japan

In Japan, greetings for specific situations and seasons also exist.

If you know these greetings, you will be able to further understand Japanese culture.

Japanese New Year's greetings

When welcoming the new year, the greeting “Happy New Year (Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu)” is used. It is often used for first time pilgrimages and New Year parties.

Japanese seasonal greetings

There are also greetings used every season. For example, in summer visit, the expression “I would like to express my sympathy during the summer (Shochu omimai moushiagemasu)” is used.

Cultural context of greetings in Japan

Japanese greetings have a deep cultural background.

Japanese people place great importance on showing respect for others, and greetings are part of that.

Also, the culture of bowing is a tradition that has continued since ancient times, and it also includes religious elements, as can be seen at shrines and temples.

By learning Japanese greetings, your understanding of Japanese culture and manners will be deepened, and interaction with local people will become even smoother.

When you visit Japan, be sure to put these greetings into practice.

If you visit Japan, the country of hospitality, I also recommend a beauty experience!

Finding spots in Japan where you can experience beauty such as massages, nails, and beauty treatments to heal the tiredness of your trip is highly recommended as part of sightseeing.

Here are a few salons that I recommend to those who are particular about technology and quality.

Beauty experience in Japan

Ginza/ “Mani Nail Care Ginza Store”

Open at 9 a.m.! A 5-minute walk from Ginza Station, this is a popular nail care salon where you can get rid of nail problems.

Hand and foot nails can be performed simultaneously. For those who are concerned about the burden of gel nails, we have prepared a number of “non-scraping” gel polishes, shellac, nail care, foot care, etc.

Recommended for those trying nail art for the first time, as well as those seeking special care. Men's care is also available, so it's also suitable for couples.

Details

Ginza/ “head CONCIERGE Ginza Store”

A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”

It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.

Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”

Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.

Details

Jimbocho (Akihabara area)/“CREBIA Jimbocho Store”

A slimming esthetic salon that leads to effortless results! Highly skilled and experienced staff are popular.

It is a talented salon that is a strong ally for women who want to go on a diet.

Our experienced staff will suggest a menu tailored to each person's constitution and concerns, so you can get closer to your ideal body without difficulty, without waste, and effectively.

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Kyoto/ “Kawaramachi Sopoca-lon”

Conveniently located a 7-minute walk from Hankyu “Karasuma Station”, this salon is located between Sanjo and Shijo, making it perfect for those who enjoy shopping and tourists.

This is a popular salon for casual yet sophisticated “just the right casual nails.”

Inside the spacious store, the spacious chairs are designed so you won't get tired even if you sit for a long time, and we provide a space where you can relax while receiving careful nail care.

Osaka/ “bellissimo”

A beauty salon focused on results, located right next to Osaka's “Fukushima” station, and staffed by knowledgeable and experienced staff.

This salon is recommended for those with scalp problems such as diet, stiff shoulders/swelling, or hair loss.

We offer a superb relaxation menu, such as slimming machines, oil massages, head spas, hair loss care, and hair growth care menus.

Head spas approach scalp problems felt due to aging, dryness, stress, etc.

It thoroughly relaxes stiff scalp and improves blood circulation, thereby improving blood color.

Since it is a treatment that is close to each person in a private room, you can receive it with peace of mind.

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Osaka/ “Watanabe Acupuncture and Moxibustion Chiropractic Clinic”

If you are looking for high quality acupuncture and manipulative treatment, I recommend this salon.

Manipulative treatment to lighten the body, cosmetic acupuncture treatment where effects can be felt at the cellular level, and for bodies that make it easier to get pregnant.

We are good at improving constitution and treating pain and numbness, and we provide safe treatment for people with various problems.

Please experience our careful treatment and high technical skills.

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Fukuoka/ “NAILSALON EPI”

A 3-minute walk from Meinohama Station on the Fukuoka Metro Airport Line, this is the perfect nail salon for those looking for trends.

Packed with trendy colors you can't find anywhere else. We have a selection of popular magnet colors, and after the treatment, “Where did you do that nail?” There is no doubt that you will be asked.

The color can be changed according to the wishes of each customer, and it is popular for its good durability and beautiful finish.

You can also enjoy a movie during the treatment in the stylish store, so you can spend a relaxing time.

Enjoy fashion from your fingertips at this popular nail salon.

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Fukuoka/ “head CONCIERGE Fukuoka Store”

A head spa specialty store where a group of nationally qualified specialists lead to “ultimate sleep.”

Head Concierge is a group of experts who have learned how to train their arms with their fingers.

It is a technique of pressing pressure points on the head called the deep muscle approach, which leads to ultimate sleep.

Various effects can be expected, such as “relieving insomnia,” “improving shoulder stiffness,” “recovering from eye strain,” and “anti-aging.”

Enjoy the ultimate head spa that goes beyond relaxation.

Details