The literal translation of ema is “horse picture” and it is a tradition that dates back to feudal Japan when it was common for wealthy people to donate a horse to a shrine when making a prayer request.  Eventually the image of a horse on a wooden plaque became a symbolic representation of this ancient practice.

Today, you will find many different images on the ema at Tokyo area shrines and throughout Japan.  The image of the ema above was taken at Meiji Jingu Shrine and is indicative of how the ema are left at many shrines in the city.

I love the graphic shape of the ema and the scenes depicted can be quite colorful and fun.  Here are some examples that I found recently at Chiba Shrine.

Different ema are appropriate for different prayers.  Anyone can purchase an ema and many of the larger shrines in Tokyo have bilingual signs explaining the meaning behind each ema or have staff that can help you select one that is appropriate for your prayer.

The shrines in Tokyo are beautiful and they are open to everyone, regardless of faith.  If you are unsure of the proper etiquette when visiting take some time learn how to pay your respects at a shrine.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Tokyo Metro’s ad campaign comes in the form of eye catching yellow and white posters that feature an image and a phrase, in English and Japanese, starting with “Please do it…”.

Want to be a lazy slob with your stuff strewn around you?  Tokyo Metro says “Please do it at home” in the first of this series of  ads that started in appearing in the city’s subway stations in April.  Some of the other things that Tokyo Metro wants you to do at home include:

• Putting on your make up,  a common sight on trains and the subway in Tokyo despite the reminder. (May)
• Talking on your cell phone (June)
• Playing music loud enough for others to hear (July)

In August, a poster declared “Please do it at the beach” and portrays an image of someone wading through a crowd to get on a train as the doors are closing.  When you hear the station music start it’s a sign that the doors are about to close and rushing to get on the train is probably not the safest thing that you could do.  You’d be better off taking a deep breath and waiting for the next train, it’s usually no more then a 10 minute wait.

The most current poster reminds riders not to bring luggage and large packages on the trains with the phrase “Please do it on the mountain“.   This is presumably a reminder to the thousands of people that make the trek up Mount Fuji each summer in Japan with backpacks and walking sticks in tow.  Taking large packages on the train is not only disruptive to the other riders but is very frustrating and is something that is best avoided, especially during busy hours, as even packages from a day of shopping can be very hard to manage on a crowded train.

Tokyo Metro has also created women only cars so that women don’t have to be subject to gropers during busy times when the trains are packed to capacity.  They also remind us often about using cell phones in “manner mode” which means don’t answer your phone or let it ring when you are on the trains.

Tokyo Metro isn’t the only entity reminding people of their manners.  Japan Tobacco has also created a series of posters that remind smokers to use designated smoking areas, not to litter, and not to smoke when they walk in their Smokers’ Style Campaign which are also bilingual.

Image Credit:  Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Bring an open mind with you when you come and you are sure to have a great time while collecting fun travel stories to share with your friends and family when you return home.  Here are 10 practical things that you need to know before you visit Tokyo:

Tip # 10 – Don’t assume that you can use your credit card everywhere.  Many establishments in Tokyo do not accept credit/debit cards!  Also, your ATM/debit card will only work international ATM’s so don’t expect to be able to pop your card in any old machine and punch a few numbers to get some cash.  If you do run out of cash in Tokyo you will need to find an international ATM.  Japan Post Bank, or “Yucho” as it is commonly referred to, operates over 20,000 International ATM’s which are located outside of most post offices with some exceptions.   Beware though, many of these ATM’s are not open 24 hours so you will want to do some advance planning to ensure that you don’t run out of cash.

Large department stores, hotels, and shops that cater to tourists usually accept credit cards as a form of payment but these are the exception rather than the rule in Tokyo, so be prepared.

Tip # 9 – Tipping is not required or expected.  Service staff in hotels, restaurants, hair salons and other businesses that you may consider tipping at home do not expect tips in Tokyo as tipping is generally discouraged in Japan.  If you request something extra-special or out of the ordinary a tip may be offered but it will often be refused.  Some higher-end establishments may add a 10-15% service charge to your bill in lieu of tipping but this practice is not common.

Tip # 8 – Learn how to use chopsticks.  While finding a knife and fork in Japan is not unheard of you may not find one as readily as you would like at some restaurants.  One a recent trip to Hanamaru Udon, one of my chopstick challenged guests had to settle for a child sized fork because he couldn’t handle chopsticks – it was challenging for him but very entertaining for the rest of us!   If you are able to able chopsticks with ease, you will want to review some chopstick etiquette before you come to ensure that you don’t commit a social faux pas that leave neighboring diners shaking their heads or worse.

Read tips #1 through #7 and some bonus etiquette tips after the jump.

Tip #7 Get used to bowing – it’s equivalent to the western handshake.  While foreigners aren’t expected to bow, in formal situations it is respectful.  The angle of the bow depends on the importance of the person who you are greeting or thanking and what you are thanking them for.  The more important the person, the lower the bow.  In general follow the lead of those around you.  Often shopkeepers and clerks will bow when you enter or leave their establishment and while it is not required the you return the bow it’s a nice gesture to acknowledge them with a nod of the head or “arigato-gozaimasu (thank you)” as you leave.

Tip #6 Keep to the left.  In Japan, cars drive on the left side of the road and pass on the right.  This is important to remember for a number of reasons, not the least of which is crossing the street as a pedestrian.  Many westerners look left then right before crossing a street as the traffic approaches from the right.  In Japan look right then left, else risk being hit by an oncoming car!  Also, keep to the left when walking on sidewalks and when standing still on escalators to allow room for on the right those who want to move faster than you.

Tip #5 Don’t touch the taxi door!  When you hail a taxi in Tokyo don’t reach for the door or you will get a puzzled or annoyed look from the white gloved driver.  The rear left door on taxis in Tokyo, and throughout Japan, are opened and closed automatically by the driver.  Even if you are sitting on the right side of the car it is recommended that you slide across the seat and exit on the left in busy areas so you won’t be stepping out into oncoming traffic.

Tip #4 Don’t expect your server to bring you the bill when you dine out.  It is normal to pay a restaurant or bar bill at the register rather than taking care of the transaction at your table.  You may also find that Japanese wait-staff tend to be elusive and need to be hailed to provide service – this is not considered rude in Japan, quite the opposite, they want to ensure that you have a good dining experience and don’t want to bother you.  So don’t be shy when dining out – a polite “sumimasen (excuse me)” will usually be enough to get your servers attention and when you are finished your meal simply look to see if the bill has been left on your table (or in a slot under it) and take it with you to the register and pay for your meal before leaving.  Otherwise just head for the register where your bill will be waiting for you.

Tip #3 Accept Free Tissues!  You may notice that when you are out exploring the city that at many major intersections and train stations there are often people handing out free tissues as part of an advertising campaign.  Don’t be shy, take them!  Stash some in your handbag or backpack as many public restroom facilities do not offer towels or air dryers for you hands and toilet paper can sometimes be elusive in older areas of the city.   Speaking of restrooms, western toilets are fairly commonplace but there may be instances where your only option is a squat toilet which may come as a bit of a surprise but won’t hurt you – I promise!

Tip #2 – Wear clean socks (with no holes).  You mother always told you to be sure to wear clean underwear in case you were in an accident but I’ll bet she never reminded you about your socks.  If you visit someone’s home in Japan local etiquette is to remove your footwear upon entering and don slippers that are provided.  Many restaurants and even some museums in Tokyo also request that you remove your shoes before entering certain areas, so unless you want to show the world your toes, be sure to bring some clean and hole free socks with you when you visit Tokyo.

Tip #1 Vending machines are everywhere.  If you are scared of machines Tokyo is not the place for you!  Vending machines are used to purchase train tickets, tickets to museums and even food at some restaurants!  Need to quench your thirst?  You don’t need to go far to find a vending machine in Tokyo, many offer hot and cold drinks, including beer and sake, some offer food while others offer magazines. There are even vending machines that clean your shoes!  Check out this video about vending machines in Tokyo from Geobeats:

Lastly, here are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind as you explore Tokyo.  These six things are considered impolite in Japan:

• Blowing your nose in public,
• Eating or drinking while walking (even ice-cream or other snacks),
• Smoking while walking or in an area not designated for smokers,
• Yelling to get the attention of your friends in a public space,
• Pointing, and,
• Counting your change

I hope that you found theses 10 practical things that you need to know when you visit Tokyo handy.

Do you have any additional tips to share?  If so please leave them in the comments.

Image Credit:  Flickr, ATM sticker #000, No Tipping, personal collection, Keep left…, Big green taxi, We support your socks life

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Yesterday I told you about Ginza Natsuno, your one stop shop for everything chopstick related, and today I want to let you know about 11 things not to do with your newly purchased chopsticks. These things are all considered rude or at least culturally incorrect and some are just plain unsanitary:

1. Thrusting the chopsticks into the food to pick it up. Chopsticks should be treated like tongs not swords!
2. Passing food from chopstick to chopstick. If you want your friend to try something they should pick it up from your plate with their own chopsticks.
3. Licking your chopsticks. Sort of like licking your knife.
4. Making a drumming sound with your chopsticks on the table or dishes. Chopsticks are not to be confused with drum sticks!
5. Biting your chopsticks. You risk damaging the finish on your chopsticks, not to mention eating lacquer which probably isn’t very good for you.
6. Impaling your chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice. This is only done as an offering at Japanese funerals.
7. Using your chopsticks to push food further into your mouth.
8. Using your chopsticks to pick through the food presented to find the morsel that you want to eat.
9. Using your chopsticks to move the dishes on the table. Don’t use your chopsticks to drag a plate closer to you!
10. Using your chopsticks to point at a person.
11. Chomping down on your chopsticks to free up your hands – you’ll just look silly! Your hand should never leave your chopsticks when they are in or near your mouth.

How well do you know your chopstick etiquette?

Photo Credit: Personal Collection Source: Babel Fish Translation of Ginza Natsuno website

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler