Visiting a Home

Perhaps one of the most common things people around the world know about Japan is that you don't wear shoes inside the house. True enough, many Japanese now live in modern houses but that tradition remains. Your host will usually provide slippers for inside wear. However, remember to remove your slippers when sitting on a tatami mat. It is also not considered acceptable to wear clothes inside the house. Thus, remember to remove your coat before entering a Japanese home.

To show your appreciation for an invitation, you may bring a token when you visit your host's home. You can bring a cake or Japanese sweets. The famous Japanese rice wine, sake, is also a well-accepted gift. It would also be a good idea to bring gift from your native country.

However, be aware that there are certain things that the Japanese consider as bad luck. For example, do not give gifts in groups of four as the Japanese consider the number 4 as bad luck. This is due to the fact that the number four is pronounced in the same way as the Japanese word for death.

In Japan , people do not usually knock on other people's doors. Most Japanese homes do not have doorbells. Instead, they call out "omen kudasaii!" Translated in English, this roughly means "Excuse me!"