6 Things You Didn't Know About Japanese Culture – Eccentric, intriguing, and mystifying Nippon

In the west and most of the world, it's a nice gesture to bring back a souvenir from a trip for friends and family. But in Japan the people take it one step further; it is an expectation. Omiyage translates loosely to English as souvenirs but is quite a bit more than that. The Japanese don't buy Omiyage for themselves but instead as a present for friends, family and co-workers back home after a trip. The most common Omiyage are specialty food from a specific region neatly wrapped in colourful eye-catching boxes. If you're visiting Japan e sure to take a few back homes for your friends and family too. Travelling by train is very popular in Japan so try to find a place to stay near a station. Grand Park Otaru is a great option if you're looking for an Otaru hotel near Jr station.

Japan is mostly comprised of Buddhists and people who practice Shinto; Christians only make up roughly 2% of the population and hence Christmas is rather a novelty than a religious holiday. During the season many urban areas of Japan are decked in colourful light displays and Christmas trees, but most people celebrate Christmas Eve rather than Christmas day. But the most notable difference is that the holiday is considered somewhat of a romantic holiday with many couples going out for fancy dinners and exchanging gifts.

Even if you've never been to Japan you've probably heard or in some way or the other know that it's polite to take off your shoes when entering someone's home. But this can be confusing when other buildings such as offices, temples, and restaurants. There are, however, a few cues you can pick up on. If there are slippers around the entrance; you are then expected to take off your outdoor shoes and put on the slippers. Also, if the surface is raised at the entrance it's safe to assume that you are expected to take off your shoes before entering.

Until the 19th century, when Japan underwent a process of modernising its culture to be more appealing to westerners; women blackening their teeth was a common practice. This was mainly done by married women and geishas – it was considered to be beautiful and also to help against decay.

Another quirky cultural trait of the Japanese is that they consider it quite low-class behaviour to eat or drink while walking. Even if Japanese people buy a snack or a drink from a vending machine, they'll consume the whole thing standing by the vending machine to avoid walking with it.

Since the 1960s eating horse meat increased very significantly in Japan. After the use of horses in agriculture and transport diminished, the Japanese turned to consume the once-beast of burden. It is quite common to see horse meat at restaurants – it is often served raw with grated ginger and sweet shoyu.