The era of welcoming 60 million foreign tourists to Japan is on the horizon, and to prepare for this influx, Touristship Global Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, has launched the tourism Manners website 'Touristship Japan Web' or TJWeb in collaboration with the Touristship Association in Kyoto. This initiative addresses the need for a comprehensive guide on Japanese customs and manners, covering everything from using public restrooms to the etiquette expected at shrines and temples. With the increase in foreign visitors, the potential for cultural misunderstandings has also risen, making such a resource imperative for a pleasant experience for both tourists and locals.
The Current Landscape of Tourism Etiquette
As the number of foreign visitors to Japan is projected to reach 60 million, challenges related to proper behavior in public spaces and interactions with local residents are becoming apparent. Many municipalities and tourist destinations have made efforts to promote etiquette, but these campaigns often lack national coherence. Moreover, most information is not designed for mobile use, creating barriers for travelers seeking straightforward, accessible guidance. Therefore, an organized and user-friendly resource that lays out national etiquette comprehensively was sorely needed.
Features of TJWeb
To tackle these challenges, TJWeb was developed. The website structurally lays out eight crucial categories of expected manners for tourists throughout Japan:
1. Dining and Shopping in Japan
2. Japanese Communication Styles
3. Accommodation Norms
4. Cultural Practices
5. Nature Experiences
6. Cultural Experiences
7. Transportation Etiquette
8. Pre-Travel Preparations
The platform not only provides practical advice but explains the reasons behind the importance of each guideline, thus fostering a deeper understanding of Japanese culture among its users. Designed specifically for mobile devices, TJWeb ensures that the information is easy to navigate, catering to the needs of on-the-go travelers.
Growing Partnerships and Adoption
TJWeb is a free resource aimed at encouraging cooperation among businesses and local governments to disseminate tourism etiquette. It offers various promotional materials, including posters and cards, for businesses to use at no cost. Several organizations have already come on board to utilize the platform, and further customization options will be available in the future.
For instance, Bic Camera, a major retailer, plans to distribute posters and leaflets on manners starting March 23 at its locations frequented by foreign visitors. Additionally, they aim to host a 'Travel Quiz Event' from March 27, engaging tourists while promoting etiquette awareness.
Similarly, the Arashiyama shopping district, known for its scenic beauty, is displaying original cards and posters leading into the cherry blossom season. Furthermore, Yaei Transportation, operating in Kyoto, is providing original postcards on their international shuttle services connecting Kansai Airport with Kyoto City.
Positive Responses from Travelers
Feedback from foreign tourists has already been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the ease of accessing necessary information organized by interests like Nature, Culture, and Shopping, which helps them understand what they need to know before setting off. Remarks highlight the importance of grasping etiquette for using public transport and understanding cultural nuances, enabling travelers to enjoy their stay more fully.
Vision for the Future
The driving force behind TJWeb is the belief that effective communication about tourist manners is crucial for fostering harmonious interactions between visitors and locals. The platform aims not only to educate but also to update regularly based on research and feedback from travelers and guides. It is designed to become the go-to resource for understanding Japanese culture and manners, expanding its content to include multi-language support and local-specific information. The ultimate goal is for visitors to browse TJWeb before their arrival and gain a thorough grounding in Japanese customs, leading to more respectful exchanges during their travels.
As an initiative from the non-profit organization Touristship, which seeks to make tourism more sustainable and enriching for all involved, TJWeb is a key step in improving the experience for foreign visitors. Supported by various sponsors and partners, it reflects a commitment to not just welcoming tourists but educating them about the rich tapestry of Japanese culture.
For more information, visit
TJWeb.