What to Pay Attention to in Nagoya? Full of Details

Returning from Nagoya, I deeply felt how many rules Japan has! 😅
While they won’t fine you outright like some countries, being gently reminded by staff or getting side-eyed by locals is super awkward…
Here are some common pitfalls to avoid for a smooth trip in the Chukyo region!

📸 Taboo #1: The Unspoken Rules of Photography
▸ Mortifying moment:
Taking photos of shop displays in Osu Shopping Street when the owner suddenly rushed out, bowed, and said, “Sumimasen, satsuei okotowari desu” (Sorry, no photography). 😳
✨ Key points:
1. Always ask before photographing people, especially the elderly and children.
2. Sacred no-photo zones: Main halls of Atsuta Shrine and temples in Tokugawa Garden (outer gardens are fine).
3. Train etiquette: Never hold up your phone! You might be mistaken for a creep. Even silent shutters are risky.
4. Product shots: Look for “Photography OK” signs in drugstores/electronics shops—if unsure, ask staff.

🔇 Taboo #2: Silence Is an Obligation
▸ A friend’s WeChat voice message on the subway earned us icy glares from an old lady. 👵❄️
✨ Survival guide:
- Trains/subways: Mute your phone + no calls (WeChat voice messages are a no-no!).
- Shopping districts: Keep your voice down in Sakae or Nagoya Station—Japanese whisper for a reason.
- Restaurants: Slurping noodles is fine, but loud laughter is a hard no.

⛩️ Taboo #3: Shrine & Temple Unwritten Rules
▸ Atsuta Shrine must-knows:
1️⃣ No need to remove shoes! But purify at the “temizuya” (scoop water → left hand → right hand → rinse mouth but don’t drink → tilt the dipper handle).
2️⃣ Toss a 5-yen coin (sounds like “en,” meaning fate) → ring the bell → bow twice → clap twice → pray → bow once.
▸ Tokugawa Garden reminders:
- Remove shoes in indoor exhibits! Hole-in-sock folks, bring spares. 🧦
- Bare shoulders? You’ll get a free shawl (with retro patterns…).

🚲 Taboo #4: Devil’s in the Traffic Details
▸ Painful lessons:
1. Look right when crossing! Left-side driving means right-turning cars are the danger—almost got clipped by a taxi.
2. No cycling on sidewalks! If you must, go snail-paced (real ¥2,000 fines).
3. Rear seatbelts in taxis! Police actually check (fines apply 💸).

🛍️ Taboo #5: Theft Prevention & Shopping Pitfalls
▸ Theft hotspots:
- Nagoya Station underground mall: Wear backpacks in front—pickpockets target tourists.
- Osu Kannon Shopping Street: Don’t leave phones in coat pockets.
▸ Shopping unwritten rules:
1. No haggling! Osu shops have fixed prices (except secondhand stores).
2. Don’t unseal tax-free bags! Customs may inspect and charge duties (Nagoya Airport is strict!).
3. Kaiseki service charge: If the bill includes “service fee,” no extra tipping.

♨️ Taboo #6: Onsen Etiquette
▸ Must-knows:
1️⃣ Tattoo-friendly option: Ask for free cover-up patches (if they don’t work, buy a towel to wrap).
2️⃣ Absolute bans:
❌ No towels in the water (small towel on head).
❌ No loose hair (secure it in a bun).
❌ No phones in changing rooms (snooping fines hit ¥1M!).

🗑️ Taboo #7: The Mystery of Disappearing Trash
▸ Frustration: Walking around Sakae with a boba cup, only to find zero trash bins…
✨ Survival tips:
- Carry a trash bag: Dispose only at convenience stores/hotels.
- Sorting basics:
🔥 Burnables (yellow bag): Separate boba cups/straws, snack wrappers.
♻ Recyclables (blue bag): Remove bottle labels, crush cans.
- Hotel lifesaver: Leave room trash in the basket—cleaning staff will sort it.

🌸 Nagoya-Specific Culture
▸ Women-only train cars: Weekdays 7:30–9:30 AM! Men banned from first/last cars on Higashiyama/Meijo Lines (intruders get escorted out).
▸ Miso katsu manners:
- Sharing fried pork? Use serving chopsticks to transfer to your plate first!
- No double-dipping sauce (Nagoyans’ soul cry: “Sore wa dame!”).
▸ Punctuality is life: Nagoya Castle stops entry 30 mins before closing! Arrive 5 mins late? Tears at the gate. 😭

🛠️ Toolkit
Real-time train crowds: Nagoya City Transportation Bureau App.
Multilingual emergency: Japan Official Travel App (download ahead!).

🆘 Emergency Contacts
Police: 110
Ambulance: 119

Master these details for a seamless experience~ Drop questions anytime! ❤️
Search 🔍 [Nagoya Local Guide] for more insider tips!
#NagoyaTravel #JapaneseCulturalTaboos #JapanTravelEtiquette #NagoyaTips #OffbeatJapan