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