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where you are:SSG Home/the guide/shopping & entertainment/entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT
shopping | entertainment
Many of the major shopping areas in Shiga, Kyoto, and Osaka provide an excellent selection of nightlife. However, in addition to the movie theaters, restaurants, nightclubs and bars that you can find in these areas, you should take the time to check out your own neighborhood. You may be surprised at how much fun you can have at your local izakaya (Japanese style bar), yakitori or okonomiyaki restaurants. These smaller places will provide you with not only a fun spot close to home, but are also a good way to meet the locals. An evening in your own neighborhood can be one of the most convenient, inexpensive, and enjoyable times you can find. And if you're looking to meet Japanese people and take pleasure from your community, these places can't be beat.
EATING OUT
Many small restaurants display plastic food items as a type of non-verbal menu. It is perfectly fine to point at the food in the window if you are not sure what it is called. Don't hesitate to call your server out to the window if you are not sure what you want. In addition, many menus display pictures of the items.
There are many cultural differences involving food. Don't be afraid to pick up any of the bowls you eat from. Japanese food is often prepared in bite-sized peices for the very purpose of eating it with chopsticks, therefore, it is easiest to just pick up the bowls and hold them near your face to eat. When eating ramen, or other noodle dishes, feel free to slurp. The broth is very hot and the Japanese people feel that letting the air in by slurping makes it taste even better. The Japanese find that putting soy sauce on your rice is strange. Don't be shocked if the people around you make surprised faces. The use of chopsticks also has its own rules of etiquette, and generally you should avoid pointing at others with your chopsticks, stabbing food, taking food from another set of chopsticks, and sticking your chopsticks vertically into a rice bowl.
Generally speaking, you will find Japanese rules of etiquette are really quite numerous, however, don't be so afraid of offending someone that you don't enjoy yourself. Mistakes are not going to cause an international incident, and its often expected that foreigners will not be accustomed to Japanese ways of doing things. Following what those around you are doing is a good way of avoiding offence, and you will find that most efforts to conform to the Japanese way will be met with heaps of compliments. Pay attention and be willing to at least try what everyone else is eating and you will surely be invited back.
Alcohol, for better or worse, plays a major role in social activities in Japan. The most important thing to remeber is to know your limits. When the sake is flowing, it is easy to forget. The "kampai" is an important part of parties in Japan. Do not take a drink until the toast has been made. Even casual parties will begin with a toast. Wait for everyone to get his or her drinks and the toast is finished before starting.
Etiquette requires that people do not pour their own drinks. It is best to pour for the person next to you and , in return, they will keep your glass filled as well. Keeping the glasses of those around you full is a sure fire way to guarantee you will be a well appreciated member of the party. When you have decided that you have had enough to drink, leave your glass full. If someone offers you more, even though your glass is full and do not feel like you can turn them down, just take a small sip. They will fill the glass again, but often take the hint. If you truly have had enough to drink, either politely refuse, or ask for some tea or juice.
If you do not drink alcohol, make it clear from the start. People may act disappointed, but if you are consistent, they will learn to understand. At office parties, tell your supervisor and the people around you that you do not drink, and you will find your glass filled with an acceptable replacement.
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USEFUL VOCABULARY
| Different types of office parties: |
| Party (General) |
Enkai |
| Welcome Party |
Kangeikai |
| Farewell Party |
Soubetsukai |
| Year-end Party |
Bounenkai |
Beginning of the year Party
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Shin-nenkai
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| Cheers! (also word for "toast") |
Kampai! |
Thank you for this (food, drink, etc.)
Said when receiving food or drink. |
Itadakimasu. |
| ...please. |
...o kudasai. |
- Water
Tea
Beer
Juice
Cola
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- Omizu
Ocha
Biiru
Jyuusu
Koura
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| I am full. |
Onaka ga ippai desu. |
| I'll have juice from now on. |
Kore kara jyuusu ni shimasu. |
That was a feast.
(Polite phrase used following a meal.) |
Gochiso-sama deshita. |
| Check, please. |
Okanjo o kudasai. |
| Ring it up seperately, please. |
Betsu-betsu de onegaishimasu. |
| Please write down the price on paper. |
Okanjo o kami ni kaite kudasai. |
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