Sustainability Do’s and Don’ts (Japan)

Dos:

- Remove your shoes when entering ski lodge, ryokan, private home, or certain temples; use the provided slippers, but remember to remove those before stepping on tatami mats. - Master the art of sorting waste; Japan has a highly sophisticated recycling system. Follow the detailed icons on bins for PET bottles, cans, and combustible waste.

- Carry a small "trash bag" with you; public bins are rare in Japanese cities. Carrying your litter until you reach your hotel helps keep the streets pristine.

- Practice "Shizuka-ni" (Quietness) on public transport; keep your voice low and switch your phone to "manner mode" to respect the shared social environment.

- Reuse towels and linens by participating in the "Think first think earth Let's save It" programme to signal you don't need a daily change, saving significant water and energy.

- Shower thoroughly before entering an Onsen (hot spring); this is a vital hygiene ritual to keep the communal spring water clean for everyone.

- Support "Omiyage" culture by purchasing regional specialties (Meibutsu) from local farmers and shops, ensuring your tourism spend supports rural economies. - Utilize the excellent public transport network; Japan’s trains and buses are world-class. Choosing them over private taxis drastically lowers your carbon footprint.

- Appreciate and protect native plants; avoiding the removal of flowers or seeds helps maintain the micro-ecosystems that support urban wildlife.

- Use reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based like zinc oxide) before swimming to protect fragile coral reefs from toxic chemicals like oxybenzone.

Don’ts:

- Don't eat or drink while walking; it is considered impolite and increases the risk of littering. Sit down or stand near the vending machine to finish your snack.

- Don't use excessive water at the Onsen; turn off the tap while lathering to respect the local natural spring resources. - Don't enter a hot spring or public bath if you have visible tattoos without checking the policy first; many traditional venues still restrict tattoos, though "tattoo cover stickers" are increasingly available.

- Don't leave the "Washlet" (electronic bidet) or heated seat on at maximum settings when not in use; adjusting these to eco-mode saves significant electricity.

- Don't disturb the Sakura (cherry blossoms) or autumn leaves; shaking trees for photos damages the health of these culturally significant plants.

- Don't buy illegal animal products; avoid purchasing ivory, tortoise shell, or items made from protected species, as these support poaching and are illegal to export.

- Don't feed wildlife, especially monkeys or fish; this disrupts their natural diet, makes them aggressive, and causes ecological imbalance.

- Don't take shells or coral from the beach; it is illegal to export these, and removing them deprives the ecosystem of vital calcium and habitat.