Omotenashi

Omotenashi

When you enter into any shops or restaurants, staff welcome you with friendly greetings. At restaurants they serve you free water and sometimes small wet wipes will be served. At train station bus terminals, the information center clerks are happy to answer any questions or requests. All are based on Omotenashi, Japanese hospitality.

Japan’s unique caring or hospitality is said to have started in the Edo period. The town of Edo became a densely populated urban city in 250 peaceful years. Caring for others was the key to maintain society in peace. This Edo culture became the now practiced Japanese Omotenashi.