Why Do I Have To Be On Time In Japan?

Japanese people consider tardiness extremely impolite. If you have an appointment with a hairdresser, doctor, masseuse, or Japanese friend, you must be on time or even a few minutes early. Whenever we have meetings in Japan, we always arrive fifteen minutes early. If you are being picked up from your hotel by a Japanese friend, always be ready early, as he or she will arrive at least ten minutes earlier than the agreed time! This is a sign of respect. Also, arrive at the train station early as trains run like clockwork in Japan. If you are thirty seconds late, you will miss the train!