The article highlights the importance of punctuality in Japanese culture, particularly for tourists. It emphasizes that being on time demonstrates respect for others, contrasting with the more relaxed attitudes toward time in many Western countries. With tourism in Japan surging to a record 40.2 million visitors, tardiness has become a significant source of tension between tourists and the hospitality industry. Establishments often require credit card guarantees due to no-shows, instilling a greater need for awareness of cultural norms regarding time management.
People in the service industry will still be unfailingly polite in the face of a customer's cavalier attitude to time, but I can promise you they are seething inside-and judging you.
In Japan, you're late if you aren't 10 minutes early. Not to mention that everything from trains to tours will leave predictably on the dot, with or without you.
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