#1 Do learn basic Japanese
Japanese are grateful if you’re speaking or trying to speak their language. Simple Words like “Sumimasen” (engl. Excuse me); “Konnichiwa” (engl. Hello) or “Arigato” (engl. Thank you) already makes a huge impact. It shows that you’re not only interested in their culture but you’re also respecting it.
#2 Get in line
Japanese are really structured and well behaved. They are queueing for almost everything following the principle of comes first served first. When you are in the metro station you will notice marks on the ground. Stand left or right, because the middle aisle is for everyone exiting the train.
#3 Let people exit the train
Let people exit the train before even thinking of getting on. If you don’t want to stick out negatively, follow the rules.
#4 Stand of your left-hand side
In Japan rules left-hand traffic. If you’re on an escalator stand on the left side so others can pass you by.
#5 Take off your shoes
Many restaurants and shops kindly ask you to take off your shoes, some even offer slippers. When entering fittings rooms you are always asked to take them off and leave them in front of your cubicle.
#6 Don’t stain clothes
If you want to try on clothes before buying them, employees may ask you to put some sort of bag above your head so you don’t smudge the clothes.
#7 Slurping
Get rid of your etiquettes and slurp. It is totally fine to slurp your Ramen. It is said that slurping enhances the flavor of the food and shows, that you’re enjoying the food.
#8 Don’t blow your nose
It is incredibly rude to blow your nose. If you have a runny nose, do it like the Japanese: Dab your nostrils.
#9 Don’t speak on the phone
You won’t see a single person on the phone in the metro. It’s considered disrespectful to everyone around you. Silence your phone and speak quietly to your companion.
#10 Don’t eat or drink
Just like talking on the phone, you shouldn’t eat or drink on the train. It is also considered to poor manners to drink or eat while walking. You are not appreciating the food properly. It is believed to have its roots in World War II when food was treasured and not something anyone had.
#11 Don’t smoke
There are designated smoking areas. It is prohibited to smoke outside these areas. However, some restaurants allow you to smoke inside.
#11 Don’t stick your chopsticks into the rice
When you’re done eating, do not stick your chopsticks into the rice. It’s a well-known ritual for death and funerals in Japan.
#12 Handing food
If your companion can’t reach something, do not hand it with the chopsticks. Instead, hand them the plate so they can get it themselves.
#13 Don’t tip
Unlike other countries, tipping is considered incredibly rude to tip someone. If you want to honor their service, just tell them. They value respect more than tipping.
#14 Don’t eat everything
It is polite to leave some food on your plate. If you eat everything, you imply, that the food wasn’t enough and you’re still hungry.
