The wait sweetens the drink
Timing is everything when toasting in Japan. The toast is the official start to the party, rather than simply an acknowledgement of something or someone. Parties in Japan tend to be well-planned, and often the “wonderful and lucky opportunity” for everyone to be gathered despite busy schedules, etc…(136 words)
KurtisW
Etiquette Drink Event ToastName Drop
Usually when I meet Japanese people, even though I speak Japanese, they may be hesitant to properly introduce themselves to me, particularly if it is a group with multiple people and one distinct leader, or connection between my group and theirs. One thing I try and make a point of is coming across…(200 words)
KurtisW
Etiquette NatureDon't play with your chopsticks!
When I was child, my grandmother often said to me. "don't play with your chopsticks!"1. Don't pointed out people with chopsticks2. Don't spear your food with a chopsticks3. Big no no is stand chopsticks upright in rice, (this means 'death')Of course it's better use chopsticks properly, …(59 words)
yukorose
EtiquetteHow to bow
I work at a medical clinic in Japan, and had to participate last month in an etiquette workshop in which we learned how to bow properly. Although I'm no expert myself, this is what we learned:1. You should face the person to whom you're bowing. There are 3 kinds of bows: #1-casual bow that c…(214 words)
Andrea Miyata
Etiquette BowingBathroom slippers
The most important thing to remember when you use bathroom slippers: Don't forget to take them off when you finish using the restroom. it is sometimes very difficult to remember, because you were wearing room slippers before you went in. The faux pas is going to get caught pretty quickly - the ba…(99 words)
mikekato
Etiquette SlippersSmile! :)
Smiling is the most important thing you can do when you meet Japanese people. If you know some Japanese greetings like “Ohayou,” and “Kon-nichiwa,” you can use these words for the beginning of conversations. When Japanese people know you try to speak the Japanese language, they feel happy and comfo…(59 words)
makiko715
Etiquette ConversationsKeep the store clean and stay polite!
An aspect I am always surprised by when shopping in Japan is that the stores are always impeccably clean! What I learned through experience is that the shoppers themselves leave the shops clean by folding the clothes or not picking up the clothes unless they like it. Also, it is a Japanese custo…(120 words)
RieS
Shopping EtiquetteHave your point card ready
If you happen to have a point card, rebate ticket or coupon for the particular shop, get it out in advance because you won't have time to look for it when you reach the cashier.(35 words)
Kenji
Etiquette TicketAre you allowed to Use Your Cellphone in the Train in Japan?
In Japan, using cellphones in the train is ok. In fact, you will see a lot of people texting on their cellphones in the train. However, there are rules to cellphone use. First of all, using cellphones near the priority seating is a big NoNo. Priority seats are where people with pacemakers sit and c…(125 words)
GenS
Train Etiquette Japan Priority Seat cell phoneTry not to eat or drink while walking and riding trains!
The generally accepted rule of conduct is to not eat or drink on the train and while walking (taking a sip of water or tea is fine). This is because Japanese people tend to be very considerate for other people on the train and streets. They also want to keep the trains and streets clean by not spil…(86 words)
RieS
Train Etiquette Drink TeaHow do I have fun taking purikura booth photos?
The word "purikura" is shorthand for "print club" (purinto kurabu)." It refers to photo stickers that can be purchased in a photo booth. People enter a purikura booth (akin to machines that take passport photos), pop in a coin, get their photo taken against decorative and playful backgrounds, and …(95 words)
mark
Etiquette Coin Photo booth"Hajimemashite"
When you meet Japanese people, you can say "Hajimemashite", meaning "Nice to meet you."Even though you cannot speak Japanese well, that words will give Japanese people a sense of familiarity.(31 words)
elicok
EtiquetteSeparate Sticks
Yakiniku at a restaurant will always be grilled by your party, and not by employees. This is different from yakitori (grilled chicken) which is always done by chefs, as it is a more delicate process.One thing to keep in mind, especially when eating in groups where people will be communally tak…(159 words)
KurtisW
Restaurant Etiquette Shoes Yakitori Slippers Grilled meat barbequeNo one set server/waiter!
In contrast to Western tradition, in Japan, you do not have one set server for your table. If it is a small restaurant, you will only have a waiter or two serving food. However, in a big restaurant, you will have a waiter taking you to the table and another one asking you what you would like to dri…(104 words)
RieS
Restaurant Etiquette DrinkThink about your song choice
If going to karaoke with friends, you should definitely consider your song choice. Try not to pick songs that only you can enjoy. Sometimes, it is fun to sing old songs that all of you know and can sing along to or new songs that you would want to introduce to your friends. I love singing duet song…(108 words)
RieS
Etiquette KaraokeEnjoy the scenery in a Jinrikisha!
An interesting type of transportation is "Jinrikisha," which is a wooden carriage with two wheels pulled by a person. I have see nthese in areas such as Asakusa and Kamakura. This is one of the oldest forms of transportation in Japan and is a great way for tourists to get to know the area. From the…(110 words)
RieS
Tokyo Etiquette Asakusa Kamakura Transportation BeautyYou can eat and drink in some trains!
Shinkansen is OK. Romance Car is OK.Basically, you can eat and drink sitting in box seats, but there are some exception ; Yurikamome is not suitable.Commuter trains are not suitable.When you find a vendor selling Obento by a cargo in train, definitely you can eat there. You need t…(55 words)
Moo Moo
Train Etiquette Drink Shinkansen Bullet Trainanother use of O-shibori!
Most of Japanese male would wipe his face before his hands!It may not be a good manner, but we do. We feel no stranger on you when finding you do so. It is also useful when you spilt over your drink on a table!(45 words)
Moo Moo
Etiquette DrinkSmoking is bad for your health, but if you must do it.
There are designated smoking areas near most train stations and over locations where people gather. These can be very congested and a bit dirty.But it is where you should smoke. Here is the link to the Japan Tabaco site and they have a series of posters to promote proper smoking mannersLink…(104 words)
DjMarvin
Train Etiquette Train stationExpect a knock
My experiences at Japanese inns have all been very pleasant. However, to a certain extent, you have to remember the close quarters you are in. You will be getting somewhat familiar with the owners and employees of the inn as you will pass them by on the way to the bath, dinner, restroom, etc.Al…(134 words)
KurtisW
Etiquette Japanese innKeep the beach clean!
Although beaches do not have many strict rules, one that is implied is to keep the beach clean. Similar to other manners, Japanese tend to think about other people who may use the space later. Therefore it is important to not leave trash around when you leave. This may be difficult, because there a…(97 words)
RieS
Etiquette BeachesDon't litter!
When walking around in Tokyo, you should prevent littering. Many Japanese people hold on to their trash and try to keep the city clean. Japanese also tend to recycle their garbage, which makes it harder to sometimes find the right garbage can. If you have garbage that you really want to throw out, …(68 words)
RieS
Tokyo City Etiquette Convenience storeFind Out Why Family-Run Hotels are So Comfortable in Japan!
There aren't any strict manners that you wouldn't have to follow at a regular hotel but do at a Japanese bed and breakfast or minshuku. However, the unique aspects of a minshuku create some space for extra things you could be mindful about. First of all, minshuku are almost always family run. They …(173 words)
GenS
Hotel Japan Etiquette Minshuku Gym Eat PoolPacked Train Boarding Tips in Japan
Although a packed train in Japan seems like total chaos, there are a few rules that people follow to keep everyone safe and orderly. First of all, you need to line up properly on the platform before boarding. On the platform, there will be signs showing you how you should line up. Everyone follows …(246 words)
GenS
Train Japan Etiquette Railway platformAways Stand to Left in Japan on the Escalatr
One basic manner you have to know on your trip to Japan is to always stand on the left side of escalators. Only stand on the right side if you are walking up. This is a rule that everyone follows and you will naturally follow it when you see people doing it. In escalators, there aren’t any rules in…(158 words)
GenS
Etiquette Japan escalators Trip Walk BusinessTurn the slippers around!
It is usually polite to use slippers instead of walk in bare feet or with socks on. When you take your slippers off, to enter a room, you should slip them off quietly and carefully and turn them around so that you (or someone else) can slip it on later with ease.(52 words)
RieS
Etiquette SlippersLeft hand side in Tokyo and Nagoya & Right hand side in Kyoto and Osaka when you are taking escalators.
It's funny because people in Tokyo and Nagoya are stopping on the left hand side when they are walking up/going down in hurry while people in Kyoto and Osaka are stopping on the right hand side of the escalators. There is no regulation, but almost all people follow this kind of rule without notific…(55 words)
Shinji
Tokyo Etiquette Kyoto Osaka NagoyaBe efficient.
If there is a long line at the cashier, while you are waiting, you may want to get your change ready (if you know the price). This will reduce the waiting time for the people behind you. This comes from the Japanese attitude of wanting to please other people or not wanting to bother others. In orde…(95 words)
RieS
EtiquetteAlways check your sound
Personally, when I use headphones in a crowded train, I triple check that the sound is not audible outside the headphones. Noise leakage from people's headphones can be a real pain in the morning on a crowded train, and for some reason, people are just oblivious to their own noise (and no one will …(97 words)
KurtisW
Train EtiquetteBe Conscientious!
It is very important to be conscientious of others if you happen to go with Japanese friends. Although nobody will directly tell you this rule, people usually take turns singing at karaoke. No one will probably say anything but you may get some cold looks from your friends if you dominate the mike …(140 words)
AustinA
Etiquette KaraokeNot a must but ...
Not a must but whenever I have a big note to buy something small, I would always state, "Sumimasen, ookii no shika motte imasen.", which literally means that, "I'm sorry that I only have a big note."For me, it is just a small way to show our gratitude for the pain/trouble we are causing. Small …(69 words)
Andrew Soh Chih Jen
EtiquetteTo the little tray....
In Japan, you should not hand in the cash directly to the casher's hands. Always leave the cash into the little tray at the casher or if they do not have the tray, you should leave it to the casher-desk. This is to avoid any direct conflicts with the person in charge of the casher in case of los…(87 words)
Mido
Shopping EtiquetteKon-nichiwa !!
Greetings are a kind of manner as well as a way of communication to open up for each other. As you may know, Japanese hospitality is highly valued by other countries. Our hospitality always starts with greetings and ends with greetings. Through greetings, we can feel closer to each other. I think …(82 words)
OKAKI-sun
Etiquette CommunicationWhat are the toy machines "Gacha Gacha" I see around town?
They are one-coin operating gadget vending machines! I would say they were developed based on Japanese people's two characteristics - 1. Like to test one's luck. 2. Love the action of devising an unusual plan on tiny items. Japanese people love to test their luck based on every little things ar…(245 words)
totowatanabe
Toy Etiquettebowing is showing your respects at a temple or shrine
I was asked my friend from Europe what are manners at Shrine and Temple. Shrine is Shinto(Japanese original religion) and temple is Buddhist.I was taught from my grandmother when I go to Shinto shrine, crap my hands and call god , bow and you pray your wishes.When I go to Temple, I don't cra…(65 words)
yukorose
Etiquette Tera (Temple) Jinjya (Shrine) Bowingescalator mannar
When you take an escalator, which side do you stand if you are not in a hurry? To stand right may be the good manner in most parts of the world but it's not in Tokyo. Japanese people stand left when they are not in a rush so the people who are in a hurry can go up on right side!(But when I we…(77 words)
misa
Tokyo Etiquette Osaka TransportationGreat Tip to Avoid the Rush Hour in Japan
On a longer (30 minute plus) train ride, I will often splurge on a Green car ticket. These temperate cars have a nice train attendant who comes by to sell snacks and drinks and when it is not rush hour you can get a window seat with a table to tap on your computer while enjoying the sites. During r…(279 words)
Japan Rush hour Train Etiquette Ticket Shoes Computer BusinessChange slippers for the toilet!
Do not wear your room slippers into the toilet area, this will really annoy people. Use the provided toilet slippers.(20 words)
Ray_Proper
Etiquette SlippersJapanese Bed and Breakfast Manners
Japanese bed and breakfast facilities resemble their British bread and breakfast lodgings, but often with several differences. Many Japanese establishments offer both dinner and breakfast. Before arrival, make sure which meals are offered. More often than not, "breakfast" will beJapanese st…(177 words)
TimN
Etiquette Hotel Miso Miso soup Shoes Yukata (Light kimono) Slippers Shizuoka Furo (Japanese bath)