A little awareness of local manners goes a long way and is genuinely appreciated.
No tipping
Tipping is not expected anywhere in Japan, including restaurants and taxis. Good service is simply standard, and leaving extra cash can cause confusion.
On the train
Trains are quiet. Keep phone calls for later, set your phone to silent, and avoid loud conversation. Offer priority seats to those who need them.
Around the city
- Queue neatly and wait your turn.
- Avoid eating or drinking while walking; step aside instead.
- Public bins are rare, so you may need to carry rubbish until you find one.
- In Tokyo, people generally stand on the left of the escalator and walk on the right.
Shoes and shrines
Remove your shoes where indicated, such as some restaurants, traditional rooms and homes. At shrines and temples, follow the posted etiquette and be considerate when taking photos.
Bathing
At an onsen, sento or sauna, wash thoroughly before entering the shared bath and follow the posted rules.