{"id":1346,"date":"2025-03-23T03:07:24","date_gmt":"2025-03-23T03:07:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/?page_id=1346"},"modified":"2025-06-11T18:51:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T18:51:37","slug":"manners-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/manners-etiquette\/","title":{"rendered":"Manners &amp; Etiquette"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-columns alignfull stk-block-columns stk-block stk-cf247fd stk-block-background stk--has-background-overlay\" data-block-id=\"cf247fd\"><style>.stk-cf247fd .stk--block-align-cf247fd{align-items:flex-start !important;}.stk-cf247fd {background-color:var(u002du002dtheme-palette-color-4, #000000) !important;background-image:url(https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Etiquette.jpg) !important;background-attachment:fixed !important;background-position:center center !important;background-repeat:no-repeat !important;background-size:cover !important;min-height:508px !important;align-items:flex-start !important;padding-top:310px !important;padding-right:35px !important;padding-bottom:180px !important;padding-left:35px !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;display:flex !important;top:-5px !important;}.stk-cf247fd:before{background-color:var(u002du002dtheme-palette-color-4, #000000) !important;opacity:0 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-cf247fd {padding-top:210px !important;padding-bottom:140px !important;}}<\/style><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk--block-align-cf247fd stk-block-content stk-content-align stk-cf247fd-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-column stk-block-column stk-column stk-block stk-1d93b9f\" data-v=\"4\" data-block-id=\"1d93b9f\"><style>.stk-1d93b9f-container{margin-top:0px !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-bottom:0px !important;margin-left:0px !important;min-height:0px !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;}.stk-1d93b9f {align-self:flex-start !important;max-width:1500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-top:-200px !important;top:100px !important;left:-12px !important;opacity:1 !important;}.stk-1d93b9f-inner-blocks{align-items:flex-start !important;justify-content:center !important;row-gap:0px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk-column-wrapper stk-block-column__content stk-container stk-1d93b9f-container stk--no-background stk--no-padding\"><div class=\"has-text-align-center stk--column-flex stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-1d93b9f-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-436ce8b\" id=\"iti\" data-block-id=\"436ce8b\"><style>.stk-436ce8b {margin-top:-67px !important;margin-right:90px !important;margin-bottom:16px !important;top:-21px !important;}.stk-436ce8b .stk-block-heading__text{text-shadow:4px 4px 0px #000000ff !important;font-size:70px !important;color:#fcb900 !important;line-height:1em !important;font-weight:800 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-436ce8b {margin-top:49px !important;margin-right:108px !important;top:17px !important;bottom:1px !important;left:65px !important;}.stk-436ce8b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:50px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-436ce8b {margin-top:18px !important;top:42px !important;}.stk-436ce8b .stk-block-heading__text{font-size:38px !important;}}<\/style><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-color has-palette-color-8-color has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manners_Etiquette\"><\/span>Manners &amp; Etiquette<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-ad51fb0\" data-block-id=\"ad51fb0\"><style>.stk-ad51fb0 {max-width:55% !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;right:3px !important;left:19px !important;}.stk-ad51fb0 .stk-block-text__text{text-shadow:4px 4px 0px #000000ff !important;font-size:38px !important;color:#fcb900 !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-ad51fb0 {min-height:0px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-width:auto !important;bottom:-29px !important;left:70px !important;}.stk-ad51fb0 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:38px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-ad51fb0 {margin-top:-33px !important;margin-bottom:33px !important;top:57px !important;left:8px !important;}.stk-ad51fb0 .stk-block-text__text{font-size:33px !important;}}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-color has-palette-color-8-color has-text-align-left has-text-align-center-mobile\">To show politeness<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-6a8268d\" data-block-id=\"6a8268d\"><style>.stk-6a8268d {height:0px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-6a8268d {height:33px !important;}}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-6a8268d {height:32px !important;}}<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Manners_Etiquette-2\"><\/span>Manners &amp; Etiquette<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese etiquette emphasizes respect, humility, and maintaining harmony, with key aspects including bowing, removing shoes indoors, proper chopstick usage, quiet public behavior, and respecting personal space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Video_Top_7_Etiquette_Tips_for_Travel_in_Japan\"><\/span>Video: Top 7 Etiquette Tips for Travel in Japan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Top 7 Etiquette Tips For Travel in Japan\" width=\"1290\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/03d4XSRqng8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"General_Social_Etiquette\"><\/span>General Social Etiquette:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bowing:<\/strong> Bowing is a common greeting and a way to show respect, and the depth of the bow can indicate the level of respect.&nbsp;<br>(See <a href=\"https:\/\/bhiggs.x10hosting.com\/japan\/bowing-in-japan\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1633\">Bowing in Japan<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Quiet Public Behavior:<\/strong> It&#8217;s important to keep your voice low in public and avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior on public transportation.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Respectful Communication:<\/strong> Avoid interrupting others and allow space for responses when speaking.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Punctuality:<\/strong> Arriving on time, or even a few minutes early, is considered important in business and social settings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modesty:<\/strong> Humility and avoiding self-promotion are highly valued.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indirect Communication:<\/strong> Japanese people often communicate indirectly, so be prepared to read between the lines.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gifts:<\/strong> Gifts are an important part of Japanese culture, and they are usually beautifully wrapped.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Apologizing:<\/strong> Apologizing for mistakes is important, even if it&#8217;s a small thing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Table_Manners\"><\/span>Table Manners:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chopstick Etiquette:<\/strong> It&#8217;s important to use chopsticks correctly and avoid sticking them vertically into rice, as this is a practice reserved for funerals.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eating Sounds:<\/strong> Slurping noodles or soup is acceptable, but other loud eating noises are considered impolite.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No Eating While Walking:<\/strong> It&#8217;s generally frowned upon to eat or drink while walking in public.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Saying &#8220;<em>Itadakimasu<\/em>&#8221; and &#8220;<em>Gochisou-sama<\/em>&#8220;:<\/strong> Before a meal, it&#8217;s customary to say &#8220;<em>Itadakimasu<\/em>&#8221; (meaning &#8220;I humbly receive&#8221; or &#8220;let&#8217;s eat&#8221;), and after a meal, &#8220;<em>Gochisou-sama<\/em>&#8221; (meaning &#8220;thank you for the meal&#8221;).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Important_Customs\"><\/span>Other Important Customs:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Removing Shoes:<\/strong> It&#8217;s customary to remove your shoes when entering someone&#8217;s home or certain traditional restaurants and temples.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Respecting Personal Space:<\/strong> Unlike in some Western cultures, physical touch, such as shaking hands or hugging, is not common in Japan.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No Tipping:<\/strong> Tipping is not expected or customary in Japan.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keeping Trash:<\/strong> It&#8217;s common to hold onto your trash until you find a trash can, as there are often fewer bins available on the streets.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cash is King:<\/strong> Japan is still largely a cash-based society, so it&#8217;s a good idea to carry cash with you.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Smoking:<\/strong> Smoking in public areas is generally frowned upon, and there are often designated smoking areas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Good_Summary_found_on_Reddit\"><\/span>A Good Summary (found on Reddit)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before you say anything else, say <em>sumimasen<\/em> (excuse me).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When lost, take out your map, point at your desired location and say <em>kore doko?<\/em> (where is this?) [ NOT <em>kore doku<\/em> &#8211; that means &#8220;this is poison&#8221;)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In a restaurant, point at a meal in the menu and say <em>kore<\/em> (this), with a smile on your face. If everything is written in Japanese, still point at anything in the menu and say <em>kore<\/em> (this). Do not ask for clarifications or English names or what is the name of this vegetable or that fish. Just eat and say <em>oishii<\/em> (delicious, or tasty). <br>For example, if you see a picture of food on the menu and you want to order it, you can point to it and say &#8220;<em>kore, onegai shimasu<\/em>&#8221; (\u3053\u308c\u3001\u304a\u9858\u3044\u3057\u307e\u3059), which means &#8220;this one, please&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When paying, pay with your CASH. No Satoshi&#8217;s, no cards. CRISP YEN BILLS. Don&#8217;t fold them and roll them like dollars.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Say <em>hai<\/em> (yes, or yes I understand) and nod in agreement every 5 seconds while the Japanese is speaking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After the speaker is done, smile and say <em>arigato<\/em> (thank you) while nodding slightly 2 to 3 times in gratitude and back off. Do not ask for more clarifications, do not waste any more of the guy&#8217;s time. Go ask someone else when you get stuck again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before taking a cab, always be prepared to show the address WRITTEN IN JAPANESE (from Google) to the taxi driver. God forbid don&#8217;t try to draw it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do NOT think about asking people walking fast in train stations. If you see someone running in train stations, just get out of their way.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ride the escalators on the LEFT side in Tokyo. If you take the RIGHT side, KEEP CLIMBING, do NOT stand there.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not expect WIFI anywhere. Have your stuff available OFFLINE, save them in your notes, whatever. If WIFI is there, you have 30 minutes until you get kicked out so keep your Instagram for the hotel room.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you ever speak English, your playback rate should be x0.25. Even if you sound idiotic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not get drunk in a pub and annoy the Gaijins (foreigners) of Tokyo. They are a scary specimen (as you may have guessed from this thread).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-3310603\" data-block-id=\"3310603\"><style>.stk-3310603 {height:50px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:999px){.stk-3310603 {height:90px !important;}}<\/style><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Manners &amp; Etiquette To show politeness Manners &amp; Etiquette Japanese etiquette emphasizes respect, humility, and maintaining harmony, with key aspects including bowing, removing shoes indoors, proper chopstick usage, quiet public behavior, and respecting personal space. Video: Top 7 Etiquette Tips for Travel in Japan General Social Etiquette: Table Manners: Other Important Customs: A Good Summary 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