10 manners to know when traveling to Japan

1. Leave your shoes at the door: This is a minimum courtesy, not only in Japan but also in many places around the world. As soon as you enter a Japanese person's house, show your sophistication by taking off your shoes and placing them on the shelf at the entrance. In addition, the toes of the shoes must also be facing the door. The Japanese always have their own slippers for indoors, similar to the bathroom and toilet areas. Do not confuse these two types of slippers!

2. Note before eating: The Japanese table invitation is “Itadakimasu”. Occasionally, a small bowl of rice or udon noodles will be brought out with the food you ordered. When eating, hold your bowl and do not bend over the table. If you see the waiter placing a hot towel (Oshibori) on the table, remember that this type of towel is only used to wipe your hands, absolutely not your face.

3. Eat sushi properly: When eating Nigiri sushi, lift the fresh fish and dip it in soy sauce, add wasabi to the rice before placing the fish back in its original position. Let the fish touch your tongue. If possible, eat sushi with your hands without using chopsticks.

4. Tipping: Everything in Japan, from taxi rides to restaurant dining, does not accept tips. Leaving a tip is considered an insult to the locals. Some restaurant owners even chase customers long distances just to return the change they left after paying the bill.

5. Modern toilets: If you have ever learned much about Japan, you will know that the Japanese have very interesting toilet areas. Learn how to use toilets that can adjust the temperature when sitting, emit sounds to cover up sensitive noises. Don't be surprised if you hear birds chirping, or see 2-3 rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom to make you feel more comfortable when using.

6. Drinking sake: Sake glasses at restaurants are usually placed in a square wooden tray (called masu). Don't be surprised when the waiter pours sake all over the glass, filling the masu. This is one of the very interesting cultures of the Japanese, to show their hospitality. You should drink all the alcohol in the glass, then pour the sake from the masu and continue drinking.

7. Slurping noodles: Slurping while eating is often considered rude, but not in Japan. Eating noodles such as soba, udon, ramen, etc. and slurping loudly is considered a way for customers to appreciate the chef, showing that they really like their food.

8. Receiving change at the cash register: When you pay in cash at a grocery store or restaurant, the cashier will place your change on a small plate. Before that, they will count the change in front of you, so pay attention to see if it is enough. If you can't see clearly, ask them to count it again, don't do it yourself. Counting your change again after you have received it is considered rude. After receiving the money, the cashier will say a long thank you. Be patient until they finish, smile, and bow at a 15-degree angle to say goodbye. If possible, try saying "Arigatou" (Thank you) like a native.

9. Surgical masks: Tourists will likely see many locals around them wearing surgical masks. They may have a cough (or cold), and do not want to infect others. Since public transportation is the main means of transportation in Japan, you should also equip yourself with a box of surgical masks if you feel unwell, to avoid coughing without anything to cover it.

10. Escalators: Each city in Japan has different rules about which side to stand on when riding an escalator, giving way to people in a hurry. If you are traveling in Osaka, you must stand on the right side, while in Tokyo it is the opposite.

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