Train etiquette in Japan Loud chatter or behavior is usually frowned upon because it invades others' space. Avoid talking on the phone (put it on silent) and send messages instead.
In Japan, it is considered impolite to have a private conversation on a cell phone while others, especially strangers, are around to listen. This rule extends beyond trains, subways and buses. It is considered impolite to talk on the phone in just about any indoor public space.
It's now normal that Japanese people talk while eating, whether it's at home or at restaurants. However, if you look carefully, you can find some Japanese couples or families that still keep silent during meals. This is due to the fact that some Japanese people still hold onto old habits from the hakozen dining style.
Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Don't show affection, such as hugging or shoulder slapping, in public. Never beckon with your forefinger. The Japanese extend their right arm out in front, bending the wrist down, waving fingers.
It is rude to make noise while eating as here in the U.S. but there are a few notable exceptions: when you eat Japanese noodles (soba, udon, ramen, somen, whatever), when you have miso soup.
Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan. On the other hand, it is considered good style to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.
For soup served in larger bowls — often containing noodles such as ramen, soba and udon — use the spoon provided for the broth. When eating the noodles, slurp away! Loud slurping may be rude in the U.S., but in Japan it is considered rude not to slurp.
Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.
While you may be accustomed to chatting with your traveling companions while using public transportation, this is not the norm in Japan. Loud chatter or other disturbance is considered rude.
In Japan, crossing one's legs is seen as disrespectful. It is because when you do this you show the bottom of your feet to guests, and since they have picked up dirt, you are showing that dirt to your guests.
Always finish your meal!
The Japanese consider it rude to leave food on your plate, and even more so to order more food when you haven't finished everything you've already got. This is related to one of the fundamental concepts in Japanese culture, mottainai, which is a feeling of regret at having wasted something.
Note: It is very rare for anyone to acknowledge a sneeze in Japan, and it is customary not to say anything at all. After multiple sneezes, they use these words. "Are you all right?" "Sorry." or "Excuse me."
It's considered rude to leave food on your plate after you're done, especially when having asked for a second serving, so it's best to request the exact amount you would like to eat.
If you have been to Japan before, you may have noticed that many people tend to sleep in public places. It's widely accepted in Japan to sleep and to have no one bother them or take their belongings. For people from some countries it may seem insane, but here it's something you can see multiple times a day!
Japanese customarily bow to each other rather than shake hands upon meeting. However, most Japanese accustomed to dealing with foreigners expect to shake hands with them and are rarely embarrassed when a foreigner offers his hand.
If you are not wearing socks, it is polite to bring a fresh pair of socks to wear after removing your outdoor shoes because entering someone's house barefoot is not considered well mannered, although acceptable in informal situations. Slippers can generally be worn anywhere except when entering rooms with tatami floor.
Your right to remain silent is guaranteed by the Constitution of Japan, however, in reality, it may reinforce the suspicion in the mind of the investigator and can be used as a reason for prolonging the detention.
— Japanese is a nice language to speak. Many people remark that it sounds nice and is fun to try! English is in common use in Japan with Chinese and Korean also becoming more common meaning that you can certainly get around without using Japanese.
Do you need to speak any Japanese to travel around Japan? Absolutely not. You can travel to Japan without learning any of these words and have a great time. People ask us about the Japanese language barrier all the time, with common questions such as, Do Japanese people speak English?
Do not address other people using their first names. In Japan, you do not address other people by using their first names like how things usually are in the Western world. That is not considered polite, especially if you are talking to a superior, someone older than you, or someone you meet for the first time.
Physical Contact: Minimal physical contact is preferred. People tend to avoid touching others unless it is unavoidable, like in a crowded public place. Close friends or people of the same gender may stand or sit close to one another. Public displays of physical affection among opposite genders is uncommon.
Bowing is an essential part of Japanese custom to show respect, thanking, greeting or apology. In stead of shaking hands, we bow, and it depends on time and people how long and deep you bow.
Depends on what you're ordering. There are many western restaurants, aka family restaurants, in Japan that provide you with knives and forks. Of course, if you're eating traditional Japanese cuisine, and you ask for a fork and knife, I'm not sure about rude, but it definitely is not common. I can't agree more.
#2 Japan. In many countries, slurping is seen as rude and irritating especially while eating or drinking. I am sure you remember hearing your parents say so when you were little.
Knives and forks are used only for Western food. Spoons may be used with certain Japanese dishes such as donburi or Japanese-style curry rice. A Chinese-style ceramic spoon is sometimes used to eat soups. Click here for more information about Japanese table manners.