There's also no cultural relevance that prohibits people from eating while walking. As long as you are following TPO guidelines, you should be good. While it's okay to eat while eating, it's not a common practice. Japanese people are mindful of having cleanliness and respect for public spaces.
Many Japanese people believe it is poor manners to walk or do other physical activities while eating because it means you're not appreciating your food properly. For some, this belief has its roots in World War II, when food was scarce and it was something to be treasured, not treated casually.
In Japan there is no explicit law that forbids you from eating in the street – and indeed no one will stop or scold you – but generally it's better to avoid walking while eating. (Worst case scenario, you'll get a stink eye or two, but it's important to know that it's generally frowned upon.)
Although walking and eating is often convenient and widely accepted in many Western cultures, the practice is looked down upon in Japan. Many also consider it rude to eat in public or on the trains. There are just a few exceptions to this rule, including the fact that it is OK to eat an ice-cream cone on the street.
Japan has no laws against public intoxication. If you go out until the wee hours you'll probably see people asleep in some really questionable locations on the street, likely waiting for their first train the morning after. You may even see a group of police huddled around a particularly drunk person.
Crossing your feet in some cultures is considered very rude. In Japan you are expected to sit erect with both feet on the floor and never cross your ankle over your knee. In Singapore, as in many Asia cultures, the foot is thought to be unclean and should not be used to point at someone.
Japanese tend not to eat while walking along or standing around on the street. However, it is acceptable to drink while standing aside a vending machine. Eating and drinking on local trains, but not long distance express trains, is also frowned upon.
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.
Avoid things like tank tops, shorts, and mini-skirts. Opting for more conservative clothing is always a safe bet even if you don't plan to visit temples or shrines. It's also generally frowned upon for women to show cleavage. Clothing with offensive messages or designs.
Don't point. 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.
Eating alone isn't just considered socially accepted in Japan, it's increasingly considered the norm. A quick scan of popular press reveals that Japan seems to be leading the way in the art of solo dining. Even popular Japanese restaurant chains here in the UK are big on the concept of communal dining.
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.
Don't refuse food.
If you want to say no because you don't like the dish, you should still accept it but you are not obligated to eat. Similarly, if you are offered a drink you decide you don't like, simply leave your glass and don't empty it. No one will refill or replace the drink if you haven't “finished” it.
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. This makes for very bad business relations.
However, we recommend bringing a light jacket and avoiding direct sunlight during the day. It is not illegal to be naked in Japan, but it is not accepted in society. There were a lot of shirtless people there. Otherwise, unless you're going to the beach or the pool, please don't go shirtless.
Can you show your stomach in Japan? If you're walking around temples and shrines, it is a good idea to be respectful and have a top layer with sleeves and no tummy or cleavage showing. However, it is not a rule and you'll sometimes see Japanese people not following these dress-code standards.
It is generally acceptable to wear red in Japan, but some contexts such as religious sites or funerals may require more subdued colors like black or white. Neutral colors like black, gray, navy blue, light ... In short: Yes.
In Japan, modesty is highly valued, and it is not appropriate to wear leggings that are too thin or show too much skin. Secondly, it is important to choose the right shoes to wear with your leggings. Sneakers and boots are great options, but sandals or flip-flops are not recommended.
They hardly wear sunglasses
They cite reasons such as not wanting too much attention on themselves, because they find it embarrassing or as if they are trying to act like a rapper in a music video. So remember, don't gift your Japanese friends with sunglasses because they might not use it!
Wear slip-on shoes
While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.
White should be avoided, although at a more casual wedding you may be able to wear black. On the other hand, it's not all rules and customs.
Public Displays of Affection
PDAs, gay or otherwise, are discouraged in Japan. Holding hands, kissing, and intimate embraces could garner disapproving looks and glances. That said, you're unlikely to witness any outright discrimination.
Pointing the finger is considered rude in Japanese culture because the person pointing is associated with explicitly calling out the other individual for their wrong behavior or actions. Repeatedly pointing while speaking to another person is considered a sign of extreme frustration or an expression of dissatisfaction.
Smoking while walking is banned throughout Japan, and there are many places where simply smoking outside is banned as well.
It's not just about cutting down on the mess that's produced, it's also about respecting local etiquette. Most people in Japan consider it bad manners to eat on the move because it doesn't give you the chance to appreciate your food properly.