Eating while walking is a big no-no for most Japanese–even children enjoying an ice cream are often told to sit down before consuming food.
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.
Expect to carry your trash with you. Eating while walking is considered bad mannered. Sit down or at least stand in a place away from pedestrian traffic when enjoying a meal or snack.
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.
Eating while walking outside is frowned upon in Japan. In fact, eating almost anywhere other than a designated eating area is frowned upon. If you've ever taken a stroll outside in Japan, you'll probably notice that nobody is eating anything. It's also very rare for the Japanese to walk outside holding coffees.
If you're exploring cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe, it's the general “stand right, walk left.” When in doubt, simply line up behind the next Japanese person in front of you!
Basic Rules
Pedestrians should walk on the right side of the road, while automobiles and bicycles should travel on the left side. Between automobiles and pedestrians, pedestrians get right-of-way. You should obey all traffic signals and road signs. You should follow any instructions given by police officers.
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.
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."
Others are manner rules universal: don't speak with your mouth full, and close your mouth while you are chewing. What's special for Japanese food is perhaps the use of chopsticks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Don't leave food behind. It's considered bad manners to leave even grains of rice behind, so be sure to clean your plate! If there are some foods you cannot eat, ask to have them left out of the dish.
In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others' necks because this way, the others' eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].
Never hugging or kissing
In Japan, touching another person's body is considered rude, even with friends or family. Hugging and kissing are mostly for couples.
PDA or public displays of affection might be common in your country but in Japan most couples will avoid kissing or hugging in public. Holding hands is popular, though.
Are Tattoos Illegal in Japan? While some view tattoos as an art form, the Japanese government, on the other hand, does not. Although they may not be illegal, tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza, a Japanese gang that covers their entire body with tattoos.
White Was Originally a Mourning Color
Since ancient times, as in many cultures, the color white, shiro (白) in Japanese, has been a symbol of purity in Japanese culture. It was closely linked to the spiritual world. Even today, Shinto priests and their female helpers called miko wear mostly white garments.
If you are inked and headed to Japan, here are some things you should know: 1) Expect to completely cover tattoos at any pool, gym and most water parks and beaches. Tattoos are generally outright banned in Japan in these areas and there are often clear signs stating this.
Actually, tattoos are fine in Japan. They're not illegal in any way. You may even see some people walking around with fashion tattoos, especially in Tokyo. Although some people in Japan have tattoos, they are usually hidden underneath clothing.
Pajamas are not yours to keep. Just like the towels, they are the property of the hotel to be left there when you depart. Of course you can ask for fork and knife if they have them. I don't think many ramen, udon/soba shops have forks, but of course you can ask.
People in Japan hold cleanliness in high regard, taking great care in keeping an immaculate home. This means that their home should not be soiled by the dirt on your shoes. So it is customary to take off your shoes and usually wear the provided slippers.