Japanese bow to show respect. The degree of the bow and how long it lasts depend on the formality of the situation and how much respect they have for the other person. For foreigners, a nod or a token bow is fine. Besides bowing, addressing someone properly is important. Always address people as "Mr." or "Mrs." A simple way to achieve this is by adding the Japanese suffix San to their last name.
Language
You may speak English as Japanese will generally assume you are a native English speaker. Anyway, they will be complimentary if you learn and try to use Japanese language. You may start with some basic greetings like Arigatō gozaimasu (Thank you) and Summimasen (Excuse me). They are tolerant if you make any mistake. You can read more on the article Do you need to speak Japanese to travel around Japan?
Handling something
When you are handing something to someone, especially a business card, it is polite to present it by holding it with your both hands.
At restaurant
- You will receive a small wet cloth. Use it to wash your hands before eating then carefully fold it and set it aside on the table. (Do not use it as a napkin or clean your face).
- It is polite to say Itadakimasu (Let’s eat) before you begin eating.
- It is OK if you make noise while eating or slurping noodles like ramen, it is considered polite. This shows that you are enjoying your meal.
- If you are not familiar to use chopstick to eat, it is OK to raise bowl to your mouth. This is an easier way to eat with chopsticks.
- When you are drinking sake or beer, it is considered polite not to fill your own glass but to allow someone else to do it. To be especially polite, hold up your own glass with both hands while someone fills it.
- Do not leave your chopsticks standing vertically in your bowl because that is how rice is offered to the dead. When you are done using chopsticks, you can rest them across the edge of your bowl or plate.
- Do not point things or people with your chopsticks. Also do not move plates or bowls with your chopsticks.
- If you would like to pass food, deposit the food onto a plate for another person to pick it up from there. Do not pass food from one set of chopsticks to another.
No tipping
There is no tipping in any situation in Japan – cabs, restaurants, hotels. Just remind yourself a price is a price.
At public area
- Do not shout or talk loudly in public places such as in trains, buses or on the street especially if you are traveling in a big group. Talking on a mobile phone on a train is considered rude.
- Do not throw trash on the street. There are not many trash cans in public. You may have to carry around your trash until you see recycle bins.
- Do not blow your nose in public as it is considered rude. It is fine to walk around sniffling until you can find a private place to blow your nose.
- Shoes or feet are considered very dirty. Do not point your soles at anybody such as when sitting on the train. Try to restrain children from standing up on seats. Brushing your feet against somebody's clothing, even by accident, is very rude.
Take off your shoes before entering to all homes, and most businesses and hotels. Do not walk or step on a “tatami mat” wearing shoes or even slippers.
Bathing
If you visit public bathhouses or hot springs, wash up first before you enter a bathtub.
At temple
- If you visit a Buddhist temple, follow the cleansing procedure appropriately at the Chōzuya before entering. Fill the dipper with water; rinse your left hand, then your right hand. Then, cup your left hand and fill it with water, using it to rinse your mouth. Do not touch the dipper directly with your mouth. Finally, rinse your left hand again with the water remaining in the dipper.
- Swastikas are Buddhist symbols representing good luck but not represent Nazism or anti-Semitism. Foreigners should not feel offended seeing a swastika in Buddhist temples.
Others
- Do not back slap someone as it is considered rude. Hugging should also be avoided. For Japanese it is typically very awkward and uncomfortable.
- Point with an open hand, not a finger, and tell people to come by waving your hand facing down, not up.
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