I have made many mistakes in Japan whether I realized it or not. Thankfully, most Japanese people understand I was a gaijin or in English, a foreigner. They understand that I didn't know the Japanese style manners and customs, but why would I want to blindly make mistakes like that?
It's very courteous to learn and follow rules to be polite in Japan. Even the slightest thing that shows you're trying is appreciate by most. Here is a list of things of the most common and important manners to keep in mind if you are travelling to Japan in the near future or anytime at all! But, don't worry, many foreigners including myself have made all these mistakes and sometimes it's better to learn from your mistakes.
1. Don't tip at restaurants in Japan!
I think this will be the most important one, as it's considered rude to tip. No one tips in Japan even if they have had amazing service, instead just give thanks for the meal as that will be enough.
2. Try not to walk and eat at the same time!
Japanese don't really eat on the go, so try to sit down or at least stand to the side and munch on your crepe or takoyaki.
3. Remember your "please", "thank you'" and "sorry's"!
This is really a manner all around the world but more so in Japan. Japan is built on courtesy and manners, it's not common to apologize and thank someone in the same sentence. "Arigatogozaimasu"(Thank you), "Onegaishimasu"(Please) and "Sumimasen" (Sorry/excuse me) can go a long way and really help you in the end. Look up the pronunciations for these words and correct ways to use them as only reading them isn't enough.
4. Use the bathroom slippers.
This is more when you visit someones house, but sometimes public places have them. If you are already wearing slippers, remember to take off your house slippers and leave them outside of the washroom and then put on the bathroom slippers. NEVER wear the bathroom slippers outside of the bathroom!!
5. Don't leave your chopsticks in your rice while eating.
This is what they do at funerals, as it's associated with death. Japanese people will give you the side eye most likely if you do this. That's why they have chopstick rests! Use those!
6. Always take off your shoes when entering a house!
This will be the one thing Japanese people will yell at you for if you do. The entrance is typically a level lower than the rest of the house so you always know where to put your shoes.
7. Try not to hand money directly to the cashier.
In North America, cashiers get annoyed if you put the money on the counter (I can understand that, having to pick up the change with nails is the worst). So, unless they put their hand out for you, there will be a little tray you can put your money onto.
8. Don't budge in lines!
In Japan, people line up for everything very efficiently and neatly so don't be an ass hole and budge in. Long lines may be annoying but wait your turn. Sometimes going to the washroom in public places in Tokyo takes me from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The bathroom line at the Big Bang concert at Tokyo Dome was 45 minutes...
9. When taking a bath, remember to clean yourself before getting into the tub.
This is very important if you're going to a public bath or onsen. First you wash your body and hair and then you get into the bath water. You wash first because everyone uses the bath water so it's important to make it stay clean. If you have longer hair, remember to keep it up with a tie and don't let it into the water. Also, another thing is that you cannot wear swim suits in the bath water, you have to be completely naked and clean to enter (this isn't as awkward as you think it is).
12. Don't have excess PDA in public.
Holding hands is usually okay and some Japanese people do it, but don't kiss or embrace in public. Especially if you are only friends and different sexes, this can be taboo.
So, keep these in mind, but remember that if you do make a mistake, apologize and learn from it! Japan can be very formal but for foreigners they are very understanding and helpful for the most part! If you have any questions about Japan i can do my best to answer them on my twitter, comments below or on my email!
ichigosodagirl@gmail.com
Twitter - @ichigosodagirl
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