Everyday etiquette
Nobody expects visitors to be perfect. A little effort goes a long way.
- Shoes: take them off when you see a raised entryway (genkan), and use the toilet slippers only in the toilet.
- Trains: keep phone calls off, speak quietly and queue at the marked lines.
- Chopsticks: don't stand them upright in rice or pass food chopstick to chopstick — both are associated with funerals.
- Tipping: not expected. Great service is the norm.
- Trash: public bins are rare, so carry a small bag.
- Bathing: see the bathing guide.
Affiliate note: some links on these pages are affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, NorthWest Wa may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I'd suggest to a friend.
NorthWest Wa