The Japanese (more often than not) adhere to the norms of society. I think most people would agree that they are very polite and organized people. That being said, it is very easy for foreigners to stand out when they're visiting the land of the rising sun. So before your trip to Japan, it's best to equip yourself with some basic Japanese etiquette!
1. Silence your phone and refrain from taking/ making calls in enclosed public places (trains and elevators). There are also areas inside the train wherein the use of mobile phones is not allowed (even if you're just quietly scrolling through Instagram) because the seats are reserved for the elderly who have pacemakers.
2. If you see a woman with this pin/badge and she doesn't have a seat, offer yours. It is common courtesy to offer your seats to the disabled, elderly, children and pregnant-- but for the latter, it may not seem obvious that they are with child, hence, the pin/ badge.
3. Be conscious about queues. This sounds like common sense but you know, it's not very common with some people. The Japanese are very systematic with queues, and you'll find it everywhere. Aside from the obvious, people form lines in museums as they move from one room to another. Even Mt. Fuji has an organized line before you reach the summit. (Speaking of queues, here's a quick tip: usually, restaurants/ food stalls with long lines are worth looking into)
4. Know how to use your chopsticks. Never stab your food and leave your chopsticks to stand vertically on your bowl. Also, do not pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another as this is normally a ritual for the dead. And lastly, do not play nor use your chopsticks to point at anything or anyone.
5. Slurp your noodles. I know, I know, maybe where you're from, this is a far cry from being polite. However, in Japan, slurping is an indication that you are enjoying your food. I once quietly ate my ramen at work, and one of my co-workers looked at me and said "it's so weird not hearing you slurp at all!"
6. Know where to smoke. There are designated smoking areas or smoking rooms, some of which can be found inside convenience stores like 7/11. Be mindful because you will be fined if you are seen smoking in a non-smoking zone. My suggestion: if you don't see a sign in sight, don't risk it.
7. Don't leave any tip. Restaurants and taxis will always have change, and tipping isn't really a thing in Japan.
8. Put your money on cash/ change trays found in (most) cashiers, not on the table or counter. It's just more neat and organized that way as opposed to scattering your bills and coins all over the place. If you can't find the said tray, give your money directly to the cashier.
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