a haiku:

Japanese culture

pretty different from home

learn some customs here

Meet people with a bow instead of a handshake

• People typically will bow when they meet or depart a more formal interaction (shopkeepers, train station attendants, waiters in restaurants). How deeply you bow is the strength of the feeling you are conveying.
  • Shaking hands is not very common.
  • If someone gives you a business card you should intently study it and not fold it or put it in your back pocket.
    • If you’re planning on meeting Japanese people in a business context you should bring business cards.

Consider bringing gifts for locals

If you’re interested in meeting local people, you may want to bring some gifts you can thank them with. The best small gifts are food — especially chocolate like Ghiradelli.

Don’t wear shoes inside private spaces

• Usually the way to tell is when you walk inside there is a little foyer (genken) before a step up into the main area. There might also be a bunch of shoes or lockers.
• ⚠️ Don’t wear your shoes above the step are the main area or someone might run over to you and act like the world has ended. ⚠️
  • You should basically always wear socks or carry some with you for these situations.
  • Toilet areas in these buildings will provide “toilet slippers.” Keep these in the bathroom area.
  • You should also leave any umbrellas in this area or put them into one of the plastic bags provided.

Restaurants

• Don’t tip — it isn’t expected and might be offensive
• It’s totally cool to pick up your bowl and bring it close to your face
  • You can even slurp (sign of appreciation)
• You usually need to call the wait staff to you (say “sumimasen”)
• You typically bring the bill up to the cash register to pay unless it is more formal.
• Some casual restaurants (particularly Ramen) have you select and pay for your food at a vending machine. The machine prints a ticket you give to the waitress.

On the streets