While public displays of affection are common in other countries, Japanese people avoid kissing and hugging in public. They also do not talk loudly on the train and only speak quietly when a conversation is appropriate.
Tipping is not a part of their culture so they may view your tip as rude. It is important to remember that when you are traveling in Japan.
1. Talking Loudly
It may seem strange to visitors, but Japanese people place a lot of importance on living harmoniously with others in public spaces. You’ll notice this in the relative quietness you encounter on train platforms or shopping malls, for example.
This consideration for others also extends to the way Japanese treat personal space. It’s considered rude to occupy too much of a seat on buses and trains, especially if there are plenty of empty seats nearby. The same goes for loud conversations on phones or headphones. Even if you’re not talking to anyone, a loud phone or speaker is still a big no-no.
Sniffing rather than blowing your nose is the preferred option, but if you have to blow, make sure you do it quietly or find somewhere more private. Also, do not use the oshibori (a white piece of cloth provided at restaurants for cleaning your hands) to wipe your face. This is seen as rude and disrespectful to the chef, who took great care in preparing the meal. Also, indoor restrooms at ryokans and spas typically have slippers that you should wear to avoid getting the floor dirty.
2. Slurping Noodles
While slurping may be seen as rude in some cultures, it is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged in Japan. Noodle-based soups such as ramen and soba are traditionally eaten by slurping the broth to enhance the flavors. The slurping also helps to cool down the hot noodles and soup.
However, in 2016 noodle slurping briefly became the center of controversy when an anonymous Twitter user declared that loud slurping was not only offensive to foreign visitors but qualifies as a form of harassment (nu-hara). The ensuing debate on social media and television was passionate and heated.
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While slurping is not considered rude in most situations, it is important to use good judgement depending on the environment and other guests. If you are eating with a large group of people or in a professional setting, it is best to avoid making any noise. Instead, try taking smaller bites and chewing more slowly. Using chopsticks to eat your noodles will also help prevent the need for loud slurping. Lastly, it is also a good idea to drink your soup with a spoon rather than slurping it as this will prevent unnecessary noise.
3. Trying to Pay
Despite being an advanced, industrialized country, cash is still the most popular form of payment in Japan. Credit cards are rarely accepted in smaller shops, markets and restaurants. Moreover, it is not advisable to try to use your credit card when paying for something in public places as it will most likely be refused and even reported to the authorities.
Similarly, it is not considered polite to accept business cards in your back pocket. In Japan, business cards are viewed as a symbol of status and should be passed/accepted with two hands placed together with the thumbs facing up.
In addition, it is a common practice in Japan to give gifts only for special occasions and not on everyday basis. Also, it is a sign of respect to open a gift only after the person giving it has left. Lastly, do not forget to bring a few plastic bags with you when traveling to Japan as it can sometimes be hard to find garbage bins in the streets and train stations.
4. Drinking Alcohol in Public
As with any country, each has its own rules and culture that are unique. It is a good idea to understand the nuances of the place you are visiting, in order to be respectful and not disrupt or offend the locals. This is especially true for places where there are many visitors from overseas.
One such example is drinking alcohol in public. While it is ok to drink at restaurants and bars, drinking on the streets or public transport (bus, subway, train) is considered rude. Likewise, it is not appropriate to sit and drink in a park or on a bench in a residential area.
This is partially due to consideration for others, as the Japanese are generally very mindful of how their actions may affect other people. But it is also because the culture of Japan has never been influenced by prohibition and cultural imperatives keep people polite up to and even beyond intoxication. For instance, while making calls on a phone and playing loud music is illegal on trains, shinkansen attendants are willing to sell you drinks and snacks out of the cart in your carriage.
5. Ignoring Traffic Signals
Japan is a country known for its strict rules and manners. Even if you are a native of the land, it is important to understand and respect these etiquette and rules so that you can enjoy your time in Japan.
One of the most common mistakes that foreign travelers make when driving in Japan is ignoring traffic signals. This can lead to serious consequences and it is not recommended.
For example, if you see a flashing red signal, this means that you must stop. Additionally, you should always check whether it is safe to turn right or not. This is because most of the car accidents in Japan happen at intersections where cars try to turn right but hit oncoming traffic.
In addition to this, you must also always stop before passing through a railroad crossing. You must look and listen to see if trains are coming or not, and it is possible that you may need to roll down your window in order to improve hearing. It is also against the law to pass through a railroad crossing when the gates are closed.
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