Japan Trip - Customs Flashcards
What is the proper conduct with common plates at dinner?
Do not directly eat from the common plate. Take from the common plate to make your own plate then eat from your own dish.
What is the conduct for paying a check?
Usually businesses don’t offer separate checks so the difference is usually figured out amongst the group.
What is the conduct for pouring drinks?
Pour everyone else’s drink but your. Someone else should then fill your drink usually.
When is shaking hands more appropriate?
Shaking hands is usually for business greetings. Shaking and bowing is usually awkward.
When are Yukata typically worn? What are they essentially?
Hotel yukata are essentially pajamas. It is usually alright to wear it to breakfast and dinner but some luxury hotels may forbid this practice. Yukata should be worn tightly and not loose around the neck.
Conduct with shoes in bathrooms?
Usual businesses with traditional Japanese flooring require you to take off your shoes. They will usually provide slippers to wear in the washroom.
Chopstick conduct
Don’t play with the chopsticks use them only for eating and little else. Don’t hover them over plates when you consider what to eat. Let people take their turn, its considered rude for two people to grab from a common plate at once.
Pointing
Pointing is considered threatening so you point with a open hand instead or rely on verbal directions.
Hot Spring prep conduct
It’s expected that you should wash yourself with the shower first then completely wash all the soap off.
Hot Spring conduct
Do not let your wash cloth go in the water or leave it lying around. Usually people just balance it on their head.
Oshibori (warm towel) conduct
Many restaurants will provide a moist towel to use to clean your hands. Its only for your hands before the meal not your face or as a napkin throughout the meal.
Drinking conduct
It’s considered classy for everyone to order the same drink on the first round of drinks. Also its considered rude to drink before kanpai (cheers).
Physical conduct
Physical displays of effection aren’t done often in public. Also stuff like hugs are usually reserved for people who are especially close.
Elevator conduct
Person nearest the door operates the buttons. Person nearest the door also gets off last when they reach their floor.
Walking and eating
It’s considered sloppy. Usually you will just stand or crouch while you finish your meal.
Backpack on trains
It’s customary to take your backpack off and carry it in your hands.
Blowing your nose
Blow your nose in the bathroom, sniffling is ok.
Bowing conduct
Bow is usually 45 degrees, however tourists are usually held as an exception of not having to bow.
Taxi Doors
Taxi doors are usually automatic, let the driver open the door rather than open it yourself.
Sushi Dipping
Nigiri sushi should be dipped in sauce upside-down so that the rice does not fall into the sauce.
Tipping
Tipping can be considered rude at times and as such isn’t done often if at all.
What phrase is usually said before eating?
What does it mean?
Itadakimasu.
“I humbly accept.”
What phrase is usually said as thanks for preparing a meal. It can also be used to request your check.
Gochisosama deshita.
“It was a feast.”
Karaoke conduct
People take turns and it is considered rude to cut in on someone else’s song. Ask permission first if you want to join in.
Taking from common plate - digging.
Take the item closest to you. Digging for the best piece is considered rude.
Referring to people.
Unless you are very familiar with them you usually just refer to them by their last name and “-san” at the end.
Soup Manners
Japanese soups aren’t typically eaten with a spoon. It’s okay to pick up a soup bowl to drink from it as opposed to lowering your head to the bowl.
