Japan Trip - Customs

Question 1

What is the proper conduct with common plates at dinner?

Answer 1

Do not directly eat from the common plate. Take from the common plate to make your own plate then eat from your own dish.

Question 2

What is the conduct for paying a check?

Answer 2

Usually businesses don’t offer separate checks so the difference is usually figured out amongst the group.

Question 3

What is the conduct for pouring drinks?

Answer 3

Pour everyone else’s drink but your. Someone else should then fill your drink usually.

Question 4

When is shaking hands more appropriate?

Answer 4

Shaking hands is usually for business greetings. Shaking and bowing is usually awkward.

Question 5

When are Yukata typically worn? What are they essentially?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Conduct with shoes in bathrooms?

Answer 6

Usual businesses with traditional Japanese flooring require you to take off your shoes. They will usually provide slippers to wear in the washroom.

Question 7

Chopstick conduct

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Pointing

Answer 8

Pointing is considered threatening so you point with a open hand instead or rely on verbal directions.

Question 9

Hot Spring prep conduct

Answer 9

It’s expected that you should wash yourself with the shower first then completely wash all the soap off.

Question 10

Hot Spring conduct

Answer 10

Do not let your wash cloth go in the water or leave it lying around. Usually people just balance it on their head.

Question 11

Oshibori (warm towel) conduct

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Drinking conduct

Answer 12

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).

Question 13

Physical conduct

Answer 13

Physical displays of effection aren’t done often in public. Also stuff like hugs are usually reserved for people who are especially close.

Question 14

Elevator conduct

Answer 14

Person nearest the door operates the buttons. Person nearest the door also gets off last when they reach their floor.

Question 15

Walking and eating

Answer 15

It’s considered sloppy. Usually you will just stand or crouch while you finish your meal.

Question 16

Backpack on trains

Answer 16

It’s customary to take your backpack off and carry it in your hands.

Question 17

Blowing your nose

Answer 17

Blow your nose in the bathroom, sniffling is ok.

Question 18

Bowing conduct

Answer 18

Bow is usually 45 degrees, however tourists are usually held as an exception of not having to bow.

Question 19

Taxi Doors

Answer 19

Taxi doors are usually automatic, let the driver open the door rather than open it yourself.

Question 20

Sushi Dipping

Answer 20

Nigiri sushi should be dipped in sauce upside-down so that the rice does not fall into the sauce.

Question 21

Tipping

Answer 21

Tipping can be considered rude at times and as such isn’t done often if at all.

Question 22

What phrase is usually said before eating?

What does it mean?

Answer 22

Itadakimasu.

“I humbly accept.”

Question 23

What phrase is usually said as thanks for preparing a meal. It can also be used to request your check.

Answer 23

Gochisosama deshita.

“It was a feast.”

Question 24

Karaoke conduct

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Taking from common plate - digging.

Answer 25

Take the item closest to you. Digging for the best piece is considered rude.

Question 26

Referring to people.

Answer 26

Unless you are very familiar with them you usually just refer to them by their last name and “-san” at the end.

Question 27

Soup Manners

Answer 27

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.