Do you know there are many basic manners in Japan? It is extremely important and helpful if you know about Japanese manners when you come to Japan.
Ⅰ. SHOES
In Japan, you are supposed to take off your shoes in the genkan (entryway) when you enter a house. Some houses have slippers in the genkan instead so you can use them but it is not acceptable to wear them in a tatami room (a Japanese-style room).
For better manners, you are supposed to line up your shoes neatly like the picture bellow.
Ⅱ. DURING A MEAL
BEFORE HAVING A MEAL
Before you start to eat a meal, you are supposed to say “Itadakimasu” to show your appreciation for the food itself and those who were involved in making the meal such as farmers and fishermen as well as whoever prepared the meal. It is better to place your hands together when you say that.
AFTER HAVING A MEAL
After you finish a meal, you are supposed to say “Gochisosama-deshita”. This phrase means “Thank you for the meal”. Like “Itadakimasu”, people use this phrase to express your appreciation for everything and everyone involved in the meal. It is better to place your hands together when you say that.
Ⅲ. ON THE TRAINS
There are many taboos on the trains in Japan. Because of covid-19, manners on the trains have become more important recently.
- Refrain from smoking
Smoking when riding the trains is strictly banned with the exception of designate smoking cars or areas on the Shinkansen. The same thing can be said in other public spaces such as streets, stations, shopping mall and restaurants.
2. Refrain from talking loudly and making a phone call
Passengers are supposed to be quiet when riding the trains in Japan. If you ride a train with other people, please talk in a small voice. On the other hand, you should definitely refrain from talking on the phone.
3. Refrain from eating and drinking
You should basically refrain from eating and drinking on the trains. However, you can eat and drink on the Sinkansen, a “Green Car” (the 1st class train in Japan) or a long-distance train whose seats have folding tables and cup holders.
4. Get on the train in turn
Please make sure you are waiting in line and let other passengers get off the train before riding the train.
5. Priority seats
Like many other countries, almost all of the trains in Japan have the “priority seats” (優先席 “yusen-seki”). In the “priority seats” area, passengers are supposed to give priority to an elderly person, a pregnant woman, a person with disabilities or an injured person.
