Japan is known for being a very “others before yourself” country, and here are some common manners that students coming from abroad should take note of.
1. Slurp your noodles
When eating at an udon, soba or ramen restaurant, slurp your noodles! Slurping noodles is actually considered to be polite, and it tells the chef that you enjoy the noodles. But be careful to not burn yourself in the process!
2. Keep your phone on manner mode
On the train or bus, it is important that you have your phone on “Manner Mode” ; the Japanese equivalent to “Silent Mode”. This is especially important when you are near priority seats on the train (usually located at the front and back of each car; there is a sign). The train conductor will announce it in Japanese as well!
3. Stay on your side of the escalator
This rule is different depending on the prefecture of Japan you are in. In Osaka, the norm is to stand on the right side of the escalator and opening up the left side for those who are in a rush (especially during rush hours!). However in prefectures such as Tokyo, it is the opposite and people stand to the left of the escalator and open the right side up for those who are in a hurry. Don’t stand on the walking side of the escalator; it’s meant to be open so people can walk up!
If you are unsure of where to stand on the escalator, just look for where other people (locals are the best example) are standing on the escalator.
*Kyoto follows Tokyo and people stand on the left of the escalator.
4. Shoes off
In Japan, it is normal to take your shoes off when entering someone’s home or a traditional Japanese room. Leave your shoes in the genkan or the shoebox and make sure your shoes face towards you! Remember when you enter a room or someone’s home, remember to say “お邪魔します (Ojamashimasu)” first.
5. Backpacks
Trains often become jam packed between 7 ~ 9 AM and 5 ~ 7 PM; it is usually much more intense during the morning hours compared to the evening hours. Often times you will end up with someone’s elbow hitting your side, a foot stepping on another’s foot and, during the summer, intense sweating. One way to make rush hour less stressful on yourself is to move your backpack to your front and hold onto it. This will prevent you from hitting other people on the train with your bag, and lessen the chances of getting your belongings stolen. You’ll often see locals doing the same thing, and there will be an announcement on the train by the conductor reminding others to do so.
1. Slurp your noodles
When eating at an udon, soba or ramen restaurant, slurp your noodles! Slurping noodles is actually considered to be polite, and it tells the chef that you enjoy the noodles. But be careful to not burn yourself in the process!
2. Keep your phone on manner mode
On the train or bus, it is important that you have your phone on “Manner Mode” ; the Japanese equivalent to “Silent Mode”. This is especially important when you are near priority seats on the train (usually located at the front and back of each car; there is a sign). The train conductor will announce it in Japanese as well!
3. Stay on your side of the escalator
This rule is different depending on the prefecture of Japan you are in. In Osaka, the norm is to stand on the right side of the escalator and opening up the left side for those who are in a rush (especially during rush hours!). However in prefectures such as Tokyo, it is the opposite and people stand to the left of the escalator and open the right side up for those who are in a hurry. Don’t stand on the walking side of the escalator; it’s meant to be open so people can walk up!
If you are unsure of where to stand on the escalator, just look for where other people (locals are the best example) are standing on the escalator.
*Kyoto follows Tokyo and people stand on the left of the escalator.
4. Shoes off
In Japan, it is normal to take your shoes off when entering someone’s home or a traditional Japanese room. Leave your shoes in the genkan or the shoebox and make sure your shoes face towards you! Remember when you enter a room or someone’s home, remember to say “お邪魔します (Ojamashimasu)” first.
5. Backpacks
Trains often become jam packed between 7 ~ 9 AM and 5 ~ 7 PM; it is usually much more intense during the morning hours compared to the evening hours. Often times you will end up with someone’s elbow hitting your side, a foot stepping on another’s foot and, during the summer, intense sweating. One way to make rush hour less stressful on yourself is to move your backpack to your front and hold onto it. This will prevent you from hitting other people on the train with your bag, and lessen the chances of getting your belongings stolen. You’ll often see locals doing the same thing, and there will be an announcement on the train by the conductor reminding others to do so.
