No Tips

Japan doesn’t have a tipping culture because high-quality customer service is an expectation. If you want to show your gratitude for receive great service, you can give a little gift. For example, because we’re from Hilo, my parents gave a small box of Big Island Candies to taxi drivers, waiters/waitresses, hotel staff, etc.

In Restaurants

Certain izakayas (Japanese-style taverns) require you to take off your shoes before going inside. It’s easy to recognize this because there will be lockers to put you shoes in at the entrance, and there is a step to go inside of the main area of the restaurant.

Also, it is absolutely okay to call on waiters/waitresses when you want to order, if you want to ask questions, and when you want to get the bill. About paying your bill, if you see a register near the entrance when you walk in, you should pay at the register. Other places might have a little sign on the table that says, “Please pay at table.”

When you’re drinking with your friends and having a good time, somebody might spill drinks on the table. If this happens, you should clean up after yourself, so ask the waiter/waitress to bring you towels. They will help you clean up a little bit and also give you new plates, utensils, and other things if needed.

On Escalators

People in Japan will stand on one side of the escalator to let others who are in a hurry to walk on the other side. Depending on where you are in Japan, the side you stand on is different. In Tokyo, people stand on the left; in Osaka, people stand on the right. Some people generalize this rule by saying if you are in East Japan, stand on the left, and if you are in West Japan, stand on the right. But from our experience, it’s best to quickly observe which side people are standing on and follow, especially in areas in Central Japan, such as Nagoya.

On Trains

• Put your phone on vibrate.
• Don’t talk on your phone.
• Turn your phone off in near priority seat section.
• Don’t talk in a loud voice.
• Stand in line to ride the train.
• If you drink on the train, don’t get completely wasted and take your trash with you.
• If you’re standing near the door when the train is packed, briefly step outside to let people off and then get back on.
• Don’t hang and swing on the handles/bars on the train.
• If you’re not used to riding trains while standing, hold on the handle or bar so you don’t bump (more like crash) into other passengers.

Public Restrooms

The majority of public restrooms do not have paper towels to wipe your hands. Some restrooms have a hand dryer, but you should bring a handkerchief or little towel with you all the time.

Trash

It’s a good idea to always carry a plastic bag, like ones you get from convenience store, to use as a trash bag.

Standing in Line

Just like we learned in elementary school, if there’s a line, don’t cut.

 

 

If you have any questions about manners/etiquette, feel free to contact us!!!