Shopping In Tokyo

Bishounen having his lunch, NOT QUITE sitting on the ground, so he’s complying with proper etiquette

• be respectful
• learn to bow (you’ll be doing a lot of it)
• be quiet
• avoid squealing & shouting
• stand left, walk right (left handed society)
• no spitting, no nose blowing
• avoid direct eye contact
• do not sit on the ground (the floor is for walking on and is dirt)
• do not place items on the ground
• use the money trays whenever purchasing something and never put money on the counter or directly into the hands of the cashier
• respect personal space
• slurp your noodles (it’s a fine art)
• call out for sushi at a sushi bar (“sumimasen, anago onegai shimasu”)
• keep an ear out for bicycles
• there is no tipping in Japan (for meals or service industries)
• acknowledge speaker (hai, grunt)
• if you like, learn a few key phrases (greetings and expressions of gratitude)

Crosswalks may seem like madness, but they’re quite navigable

Expanding on the subject of personal space for a moment, the Japanese are a land of Virgos and highly organized. They are efficient beyond measure. This is largely due to a system they all have ingrained into them since day one. There may be a sea of people in the train station, but VERY rarely does anyone run into anyone else. Be mindful of the flow of people, don’t bump or run into anyone. You’ll get there. Also, even on crowded trains , people manage to stand in such a way that they aren’t THAT squashed. It’s amazing to see in person. Remember, you’re a visitor in their lovely country – YOU adapt to THEIR ways.

Some websites of interest on the subject of Japanese etiquette:

• Guide to Japanese manners
• Japan-Guide’s etiquette page
• Wiki
• Japanese Manners
• Japan Zone’s Etiquette

I will be surprised if any open minded person does not find themselves unconsciously adapting to Japanese culture within 24 to 48 hours of landing in Tokyo.