Japan is a very tolerant country, open-minded towards western visitors and the influences brought from other cultures.

Nevertheless, Japan as its own dos and don’ts, never outspoken rules and a codex of politeness. There are some things you probably don’t know but should avoid when visiting Japan to be a polite guest in the land of the rising sun.
1. Take off your shoes
Probably the most important rule to remember when entering Japanese houses or temples is to take your shoes off. It’s totally normal and mandatory in Japan, there are often slippers prepared in the entry of an house for potential visitors to use.

2. No telephone calls on the train

While eating and drinking on a train is totally fine, phone calls are not. In Japan, every car of a train is a quiet one which means that noisy conversations and phone calls are a no-no

3. No tipping
Never tip a waiter or waitress in Japan, it is considered rude and they would rather follow you to return the money instead of taking it. Tips are included in the price of your meal or drink so you don’t need to have a bad conscience when you’re not tipping.
4. Stand left walk right
When it comes to escalators, Japan is inverted, which means that you stand on the left side and walk on the right in case you need to hurry up. Don’t confuse that or you’ll bump into a lot of surprised Japanese people
5. Keep your trash together
Trash cans are really rare in Japan so if you produce a lot of trash, you should take it home to throw it away or use the trash cans of a local Konbini. Littering is extremely rude and inappropriate, not only in Japan.
6. Passing money
When buying something, it is normal to not transfer the money from your hand to the cashier but to depose it on the counter. There is always a small tray near the register into which the money is placed and any change will be deposited for you to retrieve. If you are faced with the prospect of handing anything of value directly to someone (a credit card, for example, or a business card), clutch the item with both hands and deliver with it a subtle nod.
7. Greeting and touching
Handshakes or hugs are considered strange in Japan due to the fact that it’s not part of the Japanese etiquette. For greeting and saying goodbye, a light bow will do. By presenting your neck to each other, a mutual respect is shown.
If you keep an eye on these 7 rules, life in Japan will be a lot easier