update: Nov 25,2009
In Japan, there are Japanese manners and habits that foreigners may find unusual. Of course, some people may not practice all of them now, but we hope this will help foreigners understand some of Japanese culture and tradition.
Eating manners
- Chopsticks are basically used for eating.
- You may request for spoon, fork, and knife.
- Traditional Japanese dish include, rice, miso soup, fish, and Japanese pickles.
- Rice bowl is held by hand when eating.
- When eating Japanese noodles it is not strange to make a sound.
- Better make a reservation, when going to a famous restaurant.
- In some Japanese restaurants, shoes should be taken off.
- Japan has no tip system, but in some Japanese pub, once you take your seat, you'll be served an appetizer, which could also mean a table charge.
- Before eating, say "Itadakimasu."
- After eating, say "Gochiso samadeshita."
Manners when exchanging gifts
- When giving present to someone, one has to say, "tsumaranai mono desu ga" (meaning, this is not valuable but please accept my present)." Though it is valuable in reality, Japan's custom is to be modest about it.
- When receiving present you have to say, "I am sorry to accept this, but thank you for the present."
Manners on Roads & Parks
Roads
- Japan's road is left-hand drive.
- For those who are blind, some sidewalks have been installed with Braille blockings, especially the sidewalks around the station.
- Priority is given to pedestrians on the sidewalks than others.
- There is an increase in the number of places that prohibit smoking on roads and smoking while walking.
- From July 2008, cigarettes cannot be bought from the vending machine without a TASPO card. Only those who are 20 years old and above can register for this card. Those who do not have a taspo card can buy in shops.
- If you are found smoking in the vicinity of Ichikawa City's stations, you will be penalized.
- Since most of Japan's sidewalks are narrow, please observe a give-and-take attitude when walking on the sidewalk.
Parks
- Japan's water can be drunk safely.
- Not to pick a flower from the park is a manner.
- When walking the dog, please bring home dog droppings and other garbage.
Shopping manners
- Consumption tax is added to the prices of items you buy.
- Most shops do not give discounts.
- Some big electronic shops offer duty free prices for tourists, especially in Akihabara
- Large shopping stores may accept credit cards. But in some smaller shops, credit card may not be used. Please confirm before shopping.
- Dollars, traveler's cheques can be exchanged to Japanese yen in the airport, hotels, banks, and big shopping malls.
Hot springs (spa) manners
- People who have tattoos on their bodies may be prohibited to enter the hot springs.
- Before entering hot spring or spa, take a shower first.
- Do not put a towel inside hot spring's bathtub.
- Do not disturb anyone when entering hot spring bathtub.
How to use the escalator
- In Japan, when using an escalator one has to leave open one side for other people passing by.
- Escalator usage differs in Tokyo and Osaka.
- In Tokyo, people stand on the left side of the escalator, while the right side is opened for those who are in a hurry. In Osaka, it is the opposite.
Transportation manners
Train
- When waiting for the train, wait behind the yellow line and line up in 2 rows.
- Priority is given to passengers getting off.
- Around the stations and in front of some shops, free tissue papers and paper fans are distributed in summer by some companies for advertisement.
- Rushing into a train just before it leaves is dangerous.
- Switch off mobile phones near the priority seat. Set it in manner mode in other areas.
- In the train, people sit quietly. When reading newspaper or listening to the music, don't disturb the person near you.
Taxi
- Taxi fares have basic charges.
- Taxis can be taken at the taxi stand. For taxis running on the road, there is a small sign board on top that indicates if it is vacant or not.
- Smoking is prohibited inside taxis.
- There are taxis that accept credit cards.
- Taxi's door on the left side will open and close automatically.
Bus
- When taking a bus in Ichikawa, get on from the backside, then take the ticket when boarding. When you hear the announcement of the bus stop where you want to get off, push the stop button. When getting off, pay the fare charge by inserting it in the machine, near the driver's seat, together with the ticket (Please check if your ticket has the same number as the number of fare displayed in front of the bus). There is no ticket if you get on the bus from the terminal.
- In Tokyo City, the bus fare is the same wherever you go.
Japan's toilet
- Most of Japan's toilets are free of charge. You can find it in different places such as, stations, shopping centers, etc. Please feel free to use it.
- There are two types of toilets, Japanese- style toilet and Western-style toilet.
- Japanese toilet's sitting style is a little different. Please check before entering.
To call from a public telephone
- In Japan, people using public telephones are declining because most people are using mobile phones.
- You can use coins from 10 yen in public telephones. Telephone cards can also be used which you can buy from convenience stores. Telephone cards are priced 500 yen and 1,000 yen. You can also use 100 yen coin but the change will not return.
Characteristics of grown-up Japanese
- Grown-up Japanese people are earnest and always smiling.
- Most of them observe good manners and obey the rules.
- Nowadays, there are many people who can speak English.
Ichikawa City'Goo, Chokki, Paa
- Ichikawa City made the slogan of "Goo, Chokki, Paa", for proper manners and rules to observe in public. Here are the meanings:
"Goo" Bring home animal droppings.
"Chokki" Smoke only in specified areas.
"Paa" Don't litter bottles, cans and flyers, anywhere.
Disposal of Garbage
- Separate the garbage.
- The day for disposal of garbage varies.
- For large-sized garbage (furniture, bicycle, etc.), one has to pay the extra charge to the city hall before disposal.
- Dangerous items have a different system of disposal. Please observe caution when throwing.
- The day for disposal of garbage depends on the area or city where you live.
Information published on this website by:
●Information on this page is published by:
Publicity Affairs Section, Planning Department
Ichikawa City Hall
Yawata 1-1-1, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture
電話：047-334-1106 FAX：047-336-2300
Publicity Affairs Section, Planning Department
Ichikawa City Hall
Yawata 1-1-1, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture
電話：047-334-1106 FAX：047-336-2300
