Things to do and not to do in Japan

List of things to do and not to do in Japan

- Take off your shoes when you arrive at your host's house (also in temples and  fitting rooms)

To say hello, you have to bend your back. The more formal the situation is, and the highest in the hierarchy the person is, more you bend your back.

- Do not eat and walk at the same time in the streets, it's considered vulgar, impolite.

- Tip in Japan is not a thing. If you give a tip after your bill at a restaurant in Japan, they will likely be offended.

- Clothes stores : if the seller suggest you to wear a paper mask to not ruin your makeup, do not refuse.

- If someone make a remark about your "small face", thank them. In Japan, small face is in beauty standards.

- Give something to someone using BOTH of your hands. Receive something with both of your hands as well. (even if it's a very small object or card). It's a sign of respect. 

- Don't blow your nose in public

- Do not stick your chopsticks into the rice, it's what they do at the ceremonies for the dead.

- Do not cross the road when the light is red, it's not well seen.

- Do not phone inside the subway.

- Stay on the good side of the stairs (side of going upstairs and side of going downstairs in the subway)

- Do not say "No",  rather say "it's complicated"

- If you have a cold, wear a mask.

- If someone offers you a gift, wait for the person to leave before opening the gift. Or ask the person's permission to open it. 

- 4 is a cursed number in Japan

- In Ramen restaurants, you have to make slurp noises, it shows that you enjoy the food.

I hope this will be useful if you oneday decide to travel to Japan :D   You can add things I forgot in the comments below.