Some unspoken rules in Japan

In my guide for first time Japan visitors, I spelled out the basic ground rules. However, there’s a lot more unspoken rules that you’ll want to know if you want to be respectful.

Don’t eat or drink while walking

This is something I do very often, especially when I have a packed schedule. However, in Japan, this is considered very rude, so please don’t do it. People will give you dirty looks.

Unfortunately, I have done this before, and I think I remember getting looks for it. Oops.

Where to stand on the escalator

Other websites spend way too much time on this. Here’s the most succinct guide on escalator standing vs. walking you’ll ever find:

• Tokyo: stand on the left, walk on the right
• Osaka: stand on the right, walk on the left (like the UK and many other Commonwealth countries)
• Kyoto: whatever the person in front of you does (yes, seriously!)
• Other cities: just follow whatever the people in front of you are doing