5 surprising etiquette differences between the US and Japan

1. While Americans greet each other with a handshake or hug, Japanese people usually nod or bow

Americans often greet each other with a handshake, kiss on the cheek, or hug.

But in Japan, people greet each other by bowing or giving a simple nod. Traditionally, there are four different types of bowing, according to Slate. Each represents a different emotion, such as gratitude, remorsefulness, and respect. Generally speaking, the deeper the bow, the more gratitude or appreciation you are showing.

When it comes to formal business engagements, foreigners sometimes miss the mark when trying to master the Japanese bow. For instance, greetings between US officials and Japanese prime ministers have occasionally sparked controversy, according to Reuters.

2. Tipping in restaurants is essentially mandatory in the US, but not in Japan

In most restaurants in the US, servers and bartenders rely on tips to make a living. As tipped workers, they usually get paid less than minimum wage, according to Crains. Customers to decide how much they want to give in gratuity, but a typical suggestion is 18-20% of the bill.

While tipping is considered a standard practice in the US, it is not part of the culture in Japan, as INSIDER previously reported. Japanese people don’t see tipping as necessary for standard services. Instead of leaving money on the table, they may show their appreciation in a creative way, like folding chopstick sleeves into origami, according to Lonely Planet.

3. Table manners differ between the 2 countries

In the US, diners should know their utensil locations and not rest their elbows on the table. As soon as Americans are seated, the usual practice is to unfold the napkin and put it on their laps until the meal is finished. Americans also should not start eating before everyone at the table is served.

When you sit down for a meal in Japan, the rules are quite different. First and foremost, polish your chopsticks skills — do not stick them into your food so they stand upright or cross them on top of your bowl, according Makiko Itoh of the Japanese food blog Just Hungry. Both of these things are reminiscent of funeral rituals in Japan, and are considered rude.

Prior to eating, Japanese people will often say "itadakimasu" to show respect to the food or the chef who made the food.

4. Though many Americans take off their shoes when they enter their homes, it isn't really optional in Japan

In a recent survey conducted by YouGov, a market research company, 87% of US adults surveyed said they take their shoes off before entering their homes at least some of the time. Only 50% of them, however, ever ask their guests to do so.

It's a different story in Japan.

During my last visit, I stayed in a traditional guesthouse. Right before I walked inside, I could see rows of slippers in all sizes by the stairs. I was asked by the host to change into slippers before entering.

Removing your shoes before entering private homes, temples, some restaurants, and various other buildings in Japan is standard, according to Lonely Planet.

5. Public transit rules are different in the US and Japan

If you live in a large US city and commute via train, you likely understand the struggle of getting to work every morning, including train delays, crowdedness, or general rudeness from your fellow passengers.

In Japan, eating or drinking on trains is generally frowned upon, and people refrain from talking loudly on the phone or to each other, because it is considered rude, according to Reuters.