| Not surprisingly, there are a number of Japanese | | | | true, incidentally, for taxis, hotels, and other scenarios |
| dining customs that are unique to Japan. Here are | | | | where it would be customary to tip in the West. |
| three that you should definitely be familiar with in | | | | Tipping is simply not a part of Japanese culture, so |
| order to present yourself as a well-mannered gaijin in | | | | no need to do it at all while in Japan. |
| the company of Japanese or while visiting Japan. | | | | 3. Pouring Drinks in Japan |
| 1. Japanese Chopsticks Basics | | | | When you're at a restaurant or bar with Japanese |
| The two most important things to know about using | | | | companions and drinking beer, wine, rice wine |
| chopsticks in Japan are that you shouldn't use | | | | (nihonshu), or any other alcoholic drink, it is |
| chopsticks to pass food from one person to another, | | | | customary to pour your companion's drink for them. |
| and that you should never stick chopsticks vertically | | | | Likewise, it is bad manners to pour your own drink, |
| into a bowl of rice, as this is something that is done | | | | so wait until your Japanese counterpart offers to fill |
| as part of Japanese funeral rituals! Instead, use a | | | | your cup or glass rather than reaching for the bottle |
| chopsticks holder or lay them across the side of your | | | | yourself. |
| rice bowl or plate. | | | | Follow these three essential Japanese customs, and |
| 2. To Tip or Not to Tip in Japan? | | | | you'll be well on your way toward impressing your |
| It is not customary to tip in Japan, so you are neither | | | | Japanese hosts as a cultured and well-mannered |
| required nor expected to at restaurants. The same is | | | | foreigner, which, trust me, goes a long way in Japan! |