Is it rude to eat on the subway in Japan?

Japanese tend not to eat while walking along or standing around on the street. However, it is acceptable to drink while standing aside a vending machine. Eating and drinking on local trains, but not long distance express trains, is also frowned upon.



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While you may be accustomed to chatting with your traveling companions while using public transportation, this is not the norm in Japan. Loud chatter or other disturbance is considered rude. You may notice that most Japanese train passengers stand or sit in silence.

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Luckily for us, the general etiquette for bus passengers is largely the same as train etiquette. As on the trains, smoking, eating, and drinking are largely frowned upon. Additionally, talking on the phone on the bus is generally seen as rude.

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Walking and eating in Japan Japanese tend not to eat while walking along or standing around on the street. However, it is acceptable to drink while standing aside a vending machine. Eating and drinking on local trains, but not long distance express trains, is also frowned upon.

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There is a custom in Japan where most people do not eat food outside other than when in restaurants. However, when using the bullet train or the green car, you are permitted to eat food. Normal trains and people commuting using said trains do not permit the consumption of food whilst riding the train.

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Avoid foods with strong odors that might offend others. You may bring water on local trains, but avoid other drink types, including soda and coffee.

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Don't leave food behind. It's considered bad manners to leave even grains of rice behind, so be sure to clean your plate! If there are some foods you cannot eat, ask to have them left out of the dish. Do use the opposite end of chopsticks to pick up food from a shared dish.

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Wearing flip flops in public places such as on the street or in a restaurant is less common in Japan than in some other countries, as it is considered more casual and less appropriate for formal occasions.

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Now, shorts in Japan are called Tom pun, and even though it's not against the law. to wear shorts in Japan, you should avoid it to not look like a guiding tourist.

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In summer, many people choose to wear longer skirts or slacks instead of shorts, and few wear tank tops. Pack clothes that aren't too flashy and make sure they're appropriate for the activities and the season you have planned. Bring a dressier outfit if you plan on eating somewhere nice.

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Itadakimasu is said when you start eating but, when the meal is over, remember to give thanks again using the phrase gochisousama, which is a sign of respect towards the chef. This translates as a more formal way of saying “it was a feast,'' as the word gochiso refers to a meal of luxurious foods.

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