Is it rude to stack your plates in Japan?

Some people stack plates on top of each other when they are finished eating because they think it will be easier for the waiter to carry them away, but this is also bad manners. It is proper etiquette to leave the plates as they are, as stacking them spreads dirt and stains the table.



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Eat everything in silence except ramen or noodles for which slurping is encouraged. It's actually considered polite as you're showing enjoyment for the dish.

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I wouldn't say it's considered rude, but it's just not really normal, especially in bigger cities, and definitely not in Tokyo. It is possible that you could look a bit crazy or suspicious if you make a point of meeting people's eyes and smiling. It could also lead to misunderstanding.

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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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Sometimes, this rule is conflated with a Japanese one that has to do with slurping. At restaurants in Japan, it's considered proper to slurp noodles while eating. However, it is not polite in Japan to burp, nor is it polite in China to slurp.

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