Japanese Manners Quiz
Japan has a unique culture not found anywhere else.
Be sure to check into it before you go so that your time there will go smoothly.
Q1. Which of these train cars actually exists in Japan?
1. Men-only cars
2. Women-only cars
3. Karaoke cars
Women-only cars for morning and evening rush hours were created to prevent groping and other crimes targeting women, so if you use trains during those hours, please note that symbols like the one to the right mean that the car is for women only.
Q2. Which of these actions is considered rude on trains and subways?
1. Reading comics
2. Holding hands
3. Using cellular telephones
When riding a train in Japan, you should turn your phone off when near Priority Seats, keep it in silent mode when in other areas, and refrain from talking on the phone at all times.
Here are some other rules that would be good to remember:
- Be careful sound doesn't leak from your headphones.
- Take off your backpack and hold it in front of you when the train is crowded.
- If you are standing near the doors, get off the train when it stops so that others can exit the train.
Q3. Who are Priority Seats reserved for?
1. Businesspersons
2. The elderly and handicapped
3. Railway related workers
Priority Seats on trains in Japan are for the elderly, handicapped persons, pregnant women and others. If your seat is marked with a symbol like the one to the right and you see one of these people, please offer them your seat.
Of course, giving up your seat to someone who needs it more is proper manners regardless of where you are sitting.
Q4. Which of these is proper manners when waiting on the platform?
1. Lining up within the yellow lines
2. Lining up outside the yellow lines
3. Lining up is not necessary
To prevent accidents, the rule on Japanese platforms is to stay behind the white or yellow lines.
Q5. Which of these is true about taxis?
1. Taxis are paid in advance.
2. Doors open and close automatically.
3. Tips are customary.
Most Japanese taxi drivers will open and close the door for you.
Understand that the driver does not get out of the taxi and open the door, but rather uses controls near the drivers seat to operate the doors.
Also note that all taxis in the city are non-smoking.
Q6. Which of these is true about buses?
1. Buses always stop at bus stops.
2. You must press a button to get off the bus at the right stop.
3. You may board wherever you like.
When riding a bus in Japan, press one of the stop buttons located around the bus to notify the driver that you want to get off.
Q7. Which of these is true about smoking?
1. Smoking anywhere is acceptable.
2. Smoking is prohibited outside of designated smoking areas.
3. Smoking is permitted anywhere on streets.
Please understand that smoking laws are becoming stricter in Japan, and smoking outside of designated areas in the city may result in fines or other punishment.
Q8. Which of these is a unique Japanese custom at restaurants?
1. Ordering green tea immediately, even at French restaurants
2. Wearing a kimono is mandatory at traditional Japanese restaurants.
3. Removing shoes is customary at certain restaurants.
Some eating and drinking establishments in Japan offer "zashiki"-style seating where you must remove your shoes when entering.
Q9. Which of these is considered proper behavior at hot springs or public baths?
1. Stretching before entering the water
2. Not putting towels in the water
3. Wearing a bathing suit is permitted if it is embarrassing to go nude
Please understand that some hot springs and public baths forbid putting towels in the water in addition to forbidding bathing suits.