No one expects you to be an expert with your chopstick (or ‘hashi’) usage, but knowing what may cause offense can be helpful. A common habit of tourists visiting Japan is to finish their meals by sticking their chopsticks vertically into their bowls of rice. In Japan, this is a specific funeral ritual and conjures negative associations for fellow diners.

If you want to be culturally sensitive, avoid blowing your nose in public in Japan. If possible, resist the urge until you’re in a bathroom or secluded spot, as public nose-blowing is viewed as a dirty habit. If people are unwell or experiencing cold symptoms, it’s common for them to wear a mask to avoid spreading germs.

You’ll likely see someone else make the mistake of accidentally boarding one now that you’re aware: there are women’s-only carriages in Japan. Often, a distracted male passenger using his phone will unknowingly step on board and realise his error once he’s felt the burn of many eyes staring in his direction. There are also quiet carriages, so avoid chatting loudly on these too. On cross-country trains, double check to make sure you’re not seated in someone’s reserved spot – sometimes people will politely stand at the back of the train to avoid making you feel uncomfortable about it.

You might think to avoid wearing shoes in someone’s home (which is really very rude in Japan), but there are also many restaurants and tourist sites where shoes are not to be worn. You’ll be advised to leave your unclean ‘outside’ shoes at the door, and slide on a pair of supplied indoor slippers. Often, there’ll be separate toilet slippers too. Make sure you pack socks and wear shoes that are easy to slip off and on.

Because of inked skin’s association with the Japanese mafia, or yakuza, tattoos are frowned upon in many situations. If you’re visiting an onsen or bath, you might be asked to leave if you have tattoos. Sometimes, small tattoos can be covered with bandages before entering bath houses. You can also consider hiring a private bath as to not cause offense.

It may seem counterintuitive to some, but you must have a shower to clean yourself before entering an onsen or bath. These are usually shared spaces, and it’s tradition to enter them clean. Before visiting an onsen, it’s a good idea to read up on any rules the particular hot springs you’re hoping to bathe in may have.

As in many countries, it’s considered rude to chat loudly on your phone in shared public spaces in Japan (particularly on public transport). It’s fine to text and type away (keeping the volume low), but try to avoid making calls on trains. On that note, avoid pointing at things (especially people), in public spaces too.

If you notice a small tray at the cash register when you’re paying for something with cash, be sure to use this, instead of placing any money directly into someone’s hand. And, when using cards or cash, it’s more polite to use both hands to pass items. Avoid leaving tips, as this is not customary and make staff feel uncomfortable – and, if a shop attendant or waiter bows at you, it’s good manners to bow back.

Though many Japanese foods seem to be perfectly made for eating on the run (think hand rolls, vending machine snacks and convenience store treats), food here shouldn’t be consumed while walking. Once you’ve made a purchase, it’s more polite to stand on the spot and eat your food, or pack it away for later. Unless you’re on a very long train journey, on which you might need to pack a meal, avoid eating on trains too.

A small (no matter how poorly pronounced) exchange of Japanese words can go along way and are generally very much appreciated by local residents. Although you’re not expected to speak the language, do try to remember the basics including please and thank you. If you have a food allergy, for instance, try printing a phrase explaining so on a piece of paper (in case you’re not understood verbally). And, remember, sometimes places (like Osaka) have dialects you could try to learn phrases for (although you’ll still be understood using standard Japanese).