Tips to avoid etiquette mistakes on trains and public places

Mastering Japanese: Key Cultural Mistakes to Avoid: Tips to avoid etiquette mistakes on trains and public places

Here are tips to avoid etiquette mistakes on trains and in public places based on recent advice and common social rules:

Always let people exit the train before boarding. Wait beside the door, not in front of it to avoid blocking others.
Avoid sitting right next to strangers unless necessary; standing is sometimes more polite.
Keep conversations quiet and avoid loud phone calls. If you must talk on the phone, do so in the vestibule area.
Do not place bags on seats; keep them on your lap, under the seat, or in designated luggage areas.
Keep feet on the floor or under your seat; never put them on seats.
Avoid playing music loudly so it leaks out of your headphones.
Respect reserved seats and the personal space of others. Share armrests and table space fairly.
Do not eat smelly or strong-flavored foods as they can be offensive to others.
For those traveling with pets or children, be considerate of others by controlling noise and behavior.
Avoid using the train as a noisy workspace such as long calls or loud typing.
Always be mindful of local train culture and follow posted signs or norms.

Following these tips will help ensure a courteous and pleasant experience for everyone in trains and public places.¹^{, 2}^{, 3}^{, 4}^{, 5}^{, 6}

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