The table starts at ramen.
A short phrase (sumimasen) is the door to etiquette.
Food
- ramen — ramen is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- sushi — sushi is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- kaiseki — kaiseki is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- okonomiyaki — okonomiyaki is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- onigiri — onigiri is a coordinate on the Japan table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
Etiquette
- Greeting — sumimasen — excuse me
- Sacred sites — Cover shoulders and knees; read no-photo signs before the caption.
- Tipping — Tipping customs differ; read whether service is already on the bill.
- Queues — Skipping a queue is not a time save; it is a scene you cannot unshoot.
Festival notes
- Hanami — Hanami lands in March — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Golden Week — Golden Week lands in May — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Gion Matsuri — Gion Matsuri lands in July — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Koyo peak — Koyo peak lands in November — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
Phrases
- sumimasen — sumimasen: excuse me. Timing beats accent.
- iccard — iccard: prepaid rail card. Timing beats accent.
- onsen — onsen: hot-spring bath. Timing beats accent.
- shinkansen — shinkansen: bullet train. Timing beats accent.
Culture is a speed, not a checklist. Slow is more accurate.
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