🛕 Visiting Temples and Shrines
- ✅ Do: Bow at the entrance gate (torii) before entering a shrine like Fushimi Inari.
- ✅ Do: Remove your shoes before entering temple buildings such as Kiyomizu-dera.
- ❌ Don't: Speak loudly or take selfies in front of sacred statues at places like Heian Shrine.
- ❌ Don't: Walk through the center of shrine pathways — this is reserved for deities.
🍱 Dining Etiquette in Kyoto
- ✅ Do: Say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” after finishing your meal.
- ✅ Do: Try Kyoto’s seasonal Kaiseki dishes or vegetarian temple meals like Yudofu.
- ❌ Don't: Stick chopsticks upright into rice — it resembles a funeral ritual.
- ❌ Don't: Point with chopsticks or pass food directly between them.
🚇 Behavior in Public and Transport
- ✅ Do: Set your phone to silent and avoid calls on public transport like Kyoto buses and subways.
- ✅ Do: Line up patiently when boarding buses or trains — locals value orderly queues.
- ❌ Don't: Eat or speak loudly in trains or temple areas — silence is appreciated.
- ❌ Don't: Smoke in public unless in clearly marked smoking zones.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Don't: Tip in restaurants — tipping is not part of Japanese culture.
- ❌ Don't: Walk and eat — finish food before moving, especially in historic areas like Gion.
- ❌ Don't: Assume everyone speaks English — learning basic phrases like “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) goes a long way.
- ❌ Don't: Speak loudly in temples, trains, or quiet streets — keep your voice soft and polite.