8 Common Courtesies in Tokyo

Before I can talk about this list, there are few things about Japan that need to be said. Etiquette is of utmost priority. There are so many things that are taken into consideration to make you feel special, as a person of society, as you go through daily life. Between efficiency and just simple respect, many of the little things in Japan just make life a little easier. Also, these are occurrences that are found in Tokyo. Although there may be similar rules in other parts of Japan, many of them have regional differences. Just like New York City and Dallas have completely different ideas of respect and manners, Japan's common courtesies can change depending on where you are. With all of that being said, here are some daily examples of the unspoken courtesies that everyone follows and encounters during a normal day in Japan.
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1. To board an elevator, people form two single file lines with an open file in the middle to let people out of the elevator. After the elevator is clear, the lines simply move forward straight into the elevator.
2. On an escalator, standing people stay to the left. Those who would like to walk up the escalator use the space on the right.
3. Every time you walk into a restaurant, store, or any type of establishment, you will hear someone acknowledge your presence and thank you as an honored guest.
4. When you leave an establishment, someone will walk you out, bow, and stay there until you are no longer visible. Every person is valued equally!
5. On a train (long distance only), when staff walk through the cars, each person will individually bow to the passengers before entering the next car.
6. On a taxi, drivers always make sure that you have all belongings before driving away.
7. After making a purchase, the vendor will always gift wrap your purchase. To them, that's just the normal way of preparing your items for a commute across the city. For example, you could buy a cute little bag of nuts. And the nuts will be wrapped in three little separate bags and then be put in a decorated gift bag. Every wrapped item is like one of those Russian dolls, bag inside a bag, inside a bag.
8. Everywhere is on the honor system. "Take it and bring it back" is used everywhere. And for umbrellas, it is quite convenient. (There are also places to dry your umbrella and bags to put them in before you enter any nicer establishment.)

Honestly--- people just care here. They value everyone. Foreigners aren't prey. They don't try to exploit you or anyone for that matter. For the amount of care and thought that goes into the service industry, it is not surprising how safe it is here.