Japan vs. USA: Restaurant Differences

HAND WASHING
JAPAN: You get a wet towel before you eat to clean your hands. At nicer places, you get hot towels.
USA: Not a thing.

UTENSILS
JAPAN: They can usually be found in a basket on the table, next to the condiments.
USA: They are usually are set next to your plate on a napkin, or wrapped in one.

BACKPACKS/BAGS/PURSES
JAPAN: There are baskets underneath your chair or outside the booth to hold your bag. Don't ever let it touch the floor.
USA: Just hang it on your chair or put it on the one next to you.

MENU
JAPAN: After you order, the menu goes back on the table. You might want to order something else.
USA: After you order, the waiter politely collects all menus.

HOW TO ORDER
JAPAN: Usually click a button, to call over the waiter. If no button, shout to get their attention.
USA: Wait until the waiter comes to take your order.

FLOW OF MEAL
JAPAN: All food comes out at once, salad, soup, pickle, rice, main course, dessert. All on the same tray. Same time.
USA: Everything has an order. Don't mess up the order.

SPEED
JAPAN: For food, rapid speed, about five minutes. For drinks, don't expect many refills.
USA: For food, about 10-15 minutes for your main course. For drinks, unlimited refills galore!

VOLUME AT TABLE
JAPAN: Restaurants are really quite loud when busy. People will shout for the waiter (or push the button).
USA: People try to keep the noise to themselves.

TIPPING
JAPAN: Not a thing. They will give it back to you.
USA: If you aren't going to tip at least 15%, you shouldn't be going to a restaurant.

PAYING THE BILL
JAPAN: Let the waiter bring your bill and then go up to the counter and pay. Never leave money on the table.
USA: Let the waiter bring your bill and then pay when you're ready at the table.

HANDLING MONEY
JAPAN: Receive money with two hands. Coins always go on top of the receipt, rarely on your skin directly. When paying, never hand the money directly to the person. There is always a small tray to put it in.
USA: They will hand it to you directly.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE ESTABLISHMENT
JAPAN: When entering, all staff around will shout to acknowledge your presence and thank you as an honored guest. When leaving, all staff will thank you again as an honored guest. Sometimes they will even walk you out of the establishment.
USA: Usually hear a hostess or someone welcome you by saying, "Welcome to...". When you leave, "Thanks for coming..."