Dos and Donts
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Do
Stand on the same side of the escalator as everyone else, keeping the other side open for people walking. Kyoto has so many tourists that it may be the left or the right side...
Even if you don't speak Japanese, at least try to use some Basic Japanese language. Even a little will make a big impact. When in rome! When entering a building of any kind, always check if there is an area where people are taking their shoes off and follow suit.
Use Tabelog for reviews and discovering where to eat Dont
Don't reply "huh?" when someone says something you don't understand or couldn't hear
This simple sound, when used as a reply, has a very different meaning in Japan.
It comes across as meaning "That's ridiculous, annoying, illogical" and feels quite rude.
You don't need to give tips, it is not a custom in Japan and is not expected. Don't expect there will be Garbage cans or recycling cans available in public. They are as rare in Kyoto as they are in Japan, so it can be good to keep plastic bags with you for trash. You can carry it back to your hotel, etc. or some konbini, Vending machines, and train stations will have trash cans or recycling cans. Don't insert your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. This is strongly associated with funeral rites in Japan.
A mismatched pair of chopsticks, similarly, is associated with funeral rites.
Don't take pictures of Geisha.
It was generally banned a few years ago due to various problems with people crowding around them.