Hello everyone, I have read a lot of posts about social rules in Japan to not standout or make Japanese people uncomfortable when visiting, but I don’t see a lot of detailed specifics. I was hoping to get some clarification. For context, I am a 29(M) from Canada and I will be spending most of my time in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in May.
SHORTS
Note: I normally wear 5” inseam shorts in the summer, and while I’m not very hairy, I do have visible hair on my arms and legs.
From previous posts I gather that shorts, specifically short ones, are seen as feminine/childish and can make Japanese people uncomfortable if the person has visible hair. Would it be advisable to wear longer shorts than the 5” inseam during my trip? How long should they be? Should I consider shaving my arms and legs? How about for my female companions? Are shorts acceptable at the metro, mall, in the train, at an eating establishment, etc. ?
FOOTWEAR
From previous posts I gather that Japanese people don’t generally wear flip flops on the street… what is the consensus on something like leather Birkenstocks? If I do wear Birkenstocks, should I cover my feet with socks? I have read to bring socks in a bag anyway in case I need to take off my shoes, but I don’t know if bare feet in Birkenstocks are acceptable at the metro, mall, in the train, at an eating establishment, etc.
HEADWEAR
This is one that I haven’t seen being asked much, but I have been to countries where wearing hats while you eat, or at a temple is seen as disrespectful. Are there any social rules in Japan for when wearing a hat would be rude? At a restaurant, temple, etc.
ETIQUETTE
Can I or can I not eat while walking on the street/in the train/at the metro? I’ve seen posts saying I can and others saying I can’t.
I’ve seen posts saying to try your best to not disturb people on the train. Can I play video games on long train rides? Can I eat? Can I have conversations with my friends or is it more of a silent train experience? Posts say there’s special seats with baggage space, but one of my Japanese friends says I can just keep my suitcase by my legs without paying the special seat. Is this true? If we visit a bathhouse, should I shave my body? How about the nether region? Don’t want to make people uncomfortable with my hair.
Thank you very much in advance
by Pink_Banana_Guy