Should I tip my waiter or taxi driver?

No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can be seen as confusing or even insulting. Excellent service is considered the standard.

Is it rude to eat while walking?

Generally, yes. It is considered messy and disrespectful to the food and the environment. Eat at the stall where you bought the food or sit on a nearby bench.

What do I do if I don't know the proper custom?

A polite, soft-spoken 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me/I'm sorry) and a slight nod of the head will help you navigate most minor social blunders.

How to Navigate Japanese Etiquette and Social Customs

Japanese etiquette centers on mindfulness, noise reduction, and respecting shared spaces. When in doubt, observe what the locals are doing, keep your voice low, and avoid being physically intrusive.

Master the art of bowing. For casual greetings, a simple nod or a slight bow (about 15 degrees) is sufficient. Keep your back straight and hands at your sides (men) or clasped in front (women). Do not maintain intense eye contact while bowing.
Handle money and cards correctly. Never hand cash or credit cards directly to a clerk. Always place them in the small plastic tray provided on the counter. This prevents direct contact and maintains a formal distance.
Follow public transport rules. Set your phone to 'manner mode' (silent) immediately upon entering a train or bus. Do not talk on your phone, and keep your voice to a whisper if speaking to a companion. If you are wearing a backpack, take it off and hold it in front of you or place it on the overhead rack to save space.
Respect the shoe protocol. If you see a raised floor (genkan) or a row of slippers at an entrance, take your shoes off. Point your shoes toward the door. If you are given slippers, wear them only on hard floors; remove them before stepping onto tatami mats.
Manage trash responsibly. Public trash cans are rare. Carry a small plastic bag in your daypack to store your trash until you return to your accommodation or find a bin at a convenience store/train station.

Should I tip my waiter or taxi driver?: No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can be seen as confusing or even insulting. Excellent service is considered the standard.
Is it rude to eat while walking?: Generally, yes. It is considered messy and disrespectful to the food and the environment. Eat at the stall where you bought the food or sit on a nearby bench.
What do I do if I don't know the proper custom?: A polite, soft-spoken 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me/I'm sorry) and a slight nod of the head will help you navigate most minor social blunders.