⛩️ Cultural Etiquette & Immersion

*Quick-reference guide to respectful travel in Japan.*

🚇 Public Spaces

The "Golden Silence": No phone calls on trains.
Left-Side Standing: Stand on the LEFT of escalators in Tokyo. Do not block the flow.
No Eating/Drinking: On local trains (limited express/Shinkansen are fine).

⛩️ Temples & Shrines

Shoes-Off Discipline: Look for the *Genkan* border. Never step on tatami with shoes.
The Goshuin-cho: Buy the temple stamp book at your first stop (Sensō-ji).
Purification Ritual: Use the *temizuya* (water basin) before entering shrine grounds.

🎌 General Etiquette

No Tipping: It's considered rude. Service charge is included.
Bow Slightly: When greeting or thanking someone. Even a small head nod shows respect.
Cash Handling: Place cash on the tray at registers (don't hand it directly).

---

*For deeper cultural curiosities, heritage items, and immersion tips, see CURIOSITIES.md (Sections 4, 8, 16, 25).*