Culture Insider: Cultural taboos from nine countries

Japan

Don't tip anyone: "Tipping is just not part of the culture. Don't even leave the small change. People will come running after you with it."

Don't wear your shoes in someone's house: "If you see other people taking their shoes off, do the same. (Note: there's a small area right inside the entrance called a 'genkan' which is usually one level below the rest of the house, where you take off your shoes. You don't take them off outside the house!)"

Don't hug people you just met: "Most people don't like it, especially older folk."

Don't stand on the wrong side of the escalator: "In Tokyo you stand on the left. In Osaka you stand on the right. Follow what other people are doing."

People stand on the right side of escalators in Osaka, Japan, on July 2, 2012. [Photo/CFP]

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