What should you not wear in Tokyo?

If you are traveling to Japan on business then a formal, conservative trouser or knee-length skirt-suit worn with tights in dark colors works well, but do avoid an all-black look – this is associated with funerals. Also, avoid revealing or sleeveless blouses. Japanese women generally do not wear nail varnish.
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What is inappropriate to wear in Japan?

No exposed shoulders

With women, wearing short shorts or skirts and I mean the shortest of shorts is completely fine but wearing anything with spaghetti straps or a revealing chest area is considered especially inappropriate. Tank tops are seen as underwear here so be sure to cover up if you want to blend in.
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How should I dress in Tokyo?

You'll find women most often turned out in a sharp skirt, blouse, and heels. Since you'll be walking all day, dress comfortably, but in clothing that's neat and fitted. A tucked-in shirt or trim sweater, trousers, or dark jeans, and a comfortable but stylish shoe will help you avoid standing out.
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What should I avoid in Tokyo?

10 Things NOT to Do in Tokyo
  • Don't arrive late.
  • Don't tip at restaurants.
  • Don't make phone calls on the train.
  • Don't stand on the right side of the escalator.
  • Don't take small children on the subway at rush hour.
  • Don't turn up at Tokyo Skytree without a ticket.
  • Don't expect to find restaurants on the ground level.
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What colors are offensive in Japan?

Black (Kuro)

It also represents evil and destruction, as Japanese often describes (same as the West), evil people have a “black heart”. Especially when used alone, black represents mourning, and is often worn to funerals.
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What NOT to Wear in Japan (



Is a thumbs up offensive in Japan?

In Japan, thumbs up mean a sign of agreement. However, it also means 'a lover' in a rude way.
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Is it OK to wear black in Japan?

Black Means Death in Japan, Avoid Black Clothes

In Japan, the color white is attributed to happiness and good times. Death is a time of mourning and so people must dress in the color of depression, black.
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Is it OK to wear red in Japan?

In fact, as far as fabrics are concerned, red is considered in Japan as the happiest color you can get.
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Are crop tops okay in Japan?

As for crop tops, you'll have to use your own judgment. Women are supposed to be conservative with cleavage in Japan, in that showing even a hint is often not regarded as appropriate. If you have a low-cut crop top or one that could reveal your bra from underneath, it's best to leave it at home.
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Are jeans acceptable in Japan?

Shorts, jeans, and even camisoles are perfectly fine to wear. However, jeans are not generally popular with locals beyond their 20's. For jean lovers, we suggest packing black jeans as an alternative to blue denim. Darker denim is also more versatile because it is easier to dress up.
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Can I wear leggings in Japan?

Japan Dress Code for Women

Unfortunately, wearing tracksuit bottoms or leggings outside of the gym is frowned upon and considered a sign of laziness here in Japan. At work, women are also expected to look formal and subtle, usually, in the same colors as the men.
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How do I not look like a tourist in Tokyo?

First Time Visiting Japan? 10 Weird Tips for How Not to Look Like a Tourist During Your Stay!
  1. Dress up. Don't get the tux out just yet; locals don't dress up that much. ...
  2. Wear slip-on shoes. ...
  3. Take a seat when you eat. ...
  4. Be mindful on the train. ...
  5. Opt for a smaller bag. ...
  6. Tap for trains. ...
  7. Learn basic phrases. ...
  8. Carry cash.
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Is it okay to show shoulders in Japan?

Women should wear dresses or skirts, preferably knee-length. Avoid showing your shoulders; if the dress is sleeveless, add a shawl or bolero. White should be avoided, although at a more casual wedding you may be able to wear black. On the other hand, it's not all rules and customs.
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Can I wear sleeveless in Japan?

Sleeveless shirt doesn't matter unless you're going to formal places. We found women (Japanese and non-Japanese) wearing all kinds of different clothes including sleeveless shirts and dresses. We went sightseeing with various Japanese friends throughout our stay.
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Can I wear sweatpants in Japan?

Don't bring sweat pants or jump suits, unless you plan to only wear it in your hotel room. Japanese people only wear them to the gym and you'll be very underdressed. Underwear: Along with your 7 or 8 days worth of underwear, bring some long underwear.
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What does black mean in Japan?

Black in Japanese Culture

Another important traditional Japanese color is black. Black is commonly associated with formality (or formal events), elegance, and mourning. It may also represent unhappiness, fear, evil, bad luck, or misfortune.
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What is a lucky color in Japan?

Blue is also one of the most important lucky colors in Japan with the others in the category being yellow, white, purple, green and, red.
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How do you not offend in Japanese?

If you're planning a trip to Japan, here are a few cultural faux pas you should be aware of.
  1. Don't break the rules of chopstick etiquette. ...
  2. Don't wear shoes indoors. ...
  3. Don't ignore the queuing system. ...
  4. Avoid eating on the go. ...
  5. Don't get into a bathtub before showering first. ...
  6. Don't blow your nose in public. ...
  7. Don't leave a tip.
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What does yellow mean in Japan?

For the Japanese, yellow is the colour of light, and the warmth of the sun is soothing and the benefit of light is most felt. Therefore, the yellow kimono has the meaning of "warm", "active", and "gorgeous" that the light has. It also means "youth," "hope," and "change."
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How do you respond to Arigato?

“Dou itashimashite” (どう致しまして) means “You're welcome” and is widely known as the common response to “arigato gozaimasu”, but it sounds rather stiff and formal. “Iie iie” (いいえいいえ) or “ii yo ii yo” (いいよいいよ) translate as “Not at all” and are casual replies that are more frequently used in daily life.
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What does white mean in Japan?

The color white, or shiro in Japanese is considered a sacred color of the gods. It is the symbol of spiritual and physical purity. Since old times, the Emperor of Japan used to dress in white clothes for the main Shinto rituals.
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What does ? mean in Japan?

The OK gesture or OK sign or ring gesture (symbol/emoji: "?") is performed by connecting the thumb and index into a circle, and holding the other fingers straight or relaxed away from the palm. Commonly used by divers, it signifies "I am OK" or "Are you OK?"
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What does 2 fingers mean in Japan?

Take a photograph of someone from Asia, or better still a group of people, and even better still in front of a popular tourist attraction, and they will inevitably put the two fingers up in the V-for-Victory sign or peace sign.
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What does pinky finger mean in Japan?

The raised pinky comes from the Japanese folk belief in "en" (縁), which usually gets translated as "fate" or "karma." But en is a little more complicated than that. It's something like pre-destination, but only applying to the people that you meet in life.
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