Kyoto Customs
Kyoto people are not provocative, confrontational, or cantankerous by nature. Predominantly, you will find Kyoto people to be very friendly. They do not get angry, shout, eat, drink or blow their nose in public; all these are considered a very big “no no”. Never blow your nose with a handkerchief, only use paper tissues. Handkerchiefs are used only for drying your hands or occasionally wiping your perspiration.
If you have been (officially) invited to someone’s home for a dinner, it is customary to bring a small gift. Sometimes you will hear, “Let’s meet up sometime”, “Let’s have a drink together”, or “Let’s see each other soon”. This is only part of the conversation when saying goodbye and has absolutely no significance, it is a “throw-away line”. Never, never ever drop-in to someone’s home for a quick visit or surprise visit, you most probably won’t make it past the front door and you will definitely strain your friendship. Don’t be surprised if thereafter, communication drops to zero.
Avoid prolonged eye contact during conversations as this will make people feel uncomfortable. Use only fleeting eye contact during communication to show you are listening.