Japanese Culture!
There are some cultural subtleties that you may or may not have found on the web that this article helps you to understand, things like: shoes, slurping soup, blowing your nose, etc. https://blog.udemy.com/japanese-culture-facts/
In terms of the church, formality in addressing the pastor is also important. The term sensei (teacher) is the title applied to Pastors along with their last name. Kano sensei, Fukui sensei, etc. When in the church or with church people, always use this to refer to the pastor. The slight “bowing” motion should be done only in response to someone else who does it, mostly older people.
In general, there is no tipping in restaurants, hotels or anywhere. To offer can even be demeaning (you’re not being paid enough, you look poor, etc.). Lots of places take only cash, so having a supply of Yen is actually a good idea. You can exchange before you leave or at the airport in Japan. If you have a credit or credit card that can be used at an ATM, call them to let them know you will be in Japan before you leave and make sure you can access cash in Japan. In most cases, when paying for something, there will be a tray that the clerk will put a paper with the total in. You are expected to put your card or cash in the tray. Never hand it to them directly. Change will be returned in the tray as well. In the absence of a tray - present your card holding it with both hands and they will receive it with both hands. That’s true for gifts or anything else that is exchanged - use both hands. A lot of these are subtle things but important to adults. Be observant and respond in kind. Another good site that deals with these things is: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/japan-country-profiles.html
In terms of the church, formality in addressing the pastor is also important. The term sensei (teacher) is the title applied to Pastors along with their last name. Kano sensei, Fukui sensei, etc. When in the church or with church people, always use this to refer to the pastor. The slight “bowing” motion should be done only in response to someone else who does it, mostly older people.
In general, there is no tipping in restaurants, hotels or anywhere. To offer can even be demeaning (you’re not being paid enough, you look poor, etc.). Lots of places take only cash, so having a supply of Yen is actually a good idea. You can exchange before you leave or at the airport in Japan. If you have a credit or credit card that can be used at an ATM, call them to let them know you will be in Japan before you leave and make sure you can access cash in Japan. In most cases, when paying for something, there will be a tray that the clerk will put a paper with the total in. You are expected to put your card or cash in the tray. Never hand it to them directly. Change will be returned in the tray as well. In the absence of a tray - present your card holding it with both hands and they will receive it with both hands. That’s true for gifts or anything else that is exchanged - use both hands. A lot of these are subtle things but important to adults. Be observant and respond in kind. Another good site that deals with these things is: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/japan-country-profiles.html