Etiquette in Japan is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In Japan, etiquette comes down to a few things: bowing matters, silence is valued, and gift-giving has rules.
A slight bow for casual greetings, deeper for formal situations. You'll pick up the rhythm quickly. When in doubt, a small nod is fine.
Tip: Business cards are exchanged with two hands and examined carefully. Never write on someone's card.
Quiet on public transit, in elevators, and in shared spaces is the norm. Loud phone conversations in public are frowned upon.
Gifts are given and received with both hands. Wrapping matters. Avoid sets of four (the number sounds like 'death' in Japanese).