Bowing
The polite greeting in Japan is the bow. While you won’t be expected to know all the ins and outs of the bow (it can take decades to learn rules regarding the appropriate depth) there are a few things to remember. Bow from the waist and keep your arms straight by your side. Imitate the bows you receive – don’t overbow or ignore the greeting. Smile and nod if nothing else, you don’t want to be perceived as rude.