That and I'd add the following:

- While it's completely acceptable to eat fermented fish out of a bento box using your phone to make calls is a comlete no!no!

That leads to a very quiet, peaceful and smooth train experience.

Also, if you visit Japan as a foreigner look at JR Rail Pass. A three week pass for the green car (1st class) will cost ~80'000 yen ($720) and is a comperative bargain if you make use of it.

For example: Tokyo to Sapporo [which is Shinkansen to Hakodate only] and back is more than 92K.