Heading to Japan?
Welcome to one of the most interesting countries on Earth. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or technology nerd, Japan has something to offer.
But…
The Japanese culture is 100% different from what most Western travelers are used to.
If you don’t know the etiquette basics, you’ll quickly offend the locals or stick out like a sore thumb.
And that’s why…
Japanese etiquette isn’t actually all that complicated or scary. Learn the foundation, and you’ll sail through Japan like a local.
Your Japan etiquette cheatsheet:
- Why Japanese Etiquette Is Crucial
- 6 Rules You NEED to Know
- Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
Japanese Etiquette Tips For Your Trip To Japan
36.9 million tourists flocked to Japan in 2024 — more than ever before.
But there’s something most people don’t realize…
Japan has one of the most polite societies in the world. They take their customs very seriously.
Sure, the locals are patient with tourists who make genuine mistakes. But showing a bit of respect will take your trip to a whole new level.
Do you want to be that clueless tourist in Japan?
Or would you rather connect with the culture and really grasp why this country is so special?
If you’re serious about exploring this country beyond the standard tourist experiences, you need to know the basics. I recommend using a japan travel website to plan out your itinerary. But for Japan travel and culture enthusiasts wanting to really plan out their vacation, knowing how to behave is just as crucial.
Your Japanese Etiquette Cheat Sheet: 7 Rules To Know Before You Go
Ready to learn the most important Japanese etiquette tips?
It’s going to make your trip so much more enjoyable. And help you get off the beaten path to the most authentic Japanese experiences.
The Shoe Rule To Live By
Quick question…
What’s the easiest way to spot a clueless tourist in Japan?
Watch them struggle with figuring out when to take their shoes off.
This is probably the single most important Japanese etiquette rule to know.
Let me explain…
Remove your shoes when entering homes, temples, traditional restaurants, ryokans, and some tourist attractions.
Sometimes you’ll be given slippers to wear. Sometimes you won’t. Either way, just follow the crowd.
But wait… there’s a twist… Japan bathrooms have their own special slippers. You switch from your indoor slippers to a bathroom set, then back again.
Forgetting to remove the toilet slippers is the most embarrassing thing you can do in Japan.
Public Transport Tips To Follow
Japanese trains are known for one thing…
Utter silence.
You won’t hear loud phone conversations, obnoxious music, or anyone just chatting away. The Japanese people use public transport to relax, nap, or play games in silent mode.
Keep your voice down. Silence your phone. Step off at the next station if you must take a call.
The same goes for restaurants and other public spaces. Japanese people go to great lengths to not disturb those around them.
Don’t Tip, Ever.
One thing most first-time visitors ask…
“Should I tip in Japan?”
The answer?
NEVER.
I know it sounds weird if you’re from a country where tipping is expected. But in Japan, great service is just part of their professional pride.
If you try to leave a tip, you’ll actually offend someone. They may even chase you down thinking you accidentally dropped your money.
Same goes for restaurants, taxis, hotels, and tour guides. Don’t waste your money.
The Chopstick Rules You Should Know
If you’re like me, you think using chopsticks is super simple.
Not true. There are rules that can actually offend people. The most important one is you should never put your chopsticks upright straight into your rice bowl.
Why? That’s a ritual used at Buddhist funerals. It’s a very disrespectful gesture that is also considered to bring bad luck. Always rest your chopsticks on the chopstick holder.
Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick. That’s another funeral ritual. If you need to share something, place it on the other person’s plate.
Don’t point with chopsticks either. It’s rude. Use your hand instead.
How To Bow Without Looking Ridiculous
You’ll notice everyone bowing everywhere in Japan.
Don’t sweat it. You don’t have to get perfect. The Japanese people don’t expect tourists to master complicated bowing rituals.
But if you try a little bow, it will go a long way to show your respect.
Quick tip:
A slight bow of about 15 degrees is enough for most situations. Deeper bows show more respect in formal situations.
Handshakes are also becoming common, especially when Japanese people greet foreigners. But if someone bows to you, return the bow.
Eat and walk is a big no-no
This is a big one that most tourists do.
Japan people are proud of how clean their streets are. So eating or drinking on the go is seen as incredibly disrespectful.
Take a seat and enjoy your food or drink. Slow down and savor it.
The only exception is at festivals and food stalls where people expect you to eat while standing. But other than that, finish your food before walking.
Pay Respect At Sacred Spaces
Temples and shrines aren’t just photo ops…
People still go there to worship. Tourism to Japan tripled between 2013-2019, but with more tourists came some incredibly badly behaved people who showed no respect.
The rules at shrines and temples are simple. Keep your voice down. Dress modestly. Follow any purification rituals. Be respectful of taking photos.
At torii gates (the red gates at the shrine entrance), walk slightly left or right of center. The middle path is for the gods.
Showing this respect will prove you understand that these are not just Instagram backdrops.
Cash Is King
Despite being one of the most high-tech countries, Japan still runs on cash.
Many smaller restaurants, shops, and traditional establishments will not accept cards. So always make sure you have enough yen, especially in the smaller towns.
ATMs are in convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. International cards work at most machines.
Queue Like A Pro
Here’s another great way to fit in.
Learn to queue like a pro. Japanese people are famous for their orderly queues. Whether for trains, buying tickets, or restaurants, the locals all wait their turn.
Jumping the line or barging ahead is the rudest thing you can do. You may even feel it’s ok if you’re in a rush. But even if you are, please respect the queue. This level of respect for each other is ingrained into Japanese society.
Silence is Golden
One other thing that Western people do not get…
The Japanese culture is all about quietness in public.
It’s not just on the trains. In restaurants, cafes, on the streets, people speak way more quietly than we are used to.
Loud conversations attract attention and make locals cringe. Keep your voice low, especially when it’s about private matters.
Final Tips For Your Japan Adventure
Learning Japanese etiquette can seem like a lot to remember. But local people will appreciate any genuine effort you make to respect their culture.
The key is just to show you care. Following these etiquette basics will ensure a much more enjoyable experience. You’ll connect with locals more easily and really understand what makes Japanese culture unique.
Master these Japan etiquette tips before your trip and you’ll be ready to discover everything the country has to offer. From the glitzy metropolis of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, etiquette opens doors that most tourists never get to experience.
Pack those slip-on shoes, leave your tipping habits back home, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.