Discover Japan: Essential Etiquette Tips for International Travelers

Japan is a country in East Asia that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. As a traveler, immersing yourself in its culture can be a rewarding experience, but understanding and respecting local customs is also essential to explore any country at its fullest. Here are some essential etiquette tips to ensure your journey through Japan is smooth and respectful.

Greetings and Bowing

In Japan, bowing is a common form of greeting and a sign of respect. The depth and duration of the bow vary depending on the situation. A slight nod is casual, while a deeper bow shows deeper respect. While handshakes are becoming more common, especially in business settings, it's always good to follow the local custom of bowing.

Shoes Off Indoors

One of the most common Japanese customs is removing shoes before entering someone's home, traditional inns (ryokan), and certain temples. Look for a genkan (entryway) where you can switch your shoes for indoor slippers. This practice helps maintain cleanliness inside living spaces.

Dining Etiquette

When dining in Japan, certain customs should be observed:

Chopstick Use: Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles funeral rites. Avoid passing food from chopstick to chopstick, as this also mirrors funeral traditions. Also, don’t cross the chopsticks, leave them standing up in your bowl instead when you finish eating.

Sushi Eating Manner: Avoid wearing perfume when eating sushi. Strong perfumes can interfere with your sense of taste and smell, making it difficult to fully appreciate the subtle flavors and aromas of the sushi. Overpowering scents can be also overwhelming and unpleasant for other diners around you, detracting from their dining experience. It can be seen as disrespectful to the chef and the care they put into preparing the sushi.

Dining Words: Good manners involve words of appreciation during the meal. Before eating, remember to say i-ta-da-ki-mas, the equivalent for “bon appetit” meaning. During the meal, say oi-shii to indicate that you are really enjoying the food. 

Noise: Don’t be surprised to hear others slurping their soup or noodles. It is acceptable in Japan and even seen as a compliment to the chef, but making other noises while eating is considered impolite.

Religious Sites Visiting

Tours are offered at many Buddhist and Shinto shrines, thoses in Kyoto, Hiroshima and Tokyo are among the most visited attractions in Japan. Do remember, these are religious sites still used for worship. Travelers should be quiet and respectful in shrines and temples. Don not enter off-limits areas, speak softly, and dress respectfully. In some locations photography is also prohibited

Public Transportation Manners

Japanese trains and buses are known for their punctuality and efficiency. To ensure a pleasant journey for everyone:

Order: In busy train stations, bus stations, and airports, you will be expected to form an orderly line. Don’t push ahead, and pay attention to directional lines painted on the floors.

Quietness: Keep conversations to a minimum and set phones to silent mode. Talking on the phone is discouraged. Etiquette in public places is a serious business in Japan.

Seating: Offer seats to the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and those with young children.

Respect Personal Space

Japan is a densely populated country, and maintaining personal space is crucial. Avoid physical contact such as hugging or back-patting when greeting. Instead, opt for a respectful bow.

Additional: Geisha and maiko are highly trained professionals who perform traditional Japanese arts, such as music, dance, and tea ceremony. Approaching them for selfies can be seen as disrespectful to their profession and the cultural heritage they represent. Plus, in Japan, it is generally considered rude to intrude on someone's personal space without permission. This is especially true for geisha and maiko, who maintain a certain level of formality and decorum as part of their role.

Handling Trash

Japan is remarkably clean, and this is due in part to strict waste disposal practices. Public trash bins are rare, so be prepared to carry your trash with you until you find a proper disposal site. Always sort your trash into the correct categories, as recycling is taken very seriously.

Onsen (Hot Springs) Etiquette

Experiencing an onsen is a must in Japan. However, there are specific rules to follow:

Clean Yourself: Thoroughly wash and rinse your body before entering the communal baths.

Towels: Keep small towels out of the water. Place them on your head or the side of the bath.

Swimwear: Onsen baths are typically enjoyed nude, and wearing swimwear is not allowed.

Tipping culture

Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is standard and expected here. If you leave a cash tip on the table, the waiter may not understand it and chase you down to return it. Money is also seldom passed from hand to hand. When paying for an item, you will place the cash in the tray provided. Your change will likewise be placed in this tray. 

Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is a significant part of Japanese culture. When presenting a gift, do so with both hands and a slight bow. It’s also customary to modestly decline the gift once or twice before accepting it to show humility.

The language barrier 

While you may very well meet people who speak the English language, don’t assume that everyone will. Instead, learn some helpful phrases in Japanese, such as sumimasen, meaning “excuse me” or “sorry,” and arigato, which means, “thank you.”

In fact, Japaneses commonly do not use foreign languages often. You'd better install Google Translate or equivalent applications for supporting communication with locals when in Japan, while asking for map, calling taxis or local purchasing, etc.

Booking Early

Do book accommodation, train passes & sightseeing tickets in advance, especially in high season, to avoiding unexpected issues occuring during your stay.  Major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are extremely popular among tourists, leading to high demand for hotels and other accommodations. Booking in advance ensures you secure a place to stay in your preferred location. Reserving early also means you have a wider range of options, as well as make use of better rates and special deals for early bookings.

Make sure that you use reputable booking websites and reliable travel agents, which assist you a more enjoyable and stress-free trip to Japan, with the peace of mind that your essential travel arrangements are secured.

Other Essential Travel Tips

- Do walk, drive and ride on the left.

- Dress conservatively and smartly, depending where you've been going to visit.

By keeping these etiquette tips in mind, you’ll show respect for Japanese culture and ensure a more enjoyable and enriching travel experience. Embrace the opportunity to learn and participate in local customs - it's a rewarding part of any trip to Japan. Remember some crucial notes before taking a Japan tour, and feel free to contact our Asia Tours Team if you are seeking some recommendations for your dream trip to this wonderful East Asian destination.