Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Japan: A Traveler's Guide

First impressions matter

Japan rewards travelers who pay attention. Politeness, cleanliness and consideration for others are woven into daily life, and a little awareness goes a long way.

Greetings and bowing

The bow (ojigi) is the standard greeting. A small nod works for tourists; you don't need a deep formal bow. Handshakes are increasingly common in business, but let your Japanese counterpart lead. Use a person's surname plus -san (for example, Tanaka-san), never their first name unless invited.

Shoes off

Remove your shoes when entering homes, traditional restaurants, temples, ryokan inns and many guesthouses. Look for a step up (genkan) and a shoe rack. Slip into the provided slippers, but take them off on tatami mats. Separate toilet slippers are common, never wear them back into the living area.

At the table

• Say itadakimasu before eating and gochisousama after.
• Never stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick, both echo funeral rituals.
• Slurping ramen and soba is fine and even welcomed.
• Don't walk while eating; finish street food near the stall.
• Pour drinks for others, not yourself, and wait for kanpai before sipping.

No tipping

Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. Service is included and staff take pride in doing their job well. At restaurants you usually pay at the register, not the table. Use the small tray for cash rather than handing money directly.

Public manners

• Keep phone calls off on trains; set your phone to manner mode (silent).
• Don't eat on local commuter trains.
• Stand left on Tokyo escalators (right in Osaka).
• Queue neatly, lines are taken seriously.
• Carry your trash; public bins are scarce since the 1995 reforms.

Temples and shrines

At a Shinto shrine, bow at the torii gate, wash hands and mouth at the water basin (temizuya), and follow the etiquette of two bows, two claps, one bow at the altar. At Buddhist temples, you don't clap. Be quiet and ask before photographing people.

Onsen basics

Wash and rinse thoroughly before entering the communal bath. No swimwear, no towels in the water. Tattoos may be refused at some onsen, look for tattoo-friendly baths or private rentals (kashikiri).

Small gestures that help

Learn arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me/sorry). Carry cash, present business cards and gifts with both hands, and avoid blowing your nose loudly in public.

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