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When I landed in Japan for the first time, I expected sushi, temples, neon signs, and a ridiculous number of vending machines. And while I did find all of that (plus more types of KitKats than I ever imagined possible), what really stood out were the subtle — and not-so-subtle — rules of social behavior in Japan, often completely surprising to a first-time visitor.
Japan isn’t just another country — it’s an entire system of customs, etiquette, and unspoken social contracts that seem to operate like clockwork. I’ve traveled to over 75 countries, but the first time I traveled to Japan, it baffled me. It’s the only highly developed country that I’ve been in where everything is so completely foreign to me. I’m used to that feeling when visiting more underdeveloped countries, but I wasn’t expecting the “Why do they do that” thought that ran through my head constantly in Japan.
If you’re wondering what to do (and not do) in Japan, this guide is your etiquette cheat sheet. These cultural tips for visiting Japan cover what you’ll encounter in both the bustling streets of Tokyo and the quiet alleys of smaller towns, where the vending machine might be the only thing awake past 9 p.m.
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Ready to start your crash course in not looking like a clueless tourist in Japan?
1. Shoes Off — Slippers On
In Japan, taking your shoes off is practically a reflex. Homes? Absolutely. Traditional inns (ryokans)? Of course. Some restaurants, temples, dressing rooms, museums, and even fitting rooms? Yes, yes, and probably yes.
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And just when you’ve finally gotten the hang of swapping your sneakers for slippers, you’ll encounter bathroom slippers — a special pair that lives inside the restroom and nowhere else. You will 100% forget to change back at some point and wander into the dining room in toilet shoes. Welcome to the club.
City Tip: In Tokyo, many places are a bit more relaxed. But in smaller towns? They take this seriously. Look for a step up, cubbies, or a pile of slippers — it’s your cue to take your shoes off. AND…pack shoes that are easy to slip on and off, you’ll definitely thank me for that tip.
2. Don’t Eat and Walk
Japan has some of the best street food in the world… and yet, eating while walking is considered rude. One of the fastest ways to signal “I am not from here” in Japan is to stroll down the street chomping on a snack. Even though food is everywhere — from convenience stores to those amazing department store basements — eating is considered something you pause for.
You’ll often find a small bench or even a marked-off area to stand and eat near where you bought the food. The hardest part for me is not to walk and eat an ice cream cone at the same time…it just seems natural to do, but not in Japan!
Countryside twist: In smaller towns, people might offer you snacks on a hike or during a visit — pause, smile, eat, and don’t shove it in your pocket for later.
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3. You’ll Carry Your Trash Like a Souvenir
Japan is remarkably clean. But there’s a secret: public trash cans are practically mythical creatures. You’ll rarely find one, especially outside of major train stations or convenience stores. Baffled yet?
Locals simply carry their trash until they get home. You will too. Just embrace it.
Pro Tip: Bring a small plastic bag in your daypack for trash. When you finally find a bin (usually near vending machines or convenience stores), prepare to sort like your life depends on it.
4. Transit Etiquette: Silence is Golden
The Japanese subway is a masterclass in quiet efficiency. No phone chatter, no blasting music, and certainly no backpack-swinging chaos.
Here’s how not to get side-eyed:
- Silence your phone (they even call it “manner mode”)
- No voice calls — ever
- Form an orderly line at the train doors — don’t crowd or shove.
- Let people off before you get on. Seems obvious, but worth repeating. (It doesn’t work like this in the rest of Asia…Japan is different.
- Keep conversations to a whisper, especially on Shinkansen (bullet trains)
- Take backpacks off your back during busy times
- Priority seats exist – don’t use them if you’re healthy and able.
Escalator Etiquette: Tokyo = stand on the left. Osaka = stand on the right. Because… Japan loves a curveball.
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5. Slurp Like You Mean It (But Don’t Stab Anything)
Let’s talk about food etiquette. First of all, don’t tip (more on that below). But beyond that, here are some subtle rules that might surprise you:
- Slurping noodles is not rude — in fact, it’s encouraged. It’s a sign you’re enjoying your meal.
- Don’t stab food with chopsticks. Use them like tweezers, not skewers.
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice — it resembles a funeral offering.
- Don’t pass food chopstick-to-chopstick — also symbolic of funeral rites.
- Many small restaurants or izakayas (bars) will greet you with a wet towel (oshibori). Use it to clean your hands, not your face or your chopsticks.
- Don’t pour soy sauce all over your rice — it’s not a bowl of cereal. In fact, most Japanese don’t use soy sauce on their sushi…mind blown.
Basically, chopsticks are not mini spears. Use them gracefully — or ask for a fork. No shame.
6. No Tipping. Not Even a Little.
This is a hard one for Americans: do not tip in Japan. Not in restaurants, not in taxis, not even for hotel staff. It’s not just unnecessary — it’s confusing. If you leave cash, someone may chase you down to return it.
If you truly want to show gratitude, bow and say “Arigatou gozaimasu” like you mean it.
7. Restaurant Rules You Didn’t Know You Needed
Some Japanese restaurants work a bit differently:
- You might order from a vending machine before you sit down. Don’t panic — just match the food photo and pay.
- Water and tea are usually free. Sometimes self-serve.
- Don’t ask for substitutions — the chef knows what they’re doing.
- There may be a small appetizer (“otoshi”) you didn’t order. It’s not a mistake. It’s part of the experience.
Small town twist: In countryside spots, English may be limited, and menus might be handwritten in kanji. Smile, point, and use Google Translate’s camera feature — it’s magical.
8. Yukata Etiquette: How to Rock the Robe Like a Local
A yukata is a lightweight cotton robe that you’ll often be given at ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), onsens (hot spring baths), or even some hotels. Think of it as Japan’s answer to a bathrobe — but with centuries of tradition.
The yukata is meant to be comfortable and practical — something you can wear to dinner, to the onsen, while strolling through a hot spring village, or lounging in your room. Locals wear them like it’s the most natural thing in the world. It might feel weird to wear a robe to dinner at your Ryokan – but trust me, you’ll stand out more in street clothes than the yukata.
Here’s the rule you don’t want to mess up: left side over right when you wrap it closed. Right-over-left is reserved for dressing the deceased, not the look you’re going for. Tie the sash (called an obi) around your waist or hips. Women typically wear it a bit higher than men. You can also wear the little socks (called tabi) and slippers provided for the full effect. And of course, don’t forget the slippers!
9. Leave Your Pajamas and Toiletries at Home
One of Japan’s underrated travel joys? The goodies are waiting for you in your hotel room. Many Japanese hotels — even the budget-friendly business types — provide a full set of pajamas (usually a soft cotton or waffle-y button-up set) and an impressive array of toiletries. We’re talking toothbrushes, razors, combs, hair ties, shower caps, and sometimes even face lotion and toner.
Don’t be shy — they’re there to be used. Locals expect you to wear the pajamas while lounging around your hotel room or heading to the shared onsen/bath, and you’ll often see other guests doing the same. It’s part comfort, part culture, and honestly, it saves space in your suitcase.
10. Take a Seat in the Shower
And while we’re talking bathrooms, let’s chat hotel showers. You might walk in and think: “Why is there no curtain? And why is there a stool?” Rest assured, it’s all part of the plan. Japanese bathrooms are usually designed as wet rooms, meaning it’s okay (and expected) for water to get everywhere. The floor has a drain, so don’t panic.
That small plastic stool and hand-held shower head? They’re there so you can sit and wash thoroughly before hopping in the tub (if there is one). Sitting is customary and helps prevent splash zones.
Pro tip: Don’t forget your towel before going in. Once you’re soaked and slippery, stepping out to find it gets… entertaining.
11. Learn a Few Words — People Notice
You don’t need to speak Japanese to enjoy Japan. But learning just a handful of phrases will go a long way:
- Konnichiwa – Hello
- Arigatou gozaimasu – Thank you very much
- Sumimasen – Excuse me / sorry / attention-getter
- Oishii! – Delicious!
- Eigo o hanasemasu ka? – Do you speak English?
Even if your pronunciation is off, the effort is appreciated. And when in doubt, bow and smile.
12. Bowing Is a Way of Life
The bow is the ultimate form of politeness in Japan. Greeting, thanking, apologizing — it’s all in the tilt.
You don’t need to bow deeply — just a small respectful nod is enough. And if you’re not sure how to respond? Bow anyway. You can’t really overdo it. As a foreigner, no one expects you to get it perfectly, but making the effort goes a long way.
Countryside etiquette: In small towns, bowing is more frequent and often replaces words. Lean into it.
13. Onsen Etiquette: Naked and Afraid (But You’ll Survive)
Public baths (onsen) are part of Japanese life, and they are one of my favorite cultural things to do. First time? Awkward. Second time? Magical. However, they come with strict rules:
- Shower and wash thoroughly before entering the bath
- No swimsuits — you’re going in naked
- Tattoos may not be allowed (though more and more places now permit them — check first)
What’s the Deal with the Tiny Towel in Onsens?
Ah, yes, the mysterious little towel you receive at an onsen — the modesty cloth that doesn’t cover much at all. It’s about the size of a guest hand towel, and it comes with its own set of unspoken rules:
- It’s not for bathing – This isn’t your washcloth (even though it looks like one). Use the showers before entering the onsen to properly clean yourself (soap, shampoo, the whole routine), but leave the little towel dry.
- Don’t let it touch the water – That towel should stay out of the bath. You’ll often see locals folding it neatly and placing it on their head or leaving it on the side of the tub. Floating it in the water is a big no-no.
- It’s for modesty… kind of – Walking to and from the bath, you can hold it in front of you for a little coverage, but let’s be honest — no one’s really fooled.
Pro tip: After your soak, you can use it to dry off before you grab the big towel in the locker area. It’s your transition towel, not your drying towel.
14. Punctuality Is Sacred
Japan runs on time. I mean, really on time. If a train leaves at 3:17pm, it will leave at 3:17pm. Being late is considered disrespectful. I’m awful at being punctual, so I really have to watch myself when I’m in Japan! Get it…watch…
When in a big Japanese city, my rule is to just give myself lots (and lots) of extra time. The train stations can be a labyrinth of confusion and people, and I often need extra time to navigate them. If you happen to get to your destination early…then great – you can sit and people watch (it’s so much fun in Japan!).
Travel tip: If you’re on time, you’re already cutting it close.
Small town insight: Buses and trains are less frequent. Miss one, and the next may be tomorrow.
15. Sweet Gifts You’ll See Everywhere
Gift-giving is practically a sport in Japan, and the MVP is food. When people travel, it’s common to bring back regional snacks or treats, called omiyage, to give to coworkers, friends, or family. You’ll see elaborately wrapped boxes of sweets at every train station and airport, sorted by local specialties and color-coded with a level of packaging perfection that’s honestly awe-inspiring.
Even if you’re just a visitor, this custom is worth embracing. Bringing a small box of cookies or chocolates when visiting someone — even a hotel or guide — is always appreciated. And don’t be surprised if a shopkeeper or host hands you a neatly wrapped treat when you leave — that’s just omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) in action.
Pro tip: These make fantastic souvenirs — and you’ll get bonus points if you bring something back home that’s specific to the region you visited.
16. Goodbye Tip: The Art of the Endless Wave
This tip is not one that will make you look more local, but instead, just a heart-melting Japanese custom that’s nice to know about. The way people say goodbye in Japan in the travel sector is special — with a wave that just. keeps. going. Whether you’re leaving a ryokan, saying farewell to a guide, or watching a train pull out of the station, expect a long, sincere wave — often with both hands — that continues until you’re out of sight.
And yes, you’re expected to wave back. Then wave again. And again. It’s part politeness, part warmth, and entirely charming. You’ll find yourself doing it instinctively by the end of your trip, and maybe even missing it when you get home.
The Apps That Will Make Japan Easier
These apps and tools will make life easier once we’re there — and help you navigate everything from subways to menus to toilets with mysterious buttons.
- Google Translate (with Japanese offline)
Use the camera feature to translate signs, menus, or mystery onsen instructions.
Apple | Android. - Suica App (for mobile transit card use — if you have a compatible phone)
Apple
Or bring a physical Suica or Pasmo card you can load at the airport. They work for most trains, buses, and even convenience stores. - Google Maps
This is my lifesaver app for Japan. I use it for everything – walking directions, subway/train platforms, picking restaurants, and finding the nearest vending machine with hot coffee in a can (yes, that’s a thing).
Final Thoughts: Effort Is Everything
Here’s the thing about Japan — you’re not expected to get it all right. You’re a guest. But people deeply appreciate it when you try. Smile. Say thank you. Notice the silence. Carry your trash. Be curious.
And if you’re coming with me on one of my small group Japan tours? Even better. I’ll be right there to help you navigate chopsticks, toilet slippers, vending machines, and anything else this beautiful, complex, endlessly polite country throws our way.
Let’s go get awkward, curious, and amazed — together.
