Japanese Etiquette: 30 Dos and Don'ts for Travellers
The essential manners for visiting Japan, from shoes and chopsticks to trains, temples, onsen and tipping, explained simply so you can travel with confidence.
Quick answer
- The golden rule: be quiet, tidy and considerate of others, and people will forgive any small mistake.
- No tipping: it is not expected and can cause confusion. Great service is simply the standard.
- Shoes off in homes, ryokan rooms, many temples and some restaurants. Look for a raised floor or a row of slippers.
- On trains: no phone calls, keep your voice low and wear your backpack on your front.
- Carry your rubbish: public bins are rare, so take a small bag and dispose of it at your hotel.
Japan has a reputation for complicated rules, but here is the good news: nobody expects visitors to be perfect. Locals are patient with travellers who are trying. Learn the handful of manners below and you will feel relaxed, welcome and far less likely to cause an awkward moment.
Greetings and everyday manners
- Do bow, lightly. A small nod of the head is a perfect greeting or thank you. You do not need to copy a deep formal bow.
- Do learn a few words. Sumimasen (excuse me, sorry), arigatō gozaimasu (thank you very much) and konnichiwa (hello) go a long way.
- Don’t tip. It is not expected anywhere, from taxis to restaurants.
- Do use the money tray. At shops you place your cash or card in the little tray on the counter, rather than handing it over.
- Don’t blow your nose at the table. Step away or go to the bathroom. Sniffing quietly is more acceptable.
- Do queue. People line up neatly for trains, lifts and popular restaurants. Follow the marks on the platform floor.
Shoes and slippers
- Do take your shoes off when you see a raised step at an entrance, called a genkan, or a row of slippers.
- Don’t step on tatami mats in slippers. Tatami is for socks or bare feet only.
- Do switch to toilet slippers in the bathroom, and remember to switch back. Walking out in toilet slippers is the classic tourist mistake.
- Do wear socks without holes. You will be taking your shoes off more than you think.
Chopsticks and dining
- Don’t stand chopsticks upright in rice. It looks like an offering at a funeral.
- Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick. This mirrors a funeral ritual with the bones of the deceased.
- Do say itadakimasu before eating and gochisōsama deshita after. Staff will love it.
- Do slurp your noodles. It is perfectly polite for ramen and soba, and it cools them down.
- Don’t pour your own drink first. In a group, pour for others and let them fill your glass.
- Do pay at the register. You usually take the bill to the counter by the exit rather than paying at the table.
Trains and public transport
- Don’t talk on the phone on trains and buses. Switch to silent mode, called “manner mode” in Japan.
- Do keep your voice low. Commuter trains are often almost silent.
- Do give up priority seats to elderly, pregnant or disabled passengers.
- Do stand on the correct side of escalators. In Tokyo people usually stand on the left; in Osaka, on the right. Follow the people in front.
- Don’t eat on local trains. Eating is fine on the Shinkansen and long-distance trains, so enjoy your ekiben (station bento).
Temples and shrines
- Do purify yourself at the water basin: rinse your left hand, then your right, then your mouth from your cupped hand.
- Do bow at the torii gate of a shrine and walk at the side of the path. The centre is for the gods.
- Don’t photograph where signs say no, especially inside temple halls and of Buddhist statues.
- Do dress modestly and speak softly. These are active places of worship.
Onsen (hot springs)
- Do wash thoroughly before getting in. Sit at the shower stools and scrub head to toe first.
- Don’t wear a swimsuit in a traditional onsen. Bathing is nude and separated by gender.
- Don’t put your towel in the water. Fold it on your head or leave it at the side.
Out and about
- Do carry a small rubbish bag. Public bins are rare, so take your rubbish back to your hotel or use bins at convenience stores.
- Don’t chase or photograph geiko and maiko in Kyoto’s Gion. Some private alleys now ban photography entirely. Admire from a respectful distance.
Remember: when in doubt, watch what the people around you are doing and follow their lead. It works every time.
The one thing that matters most
Japanese manners all come back to a simple idea: avoid causing trouble or discomfort for other people. If you are quiet on the train, tidy in public and patient in queues, you are already a wonderful guest.
Frequently asked questions
Do you tip in Japan?
No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and staff may chase you to return the money. Excellent service is included. Some high-end ryokan and tours add a service charge to the bill.
Is it rude to eat while walking in Japan?
It is generally frowned on, and some places, such as parts of Kyoto, ask visitors not to. Eat next to the stall or vending machine where you bought your food, or find a bench.
Can I go to an onsen with tattoos?
Many hot springs still refuse guests with visible tattoos, but more are relaxing this rule. Look for tattoo-friendly onsen, cover small tattoos with a patch, or book a private bath.
How do you pray at a Japanese shrine?
At most shrines: bow twice, clap twice, make your wish with your hands together, then bow once more. At Buddhist temples, simply put your hands together quietly; do not clap.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
