{"id":25985,"date":"2018-03-20T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-03-19T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=25985&preview=true&preview_id=25985"},"modified":"2026-03-24T00:58:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T13:58:52","slug":"etiquette-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/etiquette-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Etiquette in Japan: The ultimate guide to minding your manners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our resident writer in Japan gives her expert tips on how to navigate local customs and practice politeness like a pro.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The day before I was flying out from Japan<\/a>, I had stopped to buy souvenirs from my local supermarket in Tokyo, near where I live (obligatory chocolate-covered Pocky sticks, bonito flakes for cooking and furikake rice seasoning). However, when I arrived back to home from my shopping spree, I realised \u2013 feeling ill \u2013 that my wallet wasn\u2019t in my bag. It contained all my bank cards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I raced back to the supermarket and there it was, propped up above the bag-packing area; someone had placed it in a elevated spot so that whoever had lost it could see it on their inevitable return and distressed state. Not another customer paid it a second glance. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Japan is often described as polite culture, but it\u2019s instances like this, where ‘polite’ doesn\u2019t really capture the whole picture: in fact, Japanese culture is underpinned by genuine consideration. Even the toilet seats kindly lift their lid on your arrival, flush automatically and play the soothing sounds of the forest while you go about your business.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To show your respect for the respect, there are certain things to avoid (and a few pro tips to keep in mind) while you’re on your travels in Japan<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Everything I wish I knew before going to Japan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Two
Good shoes (and socks) are a must in Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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1. Wear good socks (in preparation for taking your shoes off)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You never know when you\u2019re going to take your shoes off \u2013 inside houses, temples, changing rooms, on picnic rugs, at some restaurants (especially those with a tatami floor); the shoes lined up at the entrance, or rows of mini shoe-size lockers by the entrance will be the giveaway. You may not be used to these customs<\/a>, but after living in Japan for a while, it\u2019s hard to see I ever thought it was appropriate to stomp through a house in the same shoes I trudged through the filth of the outside world. Wearing nice socks means you can take your shoes off with confidence. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: Line up shoes and slippers with the toes pointing towards the door, making them easier to put on when you leave.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Bow back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Known as o-jigi, the custom of bowing as a salutation is characteristically Japanese. You\u2019ll receive bows from shop assistants, restaurant and hotel staff, flight attendants \u2013 even from life-size human replicas of construction workers bowing to oncoming traffic at roadwork. As a foreigner, no one <\/span>expects<\/span><\/i> you to bow back, but it is definitely a nice and well-received gesture. It doesn\u2019t mean you have to step up to the level of the bow offs you see between groups of friends or businesspeople in the street (where a straight-back, 45\u00b0-angle, bend-from-the-waist gesture is the norm). Just give a little dip or exaggerated head nod.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Don\u2019t wear the loo slippers outside the loo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In venues where you have removed your shoes, there will most likely be plastic slippers in the bathrooms. These are to keep your nice little socks (or feet) clean. But a lapse in concentration can easily result in the awkward situation where you have forgotten to change back and are chased down by hotel or restaurant staff, gesturing to your feet as you realise you’re parading around in what is regarded as soiled footwear.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Two
Style your kimono the right way with these tips<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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4. Wrap your kimono or yukata (cotton summer kimono) with the left lapel on top<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This may feel counterintuitive, but unless you want to look like a corpse (for whom the right lapel on top is reserved), go with the left lapel on top. As for whether you have to wear something under your yukata around your hotel or out in the street? Well, I\u2019m yet to get a straight answer. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Treat any meishi (business card) you are given as if it were Wonka\u2019s golden ticket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When working for a Japanese company, there was a candidate who didn\u2019t get a second interview on the basis that he\u2019d left the manager\u2019s business card behind on the desk. The manager seemed mortally offended and any Japanese friend I recounted the story to thought it was justified. The meishi culture is strong in Japan \u2013 not just for business, but socially, so chances are you\u2019ll be on the receiving end at some point. When taking a business card, take the card with both hands, bowing, then put it into your card holder or wallet. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A
Be respectful of other passengers on the trains<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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6. Operate in silent mode on public transport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For a city of 14 million people, Tokyo can be curiously quiet. One stand-out example of this is on public transport, where it\u2019s regarded as rude not only to talk on the phone, but to receive any kind of audible phone communication. This means phones are kept on silent mode; if you have to answer a call, go into stealth mode and cover your mouth with your hands or a scarf.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7. Go easy on the hand towels you\u2019re given at restaurants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This little wet towel is called an oshibori<\/span><\/b> and you\u2019ll be provided one at most restaurants and bars. Depending on the calibre of establishment, they\u2019ll be anything from a disposable wipe in a plastic seal to a towel scented with lavender and presented on a thin slice of polished semi-precious stone, served ice-cold in warmer months and warm in cool months. These are intended to clean your hands before a meal, but a little face and neck dabbing is also acceptable. As tempting as it may be on a humid summer’s day, or when you\u2019ve out and about and are feeling grimy, the towel is not for a full wipe down.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: Wipe your hands thoroughly,<\/span> fold the towel neatly and place it to the side. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Don\u2019t argue about paying for the obligatory small dish you\u2019re served at some restaurants and bars<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Otoshi, <\/span><\/i>the small dishes you may receive at some restaurants and bars, are like a cover charge, but an edible one. They\u2019re a way of supplementing income for restaurants and will generally only be around the 300 yen mark. The dishes often change daily, using seasonal ingredients, so aside from supporting the livelihood of a venue and taking the edge off your hunger while you decode a menu, they\u2019re a good way to try something you may not have otherwise ordered (or may not even be on the menu). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A
Chopsticks etiquette<\/span><\/b> means never spearing your food<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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9. Chopstick to your best ability, avoid certain no-nos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of the long list of chopsticks etiquette, some are suggested table manners (placing the chopsticks back on the rest provided) and others are no-no\u2019s. These no-no\u2019s include: standing your chopsticks up in a bowl of food (you wouldn\u2019t really leave a fork stuck into your steak), passing food from your chopsticks to another person\u2019s chopstick (which, aside from technical challenges, is reserved for funerals practices), spearing your food (spear-like appearance to the contrary, chopsticks are designed for picking things up), pointing at people with your chopsticks (which feels a little aggressive anyways) and licking your chopsticks (despite what manga may lead you to believe).<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Hold off on tipping at restaurants. Say gochisosama-deshita instead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The tipping situation in Japan is not just a case of ‘not needing to tip’, but ‘literally not being able to leave a tip’; there\u2019s an oft-recounted story of a tourist being chased down the street by waitstaff wielding their ‘forgotten money’. A simple bow and gochisosama deshita<\/span><\/b> (thank you for the delicious meal) will be very well received. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Japan’s world-beating culinary experience<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Sushi
Don’t dip the rice in soy, only the fish<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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11. Eat sushi like a local<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bottom line is enjoying the food you eat<\/a>, which means eating sushi as <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> like it; but, out of respect for the shokunin (experts) making your sushi \u2013 and possibly a new-found way to enjoy it \u2013 this is how it\u2019s done locally. Add just a small amount of soy to the dish (not a bathtub, as the soy is just to bring out the umami of the fish, not drown the flavour). Don\u2019t add ginger or wasabi to the soy sauce. Dip the fish \u2013 not <\/em>the rice \u2013 into soy sauce. Sometimes the sushi chef will tell you soy sauce is not required, as they have already dressed it with another seasoning. And if you\u2019re struggling with chopsticks, it\u2019s OK to use your fingers \u2013 many purists actually insist on this. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Feel free to pick up bowls and bring closer to mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Japanese tableware is made for holding, so rather than struggling with the navigational logistics of food on chopsticks to mouth, you can bring the bowl of rice, pickles and other small dishes to your mouth. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Travellers
Worship local rice with a temple stay in Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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13. Observe rice holiness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rice is regarded as sacred, so is generally appreciated as is. You may think it\u2019s going to be bland without all the soy sauce, but give it a go and you may be surprised; it\u2019s slightly sweet and cooked al dente. The plainness is also a nice neutral reprieve from the other salty, fishy and umami flavours of other dishes.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Pour other people\u2019s drinks before your own<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is pretty much a universal rule \u2013 but in a country where the omotenashi (hospitality) spirit dominates, it holds particularly true. If you\u2019re wondering why your sake<\/a> was poured to the point of overflowing at the bar, it\u2019s to show they\u2019re not being stingy. In this case, you drink from the glass, then pour from the dish into the glass. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip: If you\u2019re drinking sake, use your left hand to hold the cup up to the kind friend topping you up, with your right hand resting underneath it.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Keep your bag off the floor and out of the way <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Restaurants, cafes and bars will all have either hooks or a shelf under the counter, or a basket next to the seat for your bags. This is partly to keep people from tripping up on it and partly because the public floors are regarded as unsanitary. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: A non-nudist’s guide to using a Japanese onsen<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A
Do as the locals do and strip off in onsen baths<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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16. Get naked at the public bath<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This is entirely non-negotiable, so enjoy it. Japan is one of those lucky countries in the world blessed with natural hot springs and a public bathing culture, so make the most of it on your visit. Once you strip down in the changing room and store your clothes in the locker, make sure you wash thoroughly before entering the bath. If you\u2019ve haven\u2019t brought toiletries with you and they\u2019re not provided for free, you can buy them at the front desk.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Hold back on that snack-on-the-go <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eating on the go is not really done, other than at festivals and around street-food vendors. You <\/span>can<\/span><\/i> do it, and it\u2019s not illegal, but you may attract some disapproving looks.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Don\u2019t open or close a taxi door<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Japanese taxis are ranked number one in the world. It could be thanks to the impeccably clean interiors, lace-covered seats, drivers in suits, hats and white gloves \u2013 or it could be the automatic doors. Because of this pride, it’s customary to not open or close a taxi door when getting in or out. Watch making this a habit though: when I go back to Australia and catch a cab, it often ends with, ‘Hey princess, close the door’. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"A
Wait for the green man in Japan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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19. Avoid jaywalking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Japan, no one jaywalks \u2013 even when there are hundred of people waiting to cross the road and there are no cars in sight. While this may seem like an inefficient use of time, it\u2019s this kind of thinking that keeps a city as densely populated as Tokyo running surprisingly smoothly. <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Separate your rubbish (or expect a surly on Obasan on your doorstep) <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re staying anywhere but a hotel, you will be expected to sort your recyclables out from burnables (yep, rubbish is burned in Japan). This means separating cans, glass and plastics. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/b> Remove the label and top from plastic bottles. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. Be on time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In many parts of the world, we observe the code of acceptable tardiness. However, this is not the case in Japan. If you arrive at a dinner party half an hour late, chances are it will have started and it will be slightly awkward. This means allowing significantly more time to get places \u2013 especially if it involves navigating through Shinjuku or Tokyo station.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. Remember: a smile goes a long way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A universal rule. Wear yours with pride, everywhere you go. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schooled up and ready to go? Browse Intrepid’s range of small-group adventures in Japan<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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