Japan is a country with traditions that still have a strong hold on modern society today. These traditions are evident through their customs and etiquette displayed in everyday life.
As a traveler in Japan, you will be forgiven if you don’t grasp all of the country’s unique customs. But remember, general politeness will be greatly appreciated, and any further effort will be highly praised!
Here are some essential Japanese etiquette rules you should know before you visit:
Indoor etiquette
Taking off your shoes
When you first enter a Japanese home you will find yourself in the genkan (玄関 / げんかん) which is a traditional Japanese ‘entrance’. Most genkan are a slight depression in the ground and they are an area reserved for shoes.
Upon entering a Japanese home (and some restaurants), you must take off your shoes at the entrance, taking care not to step on the ‘dirty’ ground of the genkan. It is said that you should leave your shoes facing towards the door for ease when leaving!
You can walk around the house in your socks, but most households provide house slippers for guests.
Slippers
Slippers are to be worn in most rooms, except rooms with tatami flooring! Traditional Japanese tatami mats are delicate, so be sure to slide your slippers off before entering.
Another room where you should leave your slippers at the entrance is the toilet! Depending on the household, you may find an alternative pair of slippers at the entrance of the toilet which you can switch into.
Small gifts
It is very common to bring a small gift along when meeting someone in Japan. It is nice to bring something from your home country, however a box of biscuits or a handkerchief are also common gifts.
The important thing is not so much what you bring but the act of gift giving itself. It acts as a token of appreciation for the other person.
Some people believe that you shouldn’t bring gifts in sets of 4 (for example, a box of 4 donuts) as it is unlucky. The number 4 is pronounced shi in Japanese, which is coincidentally the same pronunciation for the word ‘death’.
Wear a mask
If you are feeling under the weather and find yourself coughing or sneezing, you should wear a mask both indoors and out, and refrain from blowing your nose until you reach a bathroom.
It is a simple gesture that helps those around you feel more comfortable.
Outdoor etiquette
If you visit Japan, you will see that a lot of so-called ‘Japanese etiquette’ is actually just general politeness and organisation! Even in the most crowded of Tokyo’s busiest train stations, there is still some semblance of order.
Escalator
For example, when riding an escalator, you should stand on the left! The right side is reserved for people who may be in a rush and want to walk (or run) up the escalator.
But be aware that not all regions follow the left hand side system! In Osaka, they stand on the right side and pass on the left.
Elevator
If you are riding an elevator in Japan and find yourself to be the person standing nearest to the buttons, it is good manners to hold the ‘open door’ button until everyone is in or out of the elevator. Elevators in fancy buildings may even have their own attendant for this very purpose!
Public transport
While waiting on the platform for the train to arrive, it is common to line up in an orderly fashion behind the yellow safety line.
When the train arrives, it is good manners to let passengers disembark before making your own way onto the train. You don’t have to worry about skipping the queue to make it on the train, as everyone will squish around to make sure that everyone will fit!
When you are on the train, you should ensure your mobile is on manaa modoo (マナーモード) or ‘silent mode’.
You should refrain from taking calls or talking too loudly with friends on the train. Talking is not forbidden, but try not to disturb those around you.
It is also not super polite to eat while riding a commuter train, although it is also not forbidden. Children may be forgiven for eating on a train but remember, you are in a shared space and those around you may not want to be smelling your tuna onigiri on their crowded train ride home!
This rule would not apply to long distance trains such as the Shinkansen, however.
Smoking
In Japan, there are designated areas for smoking. They are usually little rooms or walled off areas.
It is frowned upon to smoke while walking or in an undesignated area. This is to keep litter to a minimum and protect others from second hand smoke.
Whether you are smoking cigarettes or electronic devices you should abide by the same rules!
On the street
There is a common misconception that it is frowned upon to eat or drink while walking on the street. But upon my arrival to Japan, I was surprised to see many people, Japanese or other, doing exactly that!
In a busy city like Tokyo, and with convenience stores and street food readily available, eating while walking is actually a pretty common thing. As long as you are clean, not in anyone’s way and dispose of waste properly, it’s perfectly fine to eat or drink while walking.
Some tourists have been displaying poor etiquette by gathering in large groups and sitting on the ground outside convenience stores to eat. The locals have some complaints about tourists being a hindrance in public spaces, being too loud or rowdy and taking unwanted pictures of locals, especially geishas.
Japanese people are generally very welcoming of tourists, so to keep it this way, we must respect their privacy and culture!
Onsen etiquette
Japanese hot spring baths, aka onsen, are rather unique to Japan. Therefore, it is imperative that you know exactly what you are getting into before you enter one.
For a lot of people, it is quite the culture shock!
First of all, many onsen do not allow tattooed patrons. This stems back to older days, when tattoos were strictly associated with members of the Yakuza, i.e. Japanese gangsters. Such characters sported a certain style of tattoos with particular placement that identified them as such unsavory criminals.
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Unfortunately, Japan’s old traditions still run deep, meaning that they are not very lenient when it comes to tattooed individuals in onsen, even today.
The other rule which foreign attendees to onsen may find unusual is that you must enter the baths fully nude!
Most onsen have separate bathing areas for men and women, if that makes you feel any way more comfortable, although mixed gender onsen do exist also.
You must wash yourself in the showers provided before your dip in the onsen. Although it may look like a big bath, it is meant for sitting and relaxing as opposed to washing. Plus, you are usually bathing alongside other strangers, so it is beneficial for everyone to keep the water clean.
You may find modern onsen that are more foreigner friendly, allowing tattoos and swimwear or towels for some modesty. You can also find private onsen, usually found in a ryokan (a Japanese traditional inn).
Business etiquette
Business etiquette in Japan is a lot like any other business situation. In a formal business situation, you should look clean and presentable and always act professionally. There are, however, a couple of customs that are particular to a Japanese business setting.
Bowing
As opposed to the western handshake, most Japanese people will greet one another by bowing. In Japanese, it is called ojigi (お辞儀 / おじぎ). Depending on the level of formality of the situation, the depth of the bow differs.
More casual interactions employ a slight bow of the head while the deeper and longer the bow expresses a more profound sense of respect and gratitude.
In a business situation, you should initiate bows to superiors and you should bend at about a 30 degree angle.
Business cards
Exchanging business cards or meishi (名刺 / めいし) in Japanese business culture is almost like a ritual. It is not a common practice in the west, but in Japan it’s a tradition that still runs strong.
Usually the higher ranking members begin the exchanging of business cards, with the exchange working its way down the ranks.
You should hold your business card with two hands, ensuring that the wording is clearly visible and facing right side up to the person you are handing it to. Make sure to bow while you are handing it over.
If you are on the receiving end, also bow and accept the card with two hands.
To sum up
Some aspects of Japanese etiquette can seem unique to Japan, such as onsen etiquette! But mostly, it all boils down to politeness and respect.
While you should certainly keep these Japanese etiquette rules in mind when you visit, just do your best to act respectfully towards those around you, and you’ll find most people will be very accepting.
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Hannah is a half Irish/half Japanese girl living in Ireland. Her love for Japan and the Japanese language led her to studying languages and translation in university where she specialised in Japanese. She spent a year studying abroad at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. In her free time, Hannah enjoys using her sewing machine to upcycle clothes and create new pieces!