Be Like a Local: Understand Manners During Your Visit in Japan

Understanding the social customs and manners of any new country that you visit is not the easiest thing to do, especially when you might not want to draw any attention to yourself. Japan in particular is a country where you’re expected to “read the air” and adjust your mannerisms based on your surroundings. Instead of a verbal dismissal, you might be met with a smile and a soft “ah” if something is not agreeable to who you are speaking to. While there are certainly things you might not get the first time around during your visit to Japan, we’ll walk you through some key do’s and don’ts in this guide.

On a day-to-day basis, you’ll probably be interacting with Japanese locals. One major difference you’ll notice is how you greet one another. Physical contact such as hugs are uncommon, and while handshakes are more commonplace now, a slight bow or nod to greet others is still the way to go.

Two phrases that may come in useful during your trip are arigato gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me or sorry).

When entering homes or in certain establishments, there is also the expectation to remove your shoes before entering. Most places will provide slippers that you can put on after entering.

Cars and bicycles are driven on the left side of the road, but as for walking, it depends. You’ll have to shift to the left or right depending on where other people are walking, but at some places such as certain train stations, there will be signs designating which side to walk on. Here are some more general pointers to keep in mind while you’re walking down the road.

Do’s 
●    Stand on the left side of the escalator. (Note that in Osaka and some other regions in Western Japan, you stand on the right side.) The other side is for those walking up/down the escalator, but in recent years, some places have started asking users not to walk because it can be dangerous, so you may even see both sides occupied by people standing.
●    Let taxi drivers open and close the doors for you.

Don’ts
●    Eat and walk at the same time.
●    Litter. (There aren’t many bins on the street, so for smaller trash, you can find a convenience store to throw out your trash.) 
●    Make excessive noise in public places. Try not to take phone calls in restaurants.
 

During your trip, you’ll probably be eating all sorts of Japanese foods. While there aren’t many strict rules around eating, there are probably some habits that are different from your usual norm. One thing that some Japanese people often do is “slurp” while eating noodles with soup. While considered rude in some countries, slurping your noodles is a sign of respect for shop owners. In most restaurants, you’ll probably be using chopsticks, but spoons and forks are usually available upon request.

One custom you can practice while eating is to say itadakimasu before eating with a meaning similar to “I’m glad to receive this meal” and gochisosama deshita after eating with a meaning similar to “Thank you for the meal”. To ask for the bill, you can call out with sumimasen okaikei wo onegaishimasu while forming an x with your index fingers.

Another point to note is that leftover culture doesn’t exist in Japan, so it is encouraged that you try to finish all the food on your plate rather than packing it for home.

The efficiency and punctuality of Japan’s train system is one of the highlights when visiting Japan, with trains rarely having any delays. The extensive network allows visitors and residents to get to almost anywhere they want by public transit. There are a few points to be mindful of on the train, especially during rush hour when trains can get especially crowded.

Do’s 
●    Before getting on the train, you should wait at the sides of the entrance doors and let riders get off the train before entering.
●    When boarding, you should shift your backpack to your front to make sure it isn’t getting in other people’s way.
●    If sitting in a seat, give your seat to elderly, pregnant, or disabled riders who may board after.

Don’ts
●    Talk loudly.
●    Talk on the phone. If you must take a phone call, try to make it short and talk in a low voice.
●    Eat and drink.
 

Public baths and hot springs are a prevalent part of Japanese culture and an experience that you shouldn’t skip if you enjoy soaking away your troubles. The baths are often separated by gender, and you need to remove all clothing before entering the bath. If you’re feeling shy, you can also cover yourself with your towel while you move through the facilities.

Before entering the baths, you should clean and rinse yourself. Avoid putting your towel into the bath, and if you have long hair, tie it up before entering. For amenities, some public baths may provide shampoo and soap, but it is advised that you should bring travel-sized amenities and a towel if you don’t want to purchase them on site. For most private hot springs, bath items are provided as part of the package.

One thing to check in advance when visiting baths though is their rules on tattoos. While there are many baths that do allow people with tattoos, there are also those where you might be asked to cover up your tattoos or book a private bath. Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Onsen Culture for a deeper dive into the world of Japanese public baths and our Best Tattoo-Friendly Hot Springs in Japan to find out more about tattoo-friendly hot springs.