7 Japanese Manners You Must Know (To Avoid Being “That” Tourist)
Japan is famous for being polite. Because of this, many travelers arrive terrified. “What if I bow wrong?” “What if I use the wrong chopsticks?” “Will I offend everyone?”
Relax. Japanese people are very forgiving to tourists. We know you are learning. We don’t expect you to be perfect.
However, there are a few “Big Rules” that you really should respect. These aren’t just old traditions; they are how we keep our crowded cities functioning smoothly.
Here is your “Best Friend’s” cheat sheet to being a cool, respectful traveler.
1. The “Shoes” Rule (and The Toilet Trap)
You know you have to take your shoes off indoors (houses, ryokans, some izakayas).
- The Rule: If you see a slightly raised floor or a line of other people’s shoes at the entrance (Genkan), take yours off. Never step on the raised floor with shoes.
The Trap: The “Toilet Slipper” In traditional places, you will find special rubber slippers inside the toilet room.
- DO: Wear them while in the toilet.
- DON’T: Forget to take them off when you leave. Walking around a restaurant wearing “Toilet Slippers” is the equivalent of walking around with your zipper down. It is the ultimate embarrassing mistake. Check your feet!
2. The “Silent Train” Rule
Japanese trains are incredibly quiet. It’s like a moving library.
- Don’t: Talk loudly to your friends.
- Don’t: Talk on the phone.
- Do: Keep your voice to a whisper. If you need to make a call, text instead.
3. The “Don’t Walk and Eat” Rule
In many countries, walking while eating a sandwich or drinking coffee is normal. In Japan, it is considered slightly rude (or just “sloppy”).
- The Nuance: It’s mostly about not dropping crumbs or trash on our clean streets.
- The Solution: If you buy street food (like Takoyaki) or a drink from a vending machine, stand next to the shop/machine, eat/drink it there, throw the trash away, and then start walking again.
- (Note: During festivals, walking and eating is okay!)
4. The “Queue” Rule
Japan loves a line. We queue for trains, for restaurants, for elevators.
- The Rule: Never cut in line.
- The Method: Look for tape marks on the floor. If a train arrives, wait for people to get off before you get on. It’s a beautifully organized dance.
5. The “Taxi Door” Rule
You hail a taxi. It stops. You reach for the door handle to open it. STOP!
- The Magic: Japanese taxi doors open and close automatically (controlled by the driver).
- The Risk: If you try to yank it open or slam it shut yourself, you might break the mechanism or hit a pedestrian. Stand back and let the magic door do its work.
6. The “Chopstick” Taboo
You don’t need to be a master, but there is one thing you must NEVER do.
- Don’t: Pass food from your chopsticks directly to someone else’s chopsticks.
- Why: This resembles a funeral ritual where bones of the deceased are passed. It is very bad luck.
- The Fix: If you want to share food, put it on a small plate and pass the plate.
7. The “Tipping” Rule (Reminder)
We said this before, but it’s worth repeating. Don’t tip. It causes confusion. A simple “Arigatou Gozaimasu” (Thank you) with a smile is the best currency you can offer.
Summary: It’s All About Respect
That’s it.
- Shoes off (and watch the slippers!).
- Quiet on trains.
- Stop to eat.
- Wait your turn.
- Don’t touch taxi doors.
- Don’t pass bones (food).
- Keep your money.
If you mess up? Don’t worry. Just say “Sumimasen” (Sorry) and smile. You’ll be fine.
Want to learn these manners naturally while having fun? Join our tours. Our guides are experts at bridging the cultural gap. We’ll teach you the “local way” so you can travel with total confidence.
