Visiting Japan is exciting—beautiful temples, incredible food, efficient trains, and friendly people. One reason Japan feels so comfortable to travel in is that everyday life runs on consideration for others.
The good news: you don’t need to be perfect. Even small efforts—like speaking softly on trains or lining up properly—make a great impression.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to Japanese etiquette with clear Dos and Don’ts you can follow right away.
The Golden Rule: Be Considerate (Meiwaku wo kakenai)
In Japan, many etiquette rules come from one idea: don’t inconvenience others.
If you’re unsure what to do, choose the option that’s quieter, cleaner, and more respectful of shared space.
1) Greetings & Politeness
✅ Do
- Say “Sumimasen” (Excuse me / Sorry) when you need attention or when you bump into someone.
- Say “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you) often—people appreciate it.
- Use a small bow (even a slight nod is fine).
❌ Don’t
- Be overly loud in public places.
- Assume casual speech is always okay. If in doubt, be polite.
Useful phrase:
- Sumimasen (すみません) — “Excuse me / Sorry”
2) Shoes: When to Remove Them
✅ Do
- Remove shoes when entering:
- someone’s home
- traditional inns (ryokan)
- some temples
- fitting rooms (sometimes)
- Look for signs or shelves of shoes near the entrance.
- Wear the provided slippers if available.
❌ Don’t
- Step on tatami mats with shoes or outdoor slippers.
- Wear toilet slippers outside the bathroom (yes, it happens!).
Pro tip: Clean socks matter more in Japan than you’d think.
3) Eating & Drinking Etiquette
✅ Do
- Say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” after.
- Slurping noodles is okay (and normal).
- Hold small bowls closer to your mouth when eating rice or soup.
❌ Don’t
- Stick chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles a funeral ritual).
- Pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
- Rub disposable chopsticks together aggressively (it implies they’re cheap).
Useful phrases:
- Itadakimasu (いただきます) — “Let’s eat / Thank you for the food”
- Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) — “Thank you for the meal”
4) Public Transport (Trains & Buses)
✅ Do
- Line up where the markings show.
- Keep your phone on silent (manner mode).
- Speak quietly if you must talk.
- Offer priority seats to those who need them.
❌ Don’t
- Talk on the phone on trains.
- Eat on local trains (long-distance trains are different).
- Block doors or priority seating areas.
Train etiquette is big in Japan—quietness is a sign of respect.
5) Trash & Cleanliness
✅ Do
- Carry a small bag for trash (bins can be rare).
- Sort trash when bins are available (burnable / plastic / cans, etc.).
- Keep public spaces clean.
❌ Don’t
- Leave trash on the street.
- Assume someone else will clean up after you.
Japan’s cleanliness is a shared effort—not magic.
6) Onsen (Hot Springs) Etiquette
✅ Do
- Wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath.
- Tie up long hair.
- Keep towels out of the bath water.
❌ Don’t
- Enter with soap or shampoo still on you.
- Swim or splash—onsen is for relaxing.
- Be surprised if some places have tattoo restrictions (it varies).
If you’re unsure, watch what locals do first—quietly.
7) Shrines & Temples
✅ Do
- Be calm and respectful.
- Follow signs for walking paths.
- At shrines, you may see people rinse hands and mouth at a water basin (optional for visitors, but respectful).
❌ Don’t
- Touch sacred objects or enter restricted areas.
- Take photos where it’s clearly forbidden.
Photography tip: If others aren’t taking photos, pause and check signs.
8) Shopping & Paying
✅ Do
- Put cash or cards into the small tray at the register (if there is one).
- Say “Arigatou gozaimasu” when receiving your purchase.
- Be patient and queue properly.
❌ Don’t
- Hand money directly to staff if a tray is provided.
- Eat or drink inside stores unless it’s clearly allowed.
Quick Etiquette Checklist (Save This)
✅ Keep your voice low in public
✅ Line up and follow signs
✅ Remove shoes when needed
✅ Handle chopsticks respectfully
✅ Carry your trash
✅ Be calm in temples and shrines
✅ Observe locals and copy the vibe
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to memorize every rule. What matters most is your attitude: be respectful, be observant, and be considerate.
Japanese people are generally very understanding toward visitors, and small efforts go a long way.