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After I landed in Japan for the primary time, I anticipated sushi, temples, neon indicators, and a ridiculous variety of merchandising machines. And whereas I did discover all of that (plus extra sorts of KitKats than I ever imagined doable), what actually stood out have been the delicate — and not-so-subtle — guidelines of social habits in Japan, typically utterly shocking to a first-time customer.
Japan isn’t simply one other nation — it’s a complete system of customs, etiquette, and unstated social contracts that appear to function like clockwork. I’ve traveled to over 75 nations, however the first time I traveled to Japan, it baffled me. It’s the one extremely developed nation that I’ve been in the place every part is so utterly international to me. I’m used to that feeling when visiting extra underdeveloped nations, however I wasn’t anticipating the “Why do they do this” thought that ran by way of my head always in Japan.
For those who’re questioning what to do (and never do) in Japan, this information is your etiquette cheat sheet. These cultural suggestions for visiting Japan cowl what you’ll encounter in each the bustling streets of Tokyo and the quiet alleys of smaller cities, the place the merchandising machine is likely to be the one factor awake previous 9 p.m.
16 Methods to Not Look Like a Vacationer in Japan
Prepared to start out your crash course in not trying like a clueless vacationer in Japan?
1. Footwear Off — Slippers On
In Japan, taking your footwear off is virtually a reflex. Houses? Completely. Conventional inns (ryokans)? After all. Some eating places, temples, dressing rooms, museums, and even becoming rooms? Sure, sure, and possibly sure.
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And simply while you’ve lastly gotten the dangle of swapping your sneakers for slippers, you’ll encounter rest room slippers — a particular pair that lives contained in the restroom and nowhere else. You’ll 100% overlook to vary again in some unspecified time in the future and wander into the eating room in rest room footwear. Welcome to the membership.
Metropolis Tip: In Tokyo, many locations are a bit extra relaxed. However in smaller cities? They take this critically. Search for a step up, cubbies, or a pile of slippers — it’s your cue to take your footwear off. AND…pack footwear which can be simple to slide on and off, you’ll undoubtedly thank me for that tip.
2. Don’t Eat and Stroll
Japan has a few of the finest road meals on this planet… and but, consuming whereas strolling is taken into account impolite. One of many quickest methods to sign “I’m not from right here” in Japan is to walk down the road chomping on a snack. Although meals is in every single place — from comfort shops to these wonderful division retailer basements — consuming is taken into account one thing you pause for.
You’ll typically discover a small bench or perhaps a marked-off space to face and eat close to the place you acquire the meals. The toughest half for me is to not stroll and eat an ice cream cone on the similar time…it simply appears pure to do, however not in Japan!
Countryside twist: In smaller cities, individuals may give you snacks on a hike or throughout a go to — pause, smile, eat, and don’t shove it in your pocket for later.
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3. You’ll Carry Your Trash Like a Memento
Japan is remarkably clear. However there’s a secret: public trash cans are virtually legendary creatures. You’ll not often discover one, particularly exterior of main prepare stations or comfort shops. Baffled but?
Locals merely carry their trash till they get dwelling. You’ll too. Simply embrace it.
Professional Tip: Carry a small plastic bag in your daypack for trash. While you lastly discover a bin (often close to merchandising machines or comfort shops), put together to type like your life relies on it.
4. Transit Etiquette: Silence is Golden
The Japanese subway is a masterclass in quiet effectivity. No telephone chatter, no blasting music, and definitely no backpack-swinging chaos.
Right here’s how to not get side-eyed:
- Silence your telephone (they even name it “method mode”)
- No voice calls — ever
- Kind an orderly line on the prepare doorways — don’t crowd or shove.
- Let individuals off earlier than you get on. Appears apparent, however price repeating. (It doesn’t work like this in the remainder of Asia…Japan is completely different.
- Maintain conversations to a whisper, particularly on Shinkansen (bullet trains)
- Take backpacks off your again throughout busy occasions
- Precedence seats exist – don’t use them for those who’re wholesome and in a position.
Escalator Etiquette: Tokyo = stand on the left. Osaka = stand on the suitable. As a result of… Japan loves a curveball.
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5. Slurp Like You Imply It (However Don’t Stab Something)
Let’s discuss meals etiquette. Initially, don’t tip (extra on that beneath). However past that, listed here are some delicate guidelines which may shock you:
- Slurping noodles isn’t impolite — in actual fact, it’s inspired. It’s an indication you’re having fun with your meal.
- Don’t stab meals with chopsticks. Use them like tweezers, not skewers.
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice — it resembles a funeral providing.
- Don’t cross meals chopstick-to-chopstick — additionally symbolic of funeral rites.
- Many small eating places or izakayas (bars) will greet you with a moist towel (oshibori). Use it to scrub your palms, not your face or your chopsticks.
- Don’t pour soy sauce throughout your rice — it’s not a bowl of cereal. In actual fact, most Japanese don’t use soy sauce on their sushi…thoughts blown.
Principally, chopsticks will not be mini spears. Use them gracefully — or ask for a fork. No disgrace.
6. No Tipping. Not Even a Little.
This can be a onerous one for Individuals: don’t tip in Japan. Not in eating places, not in taxis, not even for lodge workers. It’s not simply pointless — it’s complicated. For those who go away money, somebody could chase you right down to return it.
For those who actually need to present gratitude, bow and say “Arigatou gozaimasu” such as you imply it.
7. Restaurant Guidelines You Didn’t Know You Wanted
Some Japanese eating places work a bit in another way:
- You may order from a merchandising machine earlier than you sit down. Don’t panic — simply match the meals photograph and pay.
- Water and tea are often free. Typically self-serve.
- Don’t ask for substitutions — the chef is aware of what they’re doing.
- There could also be a small appetizer (“otoshi”) you didn’t order. It’s not a mistake. It’s a part of the expertise.
Small city twist: In countryside spots, English could also be restricted, and menus is likely to be handwritten in kanji. Smile, level, and use Google Translate’s digicam characteristic — it’s magical.
8. Yukata Etiquette: The best way to Rock the Gown Like a Native
A yukata is a light-weight cotton gown that you just’ll typically be given at ryokans (conventional Japanese inns), onsens (sizzling spring baths), and even some lodges. Consider it as Japan’s reply to a bathrobe — however with centuries of custom.
The yukata is supposed to be comfy and sensible — one thing you possibly can put on to dinner, to the onsen, whereas strolling by way of a sizzling spring village, or lounging in your room. Locals put on them prefer it’s probably the most pure factor on this planet. It’d really feel bizarre to put on a gown to dinner at your Ryokan – however belief me, you’ll stand out extra in road garments than the yukata.
Right here’s the rule you don’t need to mess up: left aspect over proper while you wrap it closed. Proper-over-left is reserved for dressing the deceased, not the look you’re going for. Tie the sash (known as an obi) round your waist or hips. Ladies usually put on it a bit greater than males. It’s also possible to put on the little socks (known as tabi) and slippers offered for the complete impact. And naturally, don’t overlook the slippers!
9. Depart Your Pajamas and Toiletries at Dwelling
One in every of Japan’s underrated journey joys? The goodies are ready for you in your lodge room. Many Japanese lodges — even the budget-friendly enterprise sorts — present a full set of pajamas (often a delicate cotton or waffle-y button-up set) and a powerful array of toiletries. We’re speaking toothbrushes, razors, combs, hair ties, bathe caps, and generally even face lotion and toner.
Don’t be shy — they’re there for use. Locals count on you to put on the pajamas whereas lounging round your lodge room or heading to the shared onsen/tub, and also you’ll typically see different company doing the identical. It’s half consolation, half tradition, and truthfully, it saves house in your suitcase.
10. Take a Seat within the Bathe
And whereas we’re speaking loos, let’s chat lodge showers. You may stroll in and assume: “Why is there no curtain? And why is there a stool?” Relaxation assured, it’s all a part of the plan. Japanese loos are often designed as moist rooms, that means it’s okay (and anticipated) for water to get in every single place. The ground has a drain, so don’t panic.
That small plastic stool and hand-held bathe head? They’re there so you possibly can sit and wash completely earlier than hopping within the tub (if there’s one). Sitting is customary and helps forestall splash zones.
Professional tip: Don’t overlook your towel earlier than entering into. When you’re soaked and slippery, stepping out to seek out it will get… entertaining.
11. Study a Few Phrases — Individuals Discover
You don’t want to talk Japanese to get pleasure from Japan. However studying only a handful of phrases will go a lengthy means:
- Konnichiwa – Hey
- Arigatou gozaimasu – Thanks very a lot
- Sumimasen – Excuse me / sorry / attention-getter
- Oishii! – Scrumptious!
- Eigo o hanasemasu ka? – Do you communicate English?
Even when your pronunciation is off, the trouble is appreciated. And when doubtful, bow and smile.
12. Bowing Is a Approach of Life
The bow is the last word type of politeness in Japan. Greeting, thanking, apologizing — it’s all within the tilt.
You don’t have to bow deeply — only a small respectful nod is sufficient. And for those who’re unsure easy methods to reply? Bow anyway. You’ll be able to’t actually overdo it. As a foreigner, nobody expects you to get it completely, however making the trouble goes a great distance.
Countryside etiquette: In small cities, bowing is extra frequent and sometimes replaces phrases. Lean into it.
13. Onsen Etiquette: Bare and Afraid (However You’ll Survive)
Public baths (onsen) are a part of Japanese life, and they’re one among my favourite cultural issues to do. First time? Awkward. Second time? Magical. Nevertheless, they arrive with strict guidelines:
- Bathe and wash completely earlier than coming into the tub
- No swimsuits — you’re entering into bare
- Tattoos might not be allowed (although an increasing number of locations now allow them — verify first)
What’s the Take care of the Tiny Towel in Onsens?
Ah, sure, the mysterious little towel you obtain at an onsen — the modesty fabric that doesn’t cowl a lot in any respect. It’s concerning the measurement of a visitor hand towel, and it comes with its personal set of unstated guidelines:
- It’s not for bathing – This isn’t your washcloth (though it seems like one). Use the showers earlier than coming into the onsen to correctly clear your self (cleaning soap, shampoo, the entire routine), however go away the little towel dry.
- Don’t let it contact the water – That towel ought to keep out of the tub. You’ll typically see locals folding it neatly and putting it on their head or leaving it on the aspect of the bathtub. Floating it within the water is an enormous no-no.
- It’s for modesty… form of – Strolling to and from the tub, you possibly can maintain it in entrance of you for just a little protection, however let’s be sincere — nobody’s actually fooled.
Professional tip: After your soak, you should use it to dry off earlier than you seize the massive towel within the locker space. It’s your transition towel, not your drying towel.
14. Punctuality Is Sacred
Japan runs on time. I imply, actually on time. If a prepare leaves at 3:17pm, it should go away at 3:17pm. Being late is taken into account disrespectful. I’m terrible at being punctual, so I actually have to observe myself after I’m in Japan! Get it…watch…
When in an enormous Japanese metropolis, my rule is to only give myself tons (and much) of additional time. The prepare stations is usually a labyrinth of confusion and folks, and I typically want further time to navigate them. For those who occur to get to your vacation spot early…then nice – you possibly can sit and folks watch (it’s a lot enjoyable in Japan!).
Journey tip: For those who’re on time, you’re already chopping it shut.
Small city perception: Buses and trains are much less frequent. Miss one, and the subsequent could also be tomorrow.
15. Candy Items You’ll See In every single place
Present-giving is virtually a sport in Japan, and the MVP is meals. When individuals journey, it’s frequent to deliver again regional snacks or treats, known as omiyage, to present to coworkers, pals, or household. You’ll see elaborately wrapped bins of sweets at each prepare station and airport, sorted by native specialties and color-coded with a stage of packaging perfection that’s truthfully awe-inspiring.
Even for those who’re only a customer, this tradition is price embracing. Bringing a small field of cookies or goodies when visiting somebody — even a lodge or information — is at all times appreciated. And don’t be shocked if a shopkeeper or host palms you a neatly wrapped deal with while you go away — that’s simply omotenashi (Japanese hospitality) in motion.
Professional tip: These make unbelievable souvenirs — and also you’ll get bonus factors for those who deliver one thing again dwelling that’s particular to the area you visited.
16. Goodbye Tip: The Artwork of the Limitless Wave
This tip isn’t one that can make you look extra native, however as a substitute, only a heart-melting Japanese customized that’s good to learn about. The best way individuals say goodbye in Japan within the journey sector is particular — with a wave that simply. retains. going. Whether or not you’re leaving a ryokan, saying farewell to a information, or watching a prepare pull out of the station, count on a lengthy, honest wave — typically with each palms — that continues till you’re out of sight.
And sure, you’re anticipated to wave again. Then wave once more. And once more. It’s half politeness, half heat, and fully charming. You’ll end up doing it instinctively by the top of your journey, and perhaps even lacking it while you get dwelling.
The Apps That Will Make Japan Simpler
These apps and instruments will make life simpler as soon as we’re there — and enable you navigate every part from subways to menus to bathrooms with mysterious buttons.
- Google Translate (with Japanese offline)
Use the digicam characteristic to translate indicators, menus, or thriller onsen directions.
Apple | Android. - Suica App (for cell transit card use — you probably have a appropriate telephone)
Apple
Or deliver a bodily Suica or Pasmo card you possibly can load on the airport. They work for many trains, buses, and even comfort shops. - Google Maps
That is my lifesaver app for Japan. I exploit it for every part – strolling instructions, subway/prepare platforms, selecting eating places, and discovering the closest merchandising machine with sizzling espresso in a can (sure, that’s a factor).
Remaining Ideas: Effort Is Every thing
Right here’s the factor about Japan — you’re not anticipated to get all of it proper. You’re a visitor. However individuals deeply admire it while you strive. Smile. Say thanks. Discover the silence. Carry your trash. Be curious.
And for those who’re coming with me on one among my small group Japan excursions? Even higher. I’ll be proper there that will help you navigate chopsticks, rest room slippers, merchandising machines, and the rest this lovely, advanced, endlessly well mannered nation throws our means.
Let’s go get awkward, curious, and amazed — collectively.
