Japan has a distinct social culture with rules and expectations that differ significantly from most Western countries. Most Japanese people are understanding of foreign visitors making mistakes — you won't be publicly corrected for minor errors. But understanding the basics shows respect and makes interactions go more smoothly. Here are the key things to know.
Shoes and Indoor Spaces
Remove shoes when entering private homes, traditional restaurants (where you sit on tatami), ryokan, and some temple interiors. The clear signal is a step up from the entrance (genkan) and a row of slippers. Wear slip-on shoes when possible — removing and replacing laced shoes at every location becomes tedious. Some toilet areas have separate toilet slippers, which should not be worn outside the toilet. (Forgetting and walking out in toilet slippers is a classic foreign visitor mistake.)
Train Etiquette
Keep your phone on silent mode (not vibrate — silent) on trains. Phone calls on trains are strongly discouraged; step off at a station if you need to call someone. Keep your voice low. Don't eat on local trains (eating on shinkansen is fine). Priority seats (near the doors, marked in a different colour) are for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers; able-bodied travellers should stand near them. Queuing for trains is organized — stand in the marked lines on the platform.
Eating and Drinking
It is acceptable to eat while standing at a food stall or convenience store but not while walking through the street in most contexts. Drinking while walking is similarly frowned upon in traditional neighbourhoods. In restaurants, wait to be seated rather than seating yourself. The phrase irasshaimase shouted on entering a restaurant is a greeting that doesn't require a response.
Tipping does not exist in Japan. Do not tip servers, taxi drivers, hotel staff, or anyone else — it can cause confusion or offence. The service charge is included in the price.
It is polite to say itadakimasu before eating and gochisosama deshita after finishing. These are ritual expressions of gratitude for the meal; using them in restaurants is appreciated but not required.
Onsen and Public Baths
The rules in onsen are strict and non-negotiable: wash and rinse your body thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the communal bath. Swimwear is not worn in traditional onsen (small towels are fine for modesty in transit). Tattoos are still prohibited in the majority of traditional onsen facilities — check in advance if this applies to you. Do not submerge your towel in the water. Keep quiet.
Temples and Shrines
At shrines, rinse your hands at the water pavilion (temizuya) before approaching the main hall: left hand, then right hand, then cup water in your left hand for your mouth, then rinse the ladle handle. Photography is generally fine at the exterior; interiors may prohibit it. At Buddhist temples, dress modestly. Do not touch sacred objects.
Money and Transactions
Hand money directly to the cashier rather than placing it on the counter — in practice, most stores have a small tray for this purpose, but the direct handover is the more formal approach. Don't count your change in front of the cashier. Credit card usage has increased significantly but cash remains essential, particularly in rural areas and traditional restaurants.
General Social Behaviour
Japanese social spaces are quiet. Lower your voice in public compared to what feels natural. Lining up is taken seriously — queue patiently and don't cut in. Blowing your nose loudly in public is considered impolite (sniffling quietly is preferred). Many Japanese people don't make direct eye contact with strangers — this is normal rather than unfriendly. Smiling, bowing slightly, and patience goes a long way in navigating any cross-cultural awkwardness.