Overview
This guide provides essential information on Japanese manners and etiquette for travelers, covering daily customs, greetings, bathing, dining, and public behavior to help visitors interact respectfully and enjoy their experience in Japan.
Basic Etiquette and Social Customs
- Japanese culture values specific social customs and respectful behaviors, such as taking off shoes indoors and bowing.
- Public displays of affection are uncommon, and physical contact during greetings is limited.
- Visitors are not expected to master all etiquette but should learn the basics for a richer cultural experience.
Greetings and Communication
- Bowing is the standard greeting, with the depth and duration varying by situation.
- A simple nod or bow of the head when greeting or entering/exiting places is appreciated.
- Common useful phrases include "sumimasen" (excuse me/sorry/thank you), "arigato gozaimasu" (thank you), and "yoroshiku onegaishimasu" (please treat me well).
Accommodation Etiquette
- Western hotels operate similarly to global standards, but tipping is not customary.
- Traditional ryokans require removing shoes, sleeping on futons, and following specific rules for yukata and slippers.
- Guests should ask staff if unsure about customs; staff are happy to assist.
Entering Homes and Indoor Spaces
- Always remove shoes at entryways and use provided indoor slippers.
- Place shoes neatly in a shoebox or to the side.
- Remove slippers before stepping on tatami mats and use designated restroom slippers if available.
- Wearing easy-to-remove shoes is recommended for convenience.
Bathing and Onsen Etiquette
- Bathhouses (onsen/sento) require washing thoroughly before entering communal baths.
- All clothing must be removed for most public baths unless otherwise instructed.
- Do not bring towels or personal items into the bathwater; tie up long hair.
- Tattoos may not be permitted; check rules in advance or cover tattoos if needed.
- Private baths are available for those uncomfortable with communal bathing or with tattoos.
Dining Etiquette
- Say "itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisosama-deshita" after finishing a meal.
- Leaving leftovers is discouraged, and taking home leftovers is usually not acceptable.
- Wait until everyone is served and ask before taking the last piece of shared dishes.
- Sushi is eaten with chopsticks or hands; dip only the fish in soy sauce and avoid mixing wasabi with soy sauce.
Eating Noodles
- Slurping noodles is culturally accepted but not mandatory; do not criticize others' eating habits.
Public Transportation Etiquette
- Speak quietly and avoid phone conversations on trains and buses.
- Allow passengers to disembark before boarding and offer priority seats to those in need.
- Keep mobile phones on silent mode and follow the behavior of locals.
Smoking in Public
- Smoking is restricted to designated areas; smoking while walking is prohibited and may incur fines.
- Use mobile apps or look for signs to find permissible smoking zones.
- Some restaurants and cafes may still offer smoking sections.
Recommendations / Advice
- When unsure about etiquette, observe others or ask staff for guidance.
- Check bathhouse or hotel policies in advance regarding tattoos and clothing.
- Use official resources for further information on responsible travel and local customs.