Etiquette

Understanding and respecting social etiquette is essential when visiting Japan. Japanese society places high value on harmony, respect, and consideration for others. Here is a practical guide to common customs and manners you’ll encounter across different settings.

Inside the House

• Remove Shoes: Always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, certain traditional accommodations (like ryokan), or even some restaurants and temples. Indoor slippers are provided.
• Indoor Slippers: After removing your outdoor shoes, wear the slippers provided. Be mindful not to wear slippers on tatami mats (traditional straw mats).

On the Streets

• Quiet and Polite: Keep noise levels low in public spaces. Talking loudly on the phone or in public places is considered rude.
• Queueing: Always stand in an orderly line while waiting for trains or buses. Pushiness is considered impolite.
• Respect for Personal Space.
• No Eating or Drinking While Walking: It’s considered impolite to eat or drink while walking. Finish your food or drink while standing in one place, or use designated eating areas such as benches or rest spaces.

On Trains

• Silent Phones: On trains, it’s important to keep your phone on silent mode. Taking calls is considered disruptive.
• Priority Seats: These seats are designated for elderly, pregnant women, and disabled passengers. Give up these seats when needed.
• Respectful Behaviour: Keep your voice low, avoid talking loudly, and try not to disturb others, particularly during rush hours.

At Shrines and Temples

• Bowing: When approaching the shrine’s main gate (torii), bow deeply once before entering. When leaving the shrine through the main gate, bow once again to show respect.
• Purification Ritual: Before entering a shrine or temple, purify yourself by washing your hands and mouth at the purification fountain (temizuya).
• Quiet and Respectful: Remain quiet and respectful when inside a shrine or temple. Avoid taking photos in restricted areas.
• Praying: At the main hall (haiden), follow the traditional etiquette: throw a coin (usually a 5-yen coin) into the offering box; bow twice; clap your hands twice; offer your silent prayer; bow once more before stepping away.

At Restaurants

• Polite Greetings: Upon entering, you may hear “Irasshaimase” (welcome). A polite response is a bow or nod.
• Wait to Be Seated: In many restaurants, especially traditional or higher-end ones, wait near the entrance to be greeted and shown to a table. However, in casual or chain restaurants, it’s sometimes acceptable to seat yourself - look for signs or observe what others are doing.
• Tipping is Not Common: Tipping is not practiced in Japan. Exceptional service is already included in the price

Table Manners

• “Itadakimasu”: The phrase “Itadakimasu” is traditionally said before eating, expressing appreciation for the food and those who prepared it.
• “Gochisousama deshita”: At the end of the meal, “Gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the meal) is commonly used to show gratitude for the meal.
• No Sharing: While sharing food is common in some cultures, avoid sharing your meal unless it’s with close family or friends.
• Don’t Point with Chopsticks: Pointing or gesturing with chopsticks is considered impolite.

Chopsticks

• Don’t Stick Them Upright: Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
• Don’t Pass Food Between Chopsticks: Never pass food from one set of chopsticks to another. This is associated with funeral customs.

Taking a Bath

• Wash Before Entering: In public baths (Onsen or Sento), wash and rinse your body thoroughly before entering the communal hot baths.
• Keep Towels Out of the Water: Don’t bring your towel into the bathwater; leave it on the side.
• Quiet and Calm: Onsen and Sento are meant to be relaxing and quiet. Keep noise to a minimum.

Using the Toilet

• Slippers in the Bathroom: In some homes and public areas, you may find slippers specifically for the bathroom. Use them when entering the bathroom.
• Bidets: Many Japanese toilets have bidet features. Be sure to read instructions on how to use them.

Greeting

• Use Honorifics: It is important to use appropriate honorifics like “-san” when addressing someone, unless they ask you to drop it.
• Bowing: Bowing is a traditional greeting in Japan. It’s common to bow as a sign of respect when meeting someone or saying goodbye.

Business Cards

• Two Hands: When giving or receiving a business card, always use two hands. Carefully examine the card before putting it away, as this shows respect.
• Don't Write on a Business Card: Don’t write on a business card immediately after receiving it.

Garbage Disposal

• Carry Your Trash: In many public places, trash cans are rare, and people are expected to carry their trash with them until they find a proper place to dispose of it.
• Separate Trash: Separate trash into categories like burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables. Be aware of local rules for disposal.

Smoking

• Designated Areas: Smoking is prohibited in many public areas. Be sure to smoke only in designated smoking areas.

While unintentional mistakes in etiquette are usually met with understanding, especially from locals who recognise you’re a visitor, making the effort to follow these customs is often deeply appreciated. It shows respect for the culture and leaves a positive impression.