Basic etiquette in Japan

Even if you are only planning to visit Japan for a short time, it may be useful to learn some basic rules of savoir-vivre. It does not take much but will make your stay so much more enjoyable and rich. On top of that, you may also get some nice comments from the locals.

1. Public transport etiquette

The rules can be summarised as: stay as quiet as possible and take as little space as you can. Don’t talk on your phone, don’t talk loudly to your companions, don’t walk around or change seats. Don’t listen to loud music (this includes the music people can hear through your headphones). Reading books, folded newspapers into smaller size, playing games or reading something on your phone are very popular activities while in the train.

Interestingly, I heard that in general Japanese rarely give up their seats to others, but I personally was offered a seat on many occasions when traveling with a toddler.

2. Using chopsticks

The basic rule would be to use chopsticks if you can. Japanese seem to be very pleased by the fact that you can use chopsticks. Also, remember to never ever stick your chopsticks into the rice. Why? Sticking the chopsticks into the bowl of rice is a practice done on funerals and it immediately brings up this particular association.

Slurping in Japan is acceptable, especially when eating noodles. Other sounds while eating are not appreciated however.

3. Taking off your shoes

You should always take off your shoes when entering Japanese house. Not taking off your shoes is considered extremely rude. As soon as you enter the house there is a genkan. It is a small dedicated space to take off your shoes (and to put them back on later, when you leave), usually sitting a bit lower than the rest of the house or apartment. Sometimes, right after genkan finishes, there are slippers waiting for you, please use them.  

The rule of taking off your shoes applies not only to private houses, but also to some public spaces. One example would be changing rooms in gyms or clothing shops. Often the floors in these changing rooms have carpets, and are slightly lifted – that is how you could safely guess that taking off your shoes is required.

Also, in some doctor’s offices or clinics you take your shoes off. It will be obvious though, as not only there will be a genkan (the distinct lower entrance part), but also slippers and shoe lockers (not necessary locked).

In some restaurants and pubs (izakaya), more traditional Japanese style ones, you may also be required to take off your shoes. In case of this type of places, slippers may not necessary be available, but the shoe lockers are likely to be lockable.

Lastly, indoor  playgrounds usually require children (and parents) to take their shoes off. It may not be obvious though, as the genkan is usually not present. If a playground has padded floor though, the shoes need to be taken off for sure.

Personally, I think that taking off your shoes is a great rule, as it allows to keep places cleaner for longer. Plus it allows your feet to rest.

4. Runny nose

If you have a runny nose it is more acceptable to sniff than publicly and loudly blow your nose. This rule applies to all public places and business meetings. Although, I have observed that in the office environment using silently a tissue to manage your runny nose, can be acceptable.

5. Tipping

Tipping in restaurants in Japan is not a thing. Please don’t leave money as it will confuse the staff. If you want to compliment the staff simply say Thank you or Gochisosama deshita. Traditionally, Japanese people do not say thank you too often in such situations. According to a popular Japanese proverb, the customer in God  so the staff would thank the customer instead.

6. Eating in public

In general, it is not common for Japanese people to eat while walking on the street or on the bus or train. You will hardly ever see anyone sipping a drink in public either. Eating and drinking can be disturbing for other people. Crumbs of food and spills of liquid make mess too. If you want to have a quick snack or even a heated meal, you can get it and eat it by a special counter in a convenience store (konbini). If you buy a drink from a vending machine, it is acceptable to drink while standing by the machine. We have seen a few times young people hiding in the corner in a squatting position and eating.

Also, in Tokyo it is hard to find rubbish bins on the streets. Finishing your meal in the konbini and by the vending machines means that you do not have to carry your rubbish with you for the whole day. This brings me to the last point.

7. Always take your rubbish with you

Japanese do not litter (apart from drunk, late night zombies who do), so you shouldn’t too. When you buy anything in a shop, it will most likely have more than one layer of packaging, so you can easily use it to wrap up your rubbish and safely store it your bag or backpack.

I hope it will be helpful in your travels in Japan. If you have any things to add, please comment below.