I wish someone had told me these 15 unspoken rules before my first trip to Japan.

I learned each of these firsthand while living in Japan and visiting different regions over the past 10 years. By following these unwritten rules, I feel like less of a tourist and more of an explorer doing my best to show respect for the culture and social norms. When I travel, I set an intention to not only simply observe the everyday culture around me, but actually participate and embody the cultural nuances I experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, make sure to be familiar with these customs and social norms. If you have any questions, let us know!

1. Don’t eat and drink while walking.

Japanese people tend to enjoy their food, even street food and snacks, while sitting down or remaining stationary. You’ll find a lot of people parked outside a convenience store or street food vendor enjoying the item they just bought rather than unwrapping and eating on the go, or they wait until they reach their destination. Additionally, play it safe and avoid bringing open food or drink into a store or eating in front of other vendors’ stalls, especially if they’re not food vendors. It’s considered poor manners to do so and indicates you’re not appreciating your food fully or respecting the establishment you bring the food into.

2. Being on time means being early.

Punctuality is a sign of respect. How seriously do Japanese people take punctuality? A major train company once made a public apology to the citizens of Tokyo for a single train departing 20 seconds early – I can’t imagine what would have happened if they were 20 seconds late. It’s safe to say that if you want to be sure you’re on time in Japan, arrive early. If you’re running late, it’s polite to let whomever you’re meeting know.

3. Escalators - they have a fast lane.

Watch out! Follow the crowds on escalators and look out for which side people are standing on and which side they leave open for people in a hurry to pass by. Whatever you do, DO NOT block the fast lane. In Tokyo, people stand on the left and leave the right side open. In Osaka, they stand on the right and leave the left side open.

4. Avoid talking on the phone on public transit.

As another sign of respect and consideration to those around you, avoid talking on the phone on public transit or even talking too loudly to those around you.

5. Don’t show up empty-handed. Gift-giving goes a long way in Japan.

Upon returning from your trip, it’s customary to bring omiyage, a gift or souvenir, to give to family, friends, coworkers, etc. It’s a way to show your appreciation for those you left behind. Likewise, if you know you’re going to be visiting people in Japan or meeting new people (tour guides, innkeepers, etc.) show them your appreciation and consideration for them by bringing something small from your home country.

6. What is the little tray for?

You might wonder, “Why is there always a little tray at the cashier or when I want to pay the check?” That little tray is actually there for you to place your money. Rather than exchange the money from hand to hand, place it in the tray and they’ll return your change to you in the same manner.

7. Taxi doors are automatic.

Don’t try to open and close your own taxi door. Taxi doors are automatic in Japan - just let the driver do his thing. It’s quite nice, actually.

8. Take your trash home with you.

Rarely will you find public trash cans in Japan. Japanese people typically take their trash home with them and sort it out in their own personal bins. Japan takes its trash sorting very seriously! Refer to your host, accommodation handbook, or hotel if you have questions about how to dispose of your trash. I fold up a tote bag in my purse that I can use to carry my trash.

9. It’s okay to take the free tissues handed out on the street!

You might find it shocking that a stranger wants to hand you a packet of tissues in the middle of the street. Companies in Japan do this for advertising and promotion as it’s a cheap and effective way to market. Japanese people tend to carry pocket tissues in their purses. I recommend taking them from time to time, you never know when you’ll need one.

10. Learn the chopstick etiquette.

There are so many rules, but learning them will save you from 90% of the possible dining etiquette faux pas at a meal.

11. Carry a hand towel.

Most restrooms in Japan do not offer disposable paper towels but sometimes there are air driers. Japanese citizens are taught from a young age to carry a handkerchief, tissues, or towels with them just in case. This is the hand towel I always bring.

12. Carry cash with you.

Despite being a technologically advanced society and the increasing number of establishments that accept major credit cards, many establishments in Japan are still cash-based, especially if it’s off the beaten path. You’ll also find vending machines everywhere and it’s nice to have smaller coins and bills on you. I always carry this small coin purse with me when I travel to Japan.

13. Just use the slippers.

When in doubt, if there’s a change of level or purpose of the room, there’s a good chance you will need to either take your shoes off and/or wear the slippers provided for you. Whatever you do, DO NOT step with your outside shoes on surfaces that are not meant to. There will often be a changing platform, too. Keep your shoes directly on the ground and step into them as you step off the changing platform. In other words, don’t put your shoes on the changing platform. Think of it as cross-contamination. These are some really easy slip-on shoes that everyone loves.

14. Musical chairs.

When queueing at restaurants with chairs outside, make sure you keep moving along so others can queue behind you. Don’t just keep sitting in the same seat the entire time you’re waiting, leaving a gaping hole in the row of chairs. Still, think of it as a queue, but you’re sitting down instead of standing.

15. Watch, then do.

Respect, politeness, and consideration for others run deep in Japanese culture. So much so, that people will follow the rules whether they are explicitly stated or unspoken. When in doubt, observe those around you to see what the majority of others are doing and follow along. Last but not least, Japanese people don’t expect foreigners to know everything and they will appreciate any honest effort to respect their culture. If you want to learn more check out these two books for further reading: Etiquette Guide to Japan: Know the Rules that Make the Difference! or Japan - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Join our Inside Japan trip and we’ll guide you through every interaction and local custom so you’re never left guessing.

On this trip to Japan, you’ll explore Japan like a local, ducking into small izakayas (casual pubs), soaking in hot springs, and speeding from one place to the next on the bullet train. This trip will take you inside the soul of Japan, visiting the local hotspots of Osaka, the cultural city of Kyoto, small towns in the countryside, and the bright lights and big-city buzz of Tokyo. Imagine yourself strolling the backstreets of Kyoto, enjoying the private performance of the mysterious maikos (Kyoto’s Geishas-in-training), and exploring the culinary variations of some of the best cuisines in the world - from the freshest seafood to perfectly crafted noodle dishes. Inquire to learn more!

If you’re traveling to Japan on your own and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.

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