{"id":2361,"date":"2025-12-06T22:27:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-07T06:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=2361"},"modified":"2026-03-21T19:32:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T02:32:32","slug":"japan-travel-etiquette-the-dos-and-donts-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/blog\/japan-travel-etiquette-the-dos-and-donts-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan Travel Etiquette: The Do&#8217;s and Don&#8217;ts You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re visiting Japan for the first time, you\u2019ve probably already heard about the country\u2019s reputation for being clean, respectful, and incredibly organized. And it\u2019s true ! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what <em>no one tells you<\/em> is that the etiquette isn\u2019t there to make you nervous. It\u2019s simply part of how Japanese society makes daily life smoother for everyone. Once you understand a few basics, traveling in Japan becomes <em>so<\/em> much more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After multiple trips across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, here are the etiquette tips we wish we knew from Day 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Table of Contents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-aioseo-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#aioseo-1-dont-walk-and-eat-ever-unless-youre-at-a-festival\">1: Don&#x2019;t Walk and Eat &#x2014; Ever<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-2-be-quiet-on-the-trains\">2: Be quiet on the trains<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-3-shoes-off-means-shoes-off\">3: Shoes off means SHOES OFF!<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-4-cash-is-king\">4: Cash is king!<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-5-when-in-doubt-bow-slightly\">5: When in Doubt: Bow Slightly<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-6-dont-tip-say-arigatou-instead\">6: Don&#x2019;t Tip &#x2014; Say &#x201C;Arigatou&#x201D; Instead<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-7-be-mindful-with-chopsticks\">7: Be Mindful with Chopsticks!<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-8-queuing-is-a-big-deal\">8: Queuing Is a Big Deal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-9-trash-bins-are-rare-carry-your-garbage\">9: Trash Bins Are Rare &#x2014; Carry Your Garbage<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-10-spatial-awareness\">10: Spatial Awareness<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#aioseo-11-say-sumimasen-often-its-a-magic-word\">11: . Say &#x201C;Sumimasen&#x201D; Often &#x2014; It&#x2019;s a Magic Word<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-1-dont-walk-and-eat-ever-unless-youre-at-a-festival\">1: Don\u2019t Walk and Eat \u2014 Ever<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan is clean for a reason: people don\u2019t wander around with food in their hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Finish food where you bought it <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use designated eating areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep trash with you until you find a bin (they\u2019re rare!, train stations will have some)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shibuya-Shops-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shibuya-Shops-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shibuya-Shops-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shibuya-Shops-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shibuya-Shops-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Shibuya-Shops-scaled.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-2-be-quiet-on-the-trains\">2: Be quiet on the trains<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are from North America like us, people will talk loudly on the trains, talk on the phone. However, in Japan, it is quiet &#8211; really quiet. No one talks on their phone, or really talks at all on the train. It is actually really nice. If you need to know how to use a train, read our <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/blog\/how-to-use-trains-in-japan-a-first-timers-guide-to-stress-free-travel\/\" title=\"blog!\">blog!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What to do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No phone calls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep conversations low<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switch your phone to silent (\u201cmanner mode\u201d)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-3-shoes-off-means-shoes-off\">3: Shoes off means SHOES OFF!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Anytime you see slippers, a raised platform or tatami, remove your shoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Common places you\u2019ll remove shoes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Traditional restaurants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Temples and shrines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ryokan (traditional inns)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changing rooms in clothing stores<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Some Airbnb-style accommodations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-4-cash-is-king\">4: Cash is king! <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan is modern and card is accepted mostly everywhere. However, if you are looking for small ramen shops, gift stores etc., they will only accept cash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> <strong>Etiquette tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Place your money in the tray at checkout (never hand it directly)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accept change with two hands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t count coins slowly, step aside if needed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-5-when-in-doubt-bow-slightly\">5: When in Doubt: Bow Slightly<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>We bowed all of the time in Japan as a sign of respect. Again, theres a lot of forgiveness for tourists, they don&#8217;t expect tourists to bow perfectly, but a small bow can go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>When to bow:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greeting someone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Saying thank you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apologizing (e.g., you bumped someone on accident)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-6-dont-tip-say-arigatou-instead\">6: Don\u2019t Tip \u2014 Say \u201cArigatou\u201d Instead<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably the most known thing. Yes, there is no tipping culture in Japan. Leaving money on the table or offering a tip is confusing, and sometimes uncomfortable for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Just say:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Arigatou gozaimasu<\/em> (Thank you very much) &#8211; (We said this a million times a day!)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or simply bow as you leave<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-7-be-mindful-with-chopsticks\">7: Be Mindful with Chopsticks!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/blog\/best-ramen-in-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka-my-top-picks-for-japans-ultimate-bowls\/\" title=\"Chopstick etiquette\">Chopstick etiquette<\/a> is simple, and important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do NOT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stick chopsticks straight up in rice (funeral tradition)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pass food from chopstick to chopstick<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Point at people or dishes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>spear food<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DO:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rest chopsticks on the holder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the opposite end to grab shared dishes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-8-queuing-is-a-big-deal\">8: Queuing Is a Big Deal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Japanese culture loves lines and you will find out fast how much so. People will queue for trains, food, and even photo spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rule:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stand in line and follow the rules. Cutting in line is a major etiquette fail<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-9-trash-bins-are-rare-carry-your-garbage\">9: Trash Bins Are Rare \u2014 Carry Your Garbage <\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As we mentioned above, trash bins are rare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Etiquette Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carry out all of your garbage back to your accommodation or find a trash bin (7-Eleven will have some inside)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-10-spatial-awareness\">10: Spatial Awareness<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>People walk fast, and in certain directions. There is no time to stop and stare at your phone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Etiquette Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you have to look at your phone for directions, move over to the side and out of the way.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/ourtripsabroad.com\/en_ca\/blog\/how-to-use-google-maps-offline-for-travel-a-life-saver-hack\/\" title=\"Google Maps blog!\">Google Maps blog!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aioseo-11-say-sumimasen-often-its-a-magic-word\">11: . Say \u201cSumimasen\u201d Often \u2014 It\u2019s a Magic Word<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The most useful word in Japan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>It means<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excuse me<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sorry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thank you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"eg-affiliate-banners\"data-program=\"ca-expedia\" data-network=\"pz\" data-layout=\"medium-rectangle\" data-image=\"mountains\" data-message=\"find-perfect-getaway-package\" data-camref=\"1101l4a7Dp\" data-pubref=\"\" data-link=\"home\"><\/div>\n<script class=\"eg-affiliate-banners-script\" src=\"https:\/\/creator.expediagroup.com\/products\/banners\/assets\/eg-affiliate-banners.js\"><\/script>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>","protected":false},"featured_media":2092,"template":"","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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