Japan is one of the most magical countries on earth, where traditional temples sit beside neon skyscrapers and age-old manners still dominate culture. Although the country is known for being incredibly hospitable to visitors, unwritten rules of conduct can easily be broken if one does not follow.
Learn which eight things not to do while visiting Japan to create the best impression and avoid unintended mistakes.
1. Don’t Talk Loud on Public Transportation
Japan boasts a culture of social harmony and respect for persons, particularly in confined spaces. Thus, talking loudly, laughing, or holding phone conversations in public arenas—especially on public transportation like trains and buses—is very disruptive.
If you ride the Japanese rail system, you’ll see locals often talk softly or not at all, even when sardined into trains. Likewise, listening to music on a speaker or watching a video without headphones is inappropriate.
To assess if you’re being too loud, ask yourself whether your voice can be heard over any background noise. If so, you are likely too loud.
2. Don’t Tip
For most cultures worldwide, leaving a tip is considered polite service; in Japan, however, it’s awkward and could even be considered offensive. This occurs because of Japan’s value of omotenashi, which means, in short, complete selfless hospitality.
This means that people take pride in a job well done, and the quality of their service is included in the price paid for the meal/experience. Leaving additional cash will have many employees chasing after you to return it.
Instead of cash, respect their hard work through your hospitality in return by smiling, nodding and saying thank you very much, or “arigatou gozaimasu.”
3. Don’t Wear Shoes Indoors
One of the most common things NOT to do while entering a house (or temple) in Japan is to wear shoes. This action is part of a culturally grateful act of cleanliness and respect which separates the outside world from the personal inside.
Thus, when entering homes, there will often be shelves/racks for shoes and indoor slippers (uwabaki) provided to keep the inside clean. Some facilities even have extra slippers for toilets—be sure to identify the purpose and switch slippers!
When in doubt, if you see a raised floor or tatami mats, remove your shoes immediately.
4. Don’t Eat While Walking
Eating in public is not as common in Japan as it is in America because food is seen as a combination of flavor and gratitude/presentation through consumption experience. Thus, eating while walking is discouraged because it can lead to food dropped on the ground or runny ice cream making a mess of others’ clothes – and nobody wants dirty clothes!
Thus, vendors who sell food on the street often have small designated areas or benches nearby so that you may eat in place. As a note, public trash cans are hard to find, meaning one typically takes their trash home with them.
Eating in place and taking one’s trash prevents any potential messes for other community members – which contributes to how clean Japanese cities are.
5. Don’t Use Chopsticks Incorrectly
While chopsticks are an integral part of the Asian dining experience as utensils for eating, they also represent cultural significance in Japan and thus should not be used any way one pleases. Certain actions that may be acceptable in different countries are considered taboo due to their connection to funerals.
For instance, jamming one’s chopsticks upright into rice bowls is the same as making an offering to a deceased person; passing food from one set of chopsticks to another literally reflects how bones are passed during cremation service.
Don’t point with chopsticks or lick them; you should lay them down on the chopstick rest or across the bowl when you’re done as a sign of respect for being asked to use them.
6. Don’t Skip the Line
From railways to vending machines to ramen shops, the Japanese excel at queuing up to wait their turn. Thus, cutting in line—even accidentally—is viewed as incredibly rude.
The next time you’re at a subway platform in Japan, you’ll often notice lines marked on the floor showing where people should stand while waiting. Everyone patiently stands in line and boards in numerical order.
Even in crowded spaces does the system work because people respect it. If you want to contribute to harmony—politeness and efficient operation in Japan’s bustling cities—avoid cutting into any lines.
7. Don’t Go Into Bathing Spaces Without Cleaning First
If you’re going to Japan, then you’re going to want to experience an onsen (natural hot spring) or sento (public bath) but do so with educational efforts toward bathing etiquette first! Before entering any baths which may be communal spaces, ensure that you’ve adequately washed (and rinsed!) at any shower stations provided because baths are for soaking—not cleaning!
Typically swimsuits are also not permitted; bringing towels into the water is offensive; tattoos may not be welcomed as well due to historical context with the yakuza (Japanese mafia)—check ahead of time for rules!
Respect privacy options allowed for others and be quiet as this isn’t a social hour—this is a unique opportunity for one of Japan’s best traditions!
8. Don’t Forget to Bow
Bowing is not just a way of greeting someone; it’s a sign of respect and gratitude and humility within Japanese culture. If you find yourself bowing excessively low or frequently, then you’re likely doing it too seriously. A bow should be small for casual modes or more prominent during detailed thank yous or apologies. If you’re unsure about doing it exactly right, just get involved with it and smile—people appreciate effort!
Remember that sometimes there’s more than meets the eye—a bow speaks volumes when words cannot!
The Bottom Line
Japan’s culture reflects harmony through respect, presence, and mindfulness; thus, values are placed all around citizens that help promote these ways of life whether through public transportation systems or dining connections. Not only is it critical to avoid these things while traveling—but even more important that one’s appreciated instead of written off as some reduction goal.
Traveling respectfully will ensure that everyone from shop owners to train operators to monks at temples will make whatever you’ve avoided come easily! Ultimately if you avoid these easiest mistakes through proper observation and everyone’s response will be a heartfelt consideration that often goes above and beyond what’s expected!