Japanese Culture and Etiquette for Tourists

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Quick answer: Japanese etiquette comes down to being quiet, clean, patient and considerate of others. Take your shoes off when asked, queue in line, speak softly on trains, do not tip, wash before you enter a hot spring, and treat temples and shrines as places of worship. Locals understand that visitors do not know every custom, so a polite attitude and a willingness to learn are enough. Last updated 11 October 2026.

Key takeaways

• Respect, cleanliness and consideration for others are the ideas behind most Japanese customs.
• Take off your shoes in homes, ryokans, many temples and some restaurants. Wear the slippers provided, and take them off on tatami mats.
• Tipping is not expected in restaurants, taxis or hotels.
• Be quiet on public transport, and avoid phone calls on trains.
• Wash and rinse fully before entering an onsen (hot spring), and keep towels out of the water.
• Bins are rare in public, so carry a small bag for your rubbish.
• Ask before you photograph people, and follow the signs at temples, museums and private streets.

Respect is at the heart of Japanese culture

Respect influences daily life in Japan, from greetings and public behaviour to meals and transport. Small habits such as speaking quietly, waiting in line and keeping public spaces clean are noticed and appreciated. You do not need to learn a long list of rules. If you are unsure, watch what the people around you are doing and follow them. A smile, a small nod and a polite “sumimasen” (excuse me) solve most small problems.

Greetings and everyday manners

Bowing

Bowing is the traditional greeting. A small nod is perfectly fine for visitors, and handshakes are common in international settings. You do not need to master formal bowing to make a good impression. Staff in shops and restaurants often bow or say a greeting when you enter. A nod and a smile is a polite answer.

Names

People usually add “san” after a name as a polite title, for example Tanaka-san. You can do the same when you speak to someone, and use it for both men and women.

Handing over money

In many shops, you will see a small tray at the till. Put your money on the tray instead of handing it over, and take your change and receipt when they are returned. Staff often hand items back with both hands, and you can do the same.

Shoes

In many places you are expected to take your shoes off before entering. The entrance area is called a genkan, and it is where you swap shoes for slippers. Common places include:

• traditional homes
• ryokans (inns)
• some temples
• some restaurants with tatami seating
• tea houses and some changing rooms

If slippers are provided, wear them indoors, but remove them before stepping onto tatami mats. Separate slippers are often provided for the toilet, so change into them and change back when you leave. Wear socks without holes, since you may be taking your shoes off several times a day.

Dining etiquette

Meals often begin with “itadakimasu”, a phrase of thanks before eating, and finish with “gochisosama deshita”, a thank-you for the meal. Tourists are not strictly expected to say them, but it is appreciated.

Chopsticks

Chopsticks are used for most meals, and a few rules are worth learning.

• Good habits: use the chopstick rest when you are not eating, hold them near the upper end, and use serving utensils or the opposite end of your chopsticks to take food from shared plates.
• Avoid: sticking chopsticks upright in rice, which resembles a funeral ritual, passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another, pointing at people with them, and playing with them.

Noodles, tipping and paying

• Slurping: gently slurping ramen or soba is fully acceptable and is often a sign that you enjoy the food, although it is not a rule.
• Tipping: there is no tipping culture in Japan. Good service is part of the price, and leaving extra money can cause confusion. Restaurants, taxis and hotels do not expect it.
• Paying: in many restaurants you pay at the register by the door, not at the table.
• Eating while walking: many people avoid eating while walking. At street food stalls, finish your snack near the stall, and look for signs.

For more on what to eat and how to order, read our Japanese food guide. If you are vegetarian or have allergies, the guide explains how to ask about fish stock and hidden ingredients.

Public transport etiquette

Trains in Japan are famous for being quiet and punctual. Following a few rules helps everyone.

• Do: speak quietly, give priority seats to people who need them, keep your bag close and in front of you, wait for passengers to get off before boarding, and stand in line at marked spots on the platform.
• Avoid: talking loudly or making phone calls, playing music or videos without headphones, blocking doors, and eating on crowded local trains. Eating on long-distance bullet trains is normal.

Escalators have a standing side. In Tokyo people usually stand on the left and walk on the right, while in Osaka and the Kansai area they usually stand on the right. Follow the people in front of you. Our getting around Japan guide covers tickets, IC cards and last trains.

Rubbish, recycling and smoking

• Rubbish: public bins are rare. Most people carry a small bag and throw rubbish away at home, at the hotel, or at a convenience store where they bought the item.
• Recycling: many bins are split into burnable, plastic, cans and bottles. Look at the labels and sort your items.
• Smoking: many urban areas have strict rules. Outdoor smoking is often allowed only in marked smoking areas, so look for signs before you light up.

Temples and shrines

Temples and shrines are active places of worship, so dress modestly, speak quietly and follow posted rules.

• Shinto shrines (with a torii gate): bow slightly before you pass under the gate. Many people avoid walking down the exact centre of the path. At the water pavilion you can rinse your hands and mouth, which is traditional but optional for tourists. The usual prayer is two bows, two claps and one bow.
• Buddhist temples: you usually do not clap. Put your hands together quietly and bow. Incense is common, and some halls ask you to remove your shoes.
• Photos: check the signs, since photography is not allowed inside some halls.
• Goshuin: these are handwritten stamps that people collect in a special book. Ask politely and wait your turn.

Onsen (hot spring) etiquette

A hot spring is one of the most relaxing cultural experiences in Japan. The rules are simple.

1. Wash and rinse your body thoroughly at the shower stations before you enter the bath.
2. Enter the bath clean and without a swimsuit. Most public baths are separated by gender.
3. Keep your small towel out of the water, and many people place it on their head.
4. Do not swim or splash, and keep your voice low.
5. Tie up long hair so that it does not touch the water.
6. Dry off before you return to the changing room.

Some onsen have policies about visible tattoos. Many tourist-friendly places welcome everyone now, but you should check before you book. Some places offer private baths, which is a good choice if you are not comfortable with public bathing. Our accommodation guide explains more about ryokans and onsen stays.

Photography etiquette

• Ask before you photograph people, especially children and staff.
• Do not block walkways, stairs or doorways to take photos.
• Follow signs about photography inside temples, museums and restaurants.
• In some historic areas, such as parts of Gion in Kyoto, private lanes have rules about photography and entry. Respect the signs, because residents live and work there.
• Do not fly a drone without checking the local rules and getting any permission that is needed.

Respect for nature

Stay on marked trails when you hike, take all your rubbish home, keep your distance from wildlife and follow the rules in national parks. In places such as Nara Park, follow the guidelines about feeding the deer and use only the special crackers sold there.

Useful Japanese phrases

Even a few words, said politely, are warmly received.

Say them slowly and with a smile. You can also use a translation app for longer questions, but starting with a polite word helps.

Cultural do’s and don’ts

Common mistakes visitors make

• Wearing outdoor shoes on tatami or past the genkan.
• Talking loudly on trains, including on video calls with family back home.
• Eating while walking in busy streets and in places that ask people not to.
• Looking for a public bin and dropping litter instead of keeping it in a bag.
• Entering the onsen without washing first.
• Taking photos of people or private spaces without asking.
• Leaving a tip and creating an awkward moment at the table.

If you make a mistake, say “sumimasen” and move on. People are generally forgiving of visitors who are trying to be respectful.

Plan the rest of your trip

Learning the basics before you go will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. For safety, read is Japan safe for tourists. For planning, use the Japan itineraries and the Japan trip budget guide. Before you travel, check the Japan tourist visa guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do you tip in Japan?

No. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture, and leaving money can cause confusion. Good service is included in the price.

Do I have to take my shoes off in Japan?

Yes, in many places such as homes, ryokans, some temples and some restaurants. Wear the slippers provided, and take them off on tatami mats.

Is it rude to slurp noodles in Japan?

No. Gently slurping ramen or soba is acceptable and is often seen as a sign you enjoy the food.

Can I eat while walking in Japan?

Many people avoid it. At street food stalls, eat near the stall, and look for signs that ask people not to eat while walking.

How do I behave at a shrine?

Bow slightly at the torii gate, keep your voice low, and follow the signs. At many Shinto shrines the prayer is two bows, two claps and one bow. At Buddhist temples you usually do not clap.

What are the onsen rules for tourists?

Wash fully before you enter, do not wear a swimsuit, keep your towel out of the water, and keep quiet. Check tattoo policies before you go.

Why are there no bins on the street in Japan?

Public bins are rare, so people carry rubbish with them and throw it away at home, at the hotel or at a convenience store.

Is it okay to talk on the phone on a train in Japan?

No. Keep your voice low, put your phone on silent and avoid calls on trains and buses.

Sources and how we checked

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
• Japan National Tourism Organization: manners and etiquette

This guide is general information. Customs vary by place and situation, so follow signs and staff instructions. Last updated 11 October 2026.

Related Guides

• Japanese Food Guide: What to Eat, Dining Etiquette and Food Safety
• Is Japan Safe for Tourists? A Practical Safety Guide
• Getting Around Japan: A Transportation Guide for Tourists
• Japan Tourist Visa Guide (2026): Requirements, Documents and Fees

Browse all of our Japan Travel guides.

Varinder Kaur

Varinder Kaur is from Amritsar, India. She has traveled to well-known places across India, including Darjeeling, and to a few countries abroad, and shares travel experiences and practical tips for travelers through OpinionHook.