Essential Japanese Etiquette for Travelers

Learn to make the most out of your Trip

Traveling to Japan can be an amazing adventure filled with stunning sights, delicious cuisine, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. However, to truly appreciate everything this remarkable country has to offer, understanding and respecting Japanese etiquette plays a vital role. By familiarizing yourself with essential customs, you can enhance your travel experience and create meaningful connections with the locals.

Dottonbori, Osaka

Understanding Japanese Politeness

Politeness and respect are cornerstones of daily life in Japan. The Japanese culture highly values concepts like “wa” (harmony) and “omotenashi” (hospitality), which will guide your everyday interactions with them as travelers. Knowing these principles can make it easier for you to navigate social situations with grace, helping you establish authentic connections with people you meet. When speaking with someone, using respectful language, even if it's just a simple thank you, can have a significant impact, fostering positive interactions.

Greetings and Bowing

In Japan, greeting someone for the first time typically involves a bow rather than a handshake. The angle and duration of the bow can convey different levels of respect. A slight bow of about 15 degrees is suitable for casual encounters, while a deeper bow (up to 45 degrees) is reserved for more formal situations.

Make it a point to mirror the bow of the person you’re meeting to show engagement and respect. Additionally, use greetings like “Konnichiwa” (Hello) or “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you very much). These simple phrases can bridge cultural gaps and show that you value local customs.

Dining Etiquette

Dining in Japan involves various customs that might be different from what you’re used to. Practicing these norms can help you enjoy your meals and avoid potential faux pas.

One of the most important rules is never to stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as this gesture resembles a funeral practice and is considered highly disrespectful. Instead, rest your chopsticks on the holder or the side of your plate. If you’re invited to someone’s home, bringing a small gift—like tasty sweets—shows appreciation and aligns with Japanese hospitality.

Remember to express gratitude before your meal by saying “Itadakimasu.” After eating, say “Gochisousama deshita” to thank your host for their efforts. This is especially important with smaller eateries like Ramen, Omakase and Teppanyaki restaurants where you will have more of a face to face interaction with them.

Table Side Service at Mizuno, Dottonbori, Osaka

Public Behavior

Public behavior in Japan is monitored by distinct cultural norms. Speaking loudly on public transport or in public spaces is generally frowned upon. Simple conversation like, "is this our stop?" or "do you want to sit down," are commonplace and very widely acceptable but keeping your conversation to a minimum is paramount. Aim to keep your voice quiet, respect personal space, and avoid phone calls in these environments.

In bustling areas, follow local customs regarding escalators. In cities such as Tokyo, it is customary to stand on the left side while people on the right side stand still, facilitating smooth movement for those who wish to walk. Pay attention though, this custom changes, like in the Kasai Region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe area) to stand on right, walk on left.

Another Faux Pas that would seem simple but is really rude in Japan is walking and eating/drinking. The believe there is a time and place to eat and walking on the street is not one of them. There is a few reasons for this one, cleanliness, the streets in Japan are unusually clean and they like it that way. The other is respect for others, harmony as discussed earlier, eating, or drinking for that matter and walking increases disharmony and is rude.

Darin with Popcorn at DisneySea

The one, odd exception to this rule is Theme Parks, like Universal or Disney. We have consistently observed locals eating and walking in the park. This seems to be a thing to do there, almost like a release from ordinary life and pertains only to these types of destinations, however whenever possible they still followed this rule. The Warner Bros. Making of Harry Potter experience was devoid of this behavior and all eating was done in designated areas, like the Back Lot Café and Butterbeer counter.

Gift Giving

The tradition of gift-giving in Japan is an important aspect of expressing respect and appreciation. If you're invited to someone’s home, consider bringing a small gift such as traditional sweets or unique artisan goods. If you've visited a tourist attraction earlier in your trip try to bring something to eat from there. For example, at Tokyo Disneyland, in all their shops sell cookies or mochi and these are specifically for bringing to others. Even small tokens from your home country can be warmly received.

Remember, presentation matters greatly. Gifts are often meticulously wrapped. Offer gifts with both hands and wait for the recipient to comment on it before they unwrap it.

Visiting Temples and Shrines

Visiting Japan's beautiful temples and shrines involves observing specific customs to show respect. Always bow slightly at the entrance as a sign of reverence. At purification fountains, washing your hands and rinsing your mouth before entering is required.

Washing Hands at Kiyomizudera, Kyoto

When making a prayer, toss a coin, any one ¥10-100, into the offering box, bow twice, clap your hands twice, and then bow once more. Each gesture signifies utmost respect for the spiritual practices embraced by many Japanese. Even though Japan remains non-secular, Shinto, the major animistic religion of Japan, remains prevalent within the culture of it's modern day citizens.

Dress Appropriately

Dressing modestly is particularly important when visiting sacred sites. It’s best to avoid revealing clothing at temples and shrines. Many visitors choose to rent traditional garments like yukata when exploring historical districts or attending festivals, indicating appreciation for Japanese culture. There are some places that rent traditional wear and places that even require it like Onsen, so pay close attention to what the locals are doing to make sure you are remaining as respectful as possible.

Additionally, adopting a neat appearance throughout Japan can foster positive perceptions, as cleanliness and presentation are highly valued. See our article on What to Wear While Traveling, Japan Edition, for more information.

Using Proper Manners When Interacting

Using basic Japanese phrases can significantly improve your interactions with locals. People often communicate using formal language, so responding in kind can enhance understanding and respect.

If you find yourself in need of help, using “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) can effectively draw attention. Don’t forget to express your gratitude with a warm smile and “Arigatou gozaimasu” when receiving assistance.

A Deeper Understanding of Japanese Etiquette

As you embark on your journey through Japan, embrace the opportunity to learn about this fascinating culture. With a little effort and mindfulness, your travels in Japan can be both enriching and rewarding. Wishing you safe travels adventurers!