Japan has a reputation for complex social rules — but the essential travel etiquette comes down to about twenty key behaviors. Get these right and you will be welcomed almost everywhere. Miss them and you will stand out in ways that create awkwardness for you and those around you.
The Golden Rules
- Remove shoes at the genkan (entrance step) of homes, most traditional ryokan, many temples, and some traditional restaurants — look for the step and the row of other shoes as your cue
- Never eat or drink while walking — eat at the stall or sit down first
- Queue properly at every opportunity — at bus stops, convenience store counters, and train doors
- Keep your voice low on trains and public transport
- No phone calls on trains (texting and headphones are fine)
- Carry cash — many smaller restaurants, temples, and craft shops do not accept cards
- Bow when greeting — a small incline of the head (about 15 degrees) is enough for most situations
- Say sumimasen (excuse me / sorry) when moving through crowds or getting attention
At Temples and Shrines
At Shinto shrines: bow twice, clap twice, bow once at the main offering hall. Toss a coin (any denomination) into the offering box before bowing. You do not need to pray — simple respectful attention is enough.
At Buddhist temples: incense is lit and placed in the incense burner (wave it gently to extinguish, do not blow — blowing breath on sacred objects is considered disrespectful). Move quietly and calmly. Photography may be restricted in main halls — look for signs and follow them.
At both: do not touch sacred objects, statues, or areas marked as restricted. Dress modestly — you do not need to cover up Western-style, but very revealing clothing is inappropriate. Do not climb on structures for photo opportunities.
At Restaurants
Wait to be seated — many Japanese restaurants, even casual ones, operate by seating guests rather than allowing self-selection. Say irasshaimase is the greeting you will hear; you do not need to reply to it. When ordering, catch the server’s eye and raise your hand slightly or press the call button if there is one at the table.
Say itadakimasu (literally “I humbly receive”) before eating — it is a universal pre-meal expression analogous to “bon appétit.” After finishing, say gochisosama deshita to express appreciation. Do not pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick (this mimics a funeral ritual). Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (also funeral-associated). Tipping is not practiced and may cause confusion or offense.
On Public Transport
IC cards (Suica or ICOCA) are the simplest way to pay for trains and subways — load them at any station machine and tap on and off. Offer your seat to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers. The priority seats at each end of train cars are specifically designated — vacate these proactively. If you are carrying a large backpack, take it off on crowded trains and hold it in front of you or place it in the overhead rack.
Onsen and Sento (Bathhouses)
Wash thoroughly at the individual shower stations before entering the communal bath — this is not optional. No swimwear in traditional onsen (fully nude bathing is standard). Tie long hair up to keep it out of the water. Do not bring your small towel into the bath; leave it on the side or on your head. Tattoos are restricted at many onsen — check the establishment’s policy before visiting.