The Complete Etiquette Guide for First-Time Travellers to Japan

Japan rewards travellers who arrive prepared. Etiquette here isn't formality — it's a shared language of respect that makes every interaction smoother, warmer, and far more memorable.

Greetings, bows and personal space

A small bow with hands at your sides is the default greeting and the default thank-you. You don't need to master the precise angle — a sincere, brief bow is more than enough. Handshakes are rare; offer one only if your host extends a hand first. Keep voices low on public transport, and silence your phone before stepping into a train carriage.

Shoes, slippers and the line you don't cross

Many homes, ryokans, temples and even some restaurants will ask you to remove shoes at the entrance. The line between outside and inside is literal: a raised genkan step. Step out of your shoes, turn them to face the door, and slip into the provided indoor slippers. Tatami rooms call for bare feet or socks — never slippers. Bathrooms usually have their own dedicated pair; never wear them back out into the main room.

Onsen and sento etiquette

Wash thoroughly at the seated showers before stepping into the communal bath. Bring the small towel in with you, but never let it touch the water — fold it on your head or set it on the rim. Tattoos are increasingly accepted but still banned in some traditional onsen; check ahead, or look for tattoo-friendly options. Bathing is silent, slow and absolutely no place for phones.

Dining: chopsticks, slurping and the bill

Never stand chopsticks upright in rice (a funeral symbol) and never pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. Use the back end of your chopsticks to transfer food from a shared plate. Slurping noodles is welcome — even expected — and signals appreciation. Pour drinks for your companions, not yourself; they'll return the favour. Tipping is not customary anywhere; leaving change on a table can be interpreted as rudeness. The bill is paid at the register on the way out.

Trains, taxis and queues

Form neat lines on platforms; the position of each car is marked. Eating on local commuter trains is frowned upon; on long-distance shinkansen it's fine. Taxi doors open automatically — wait for the driver. Always have an address in Japanese or a pinned map ready; many drivers prefer not to navigate by spoken English.

Temples and shrines

At Shinto shrines, rinse your left hand, then your right, then your mouth at the temizuya, before bowing twice, clapping twice, praying, and bowing once more at the main hall. At Buddhist temples, place your hands together silently — no clapping. Photography of altars and inner sanctuaries is usually restricted; look for icons before lifting a camera.

Conversation: silence is fine

Comfortable silence is part of Japanese conversation, not a gap to fill. Speak quietly, avoid politics, and accept compliments with a small disclaimer rather than an emphatic thank-you. Business cards are exchanged with two hands and a brief bow — read the card before putting it carefully away.

Shopping, money and small details

Hand cash to the cashier on the small tray, not directly. Carry a small bag for rubbish: bins are rare and you'll be expected to take your trash with you. Wrap purchases stay wrapped until you reach a private space; it's considered impolite to tear open gifts immediately.

The two phrases that open every door

Sumimasen (excuse me / sorry / thank you) is the most useful word in Japan. Arigato gozaimasu (thank you very much) closes nearly every interaction warmly. Use them generously and you'll be met with extraordinary kindness.

Travel deeper

A TravelTiger dossier folds these cultural notes into your day-by-day plan — so you're never guessing whether to bow at the bar in Golden Gai or how to behave in a Kyoto kaiseki room. Travel with confidence; meet Japan with grace.