Japanese Etiquette Rules Tourists Should Know Before Visiting Japan

Published on September 16, 2025

Japan continues to tie millions of world visitors, and Australians are joining successful greater numbers than ever. Between January and June 2025, much than 567,000 Australians traveled to Japan, marking a 22.8 percent emergence compared to nan aforesaid play successful 2024. While nan increasing fame is awesome for tourism, it besides intends an summation successful cases of taste slip-ups. Some missteps are innocent, for illustration talking excessively loudly connected trains, while others tin beryllium profoundly disrespectful, specified arsenic taking unauthorized photos of geisha aliases mishandling ineffable traditions astatine shrines and temples.

Understanding section customs tin toggle shape your journey. Respecting etiquette not only shows courtesy but besides enhances nan authenticity of your trip. Below are 9 cardinal rules each traveler should support successful mind earlier exploring Japan, whether you’re wandering Kyoto’s temples, relaxing successful an onsen, aliases sampling thoroughfare nutrient successful Tokyo.

Learn Basic Japanese Phrases

English is not wide spoken successful galore parts of Japan. Learning a fewer elemental words and phrases tin spell a agelong measurement successful showing respect. Expressions for illustration arigato gozaimasu (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me), and otearai wa doko desu ka? (where is nan bathroom?) are some applicable and polite. Locals admit moreover mini efforts to pass successful Japanese.

Avoid Eating While Walking

Street nutrient is tempting, but successful Japan, stepping while eating is often considered bad manners. It’s linked to cleanliness, respect for food, and not disrupting pedestrian flow. Eating adjacent to a vending instrumentality aliases wrong a Shinkansen train is fine, but successful astir different situations, meals should beryllium enjoyed sitting down.

Keep Quiet connected Trains

Japanese trains are known for their calm and orderly atmosphere. Loud telephone calls, videos without headphones, aliases boisterous conversations tin quickly disturb this peace. Always group your telephone to silent and speak softly if needed. Boarding besides follows a clear system—stand successful statement and hold your turn.

Respect Photography Rules

Photography successful Japan is not ever straightforward. In Kyoto’s Gion district, for example, snapping photos of geisha without support is now illegal, pinch fines for violations. The wide rule: don’t photograph group without asking first, moreover successful public. For taste experiences for illustration geisha performances, book events wherever photos are allowed alternatively than chasing performers successful nan streets.

Handle Chopsticks Correctly

Chopsticks are tied to beardown traditions, and misuse tin beryllium offensive. Never time off chopsticks upright successful atom aliases walk nutrient straight betwixt them, arsenic some lucifer ceremonial rituals. Avoid pointing aliases stabbing nutrient pinch chopsticks. When sharing dishes, usage nan other extremity of your chopsticks to transportation nutrient to your plate.

Dress Properly for Temples and Shrines

Japan has much than 100,000 shrines and 80,000 temples, each pinch its ain customs. At Shinto shrines, front astatine nan torii gross and locomotion to nan sides, not nan halfway path. At Buddhist temples, debar stepping straight connected thresholds. Since shoes are often removed, deterioration neat socks. Photography whitethorn beryllium constricted wrong ineffable areas, truthful ever look for signs aliases inquire staff.

Follow Onsen Etiquette

Hot springs are a item of Japanese culture, but they travel pinch rules. Visitors must lavation thoroughly earlier entering nan baths and support towels and hairsbreadth retired of nan water. Tattoos whitethorn still beryllium restricted successful immoderate onsens, though much are relaxing this rule. Full nudity is required, but nan attraction is connected relaxation, not appearance.

Additional Tips for Respectful Travel

• Queuing: Whether astatine train stations, stores, aliases attractions, lining up is modular practice.
• Cash matters: While Japan is adopting integer payments, galore smaller shops and shrines still only judge cash.
• Gift-giving: Bringing mini souvenirs from your location state tin beryllium a thoughtful motion erstwhile gathering locals.

Why Etiquette Matters for Travelers

Japan’s estimation for hospitality—omotenashi—is portion of what makes it specified a rewarding destination. Tourists who respect nan civilization are often welcomed warmly, while those who disregard etiquette consequence creating frustration. By learning elemental customs, visitors tin acquisition Japan pinch greater depth, while besides leaving a affirmative impression.