1. Voice Down in Public Places
When using public transportation in Japan, please switch your mobile phone to silent mode. Avoid talking loudly on the phone or chatting loudly with friends, as this shows respect to other passengers.
If you must talk to someone or make a call on the train, try to keep your voice low, especially when it’s crowded.
2. Smoking Areas
Japan has strict regulations on smoking. Smoking is not allowed in indoor public spaces such as restaurants, cafes, bars, partially enclosed spaces (rooftops or open-walled buildings), and workplaces. If caught smoking while walking or littering on the street, fines could be imposed.
If you need to smoke, look for designated smoking areas on Japanese streets or inside malls.
3. Queueing Up
At popular attractions or store entrances in Japan, there may be queues. Please queue up voluntarily, as cutting in line is highly frowned upon. In Japan, cutting in line refers not only to cutting in front of others but also to saving spots for others or occupying seats. In urgent situations, explain your circumstances to those in line and proceed only with everyone’s consent.
4. Photography Etiquette
Japan places great emphasis on privacy and respects everyone’s right to their image. Therefore, be cautious when taking photos to avoid offending others. If you want to photograph someone, it’s best to obtain their consent first to avoid unpleasant situations.
While Japan has many picturesque scenes of trains in anime and dramas, entering railway tracks is prohibited in Japan for your safety. Please refrain from entering tracks for photography.
5. Etiquette When Entering Buildings
Many restaurants in Japan have tatami mats inside, so guests are required to remove their shoes before entering. Remember to neatly arrange your shoes with the toes facing outward.
Apart from certain restaurants, observe the rules regarding footwear when entering shrines, temples, traditional inns, and other Japanese-style spaces.
Reminder: In Japan, shoe removal is common, so before going out, check if your socks are clean and not torn to avoid embarrassment and disrespect.
6. Dining Etiquette
When eating sushi, it’s customary to use your hands. Dip the fish part into soy sauce. When eating ramen, making slurping noises is acceptable and indicates appreciation for the chef.
Leaving leftovers on your plate after dining in Japan is considered disrespectful to the food preparers. Therefore, when dining in Japanese restaurants, do not leave food on your plate.
Some restaurants allow take-out. If permitted by the restaurant, you can request a take-out service without disrupting their business.
Japan offers a wide variety of street food, but it’s best not to eat while walking on the streets, as this is seen as impolite by some Japanese. In some famous tourist cities like Kyoto and Kamakura, laws strictly prohibit eating while walking.
Therefore, at street food stalls or temple fairs in Japan, order your food, finish it on the spot, and then move on to the next spot.
7. Onsen (Hot Springs) Etiquette
Before entering an onsen, it’s customary to shower and cleanse your body. This prepares your body for entering the hot spring and prevents dirt from floating in the water.
Usually, before entering the hot spring, you’ll be provided with a large towel and a small towel. The large towel is for drying off your body after soaking, while the small towel is for wrapping your hair and wiping your face. Please do not bring towels into the hot spring with you, as they may dirty the water with dirt, soap scum, dust, etc.
