Japanese Etiquette - Top 21 Dos and Don'ts in Japan

Behind Japan's modern sparkle and exciting activities, there's a rich traditional side with unique rituals and etiquette. As a traveler, knowing these dos and don'ts can save you from awkward or embarrassing moments.

In this article, we'll share the top dos and don'ts in Japan to help you have a smooth, enjoyable trip. And don't worry—if you ever feel unsure or embarrassed, your guide will always be there to help.

1. Don't Eat While Walking on the Streets

In Japan, you won't see people eating on the streets, as eating while walking is seen as impolite.

There are a few exceptions: during festivals, on pedestrian-only streets, at night markets, or in food stalls around tourist spots, it's usually fine to eat as you go.

Not sure what's acceptable? Don't worry! Our guide will let you know whether you should finish your food on the spot or if it's okay to walk with it. Or you can follow the locals.

2. Don't Make a Noise While Eating

Eating while making a sound is seen as rude in Japan.

However, there's an exception for slurping noodles. When eating noodles, you are encouraged to make sounds. The sounds are compliments to the chef, saying the noodles taste great.

3. Eating Your Dinner After 7 PM

Most restaurants in Japan close by 8 PM. If you try to dine after 7 PM, even open restaurants may not accept new customers. For example, during our last visit to Fukuoka in 2025, we noticed that by 8 PM, most places were closed except for izakayas.

In smaller towns or areas like Mt. Fuji or Nagayo, restaurants may close earlier, so dining around 5 PM works best there.

In bigger cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka, 5–6 PM is usually a great time for dinner.

Our guide will smartly plan your activities during the day, so your tour usually ends at around 5 pm. So you will have plenty of time to explore on your own and enjoy a relaxed dinner.

4. Don't Forget to Carry Some Cash

In Japan, in many places, like souvenir shops at attractions, many restaurants, and taxi drivers, you can only pay by cash. It's important to always have enough cash on hand.

No need to bring a large amount from home. ATMs at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are everywhere, and most accept international cards.

Just tell your guide if you need cash, and he will plan ATM stops on the way.

5. Don't Talk on Your Phone on Trains, or in Cafés

Japanese trains and subways are quiet places. Avoid talking on your phone when on a train. On some trains, there are even signs indicating travelers should set their phones to silent mode.

If you need to answer a phone call, tell the people that you are on a train and will call back soon. Then, end the call quickly.

6. Remember to Bring a Plastic Bag

There are no trash cans on the streets in Japan. Therefore, take a plastic bag with you to collect your trash. Trash bins are available in hotels, restaurants, and shops. 

Our guide will usually prepare trash bags for you during the trip.

7. Don't Tip in Restaurants

There is no practice for tipping in restaurants in Japan. If you do, it means you are not happy and are asking for better service.

If you want to thank them, saying "ありがとうございます" (Arigatou gozaimasu) is enough.

8. Don't Forget to Bring A Power Pack

In Japan, aside from hotels, there are no places to charge your phone. Be sure to bring a power bank, as taking lots of photos can quickly drain your battery.

9. Don't Give Money Directly to Cashiers

When shopping, giving your money directly to a cashier would make them feel embarrassed. Instead, place your money in the small tray provided at cash registers.

10. Don't Wear Clothes While Soaking in Hot Springs

You are now allowed to wear bathing suits when soaking in Japanese onsens. You need to take off all your clothes and wash thoroughly before entering the baths.

If you feel shy about this custom, don't worry; we can help you book a private onsen. Many hotels offer rooms with private hot springs, but they are very popular, so it's best to reserve at least six months in advance.

11. Don't Enter Onsens with Tattoos

Tattoos are often associated with taboos and could be viewed negatively. As a result, many onsens do not permit entry to those with visible tattoos.

If you have tattoos, we can plan a visit to a tattoo-friendly onsen, such as Kinosaki Onsen (about 2.5 hours from Osaka).

Or you can cover your tattoos before entering.

12. Book Your Attractions/Experiences in Advance

Many of Japan's most popular attractions, such as teamLab Planets in Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Disneyland, and Universal Studios, sell out quickly, sometimes weeks in advance. 

Always book your tickets in advance on the official websites. The same goes for cultural experiences like geisha shows, sumo tournaments, or sushi-making classes, which usually require reservations too. 

You also need to require reservations for these experiences, such as Geisha shows, sumo performance, Sushi making, etc.

We often secure these bookings for you, so you won't miss out on the highlights.

13. Reserve Your Restaurants in Advance

In Japan, many popular restaurants (high-end kaiseki, sushi omakase, themed cafés, etc) require reservations. While some places do accept walk-ins, you'll often face long lines outside.

You usually need to book one week to a month in advance for the most popular restaurant. 

I remember when we visited the famous Jigoku Mushi Kobo (Hell-steaming Workshop) in Beppu, we were turned away at the door without a reservation. 

One important note: if you have a reservation, make sure to arrive on time. In Japan, showing up 15–30 minutes late often means losing your table, and in some cases, you may even be charged a cancellation fee.

You could book your restaurants at this site: https://tabelog.com/cn/tokyo/rstLst/4/

14. Don't Forget to Take Off Your Shoes When Going Indoors

When entering places like ryokans and temples in Japan, you might need to take off your shoes. Not all restaurants require this, but ryokans and shrines do. Also, it's important to place your shoes neatly. Some restaurants even provide lockers for your shoes.

Look for a shoe rack by the door and switch to slippers.

15. Avoid Taking Photos in Shrines

Photography is often restricted in sacred areas. Always check for signs and respect the sanctity of the location.

16. Don't Take Photos in Restaurants

In some sushi shops, especially these high-end restaurants, you may not be allowed to take photos. Some restaurants have signs telling customers not to take photos. If there are no signs, ask first if you want to take some photos.

17. Don't Smoke While Walking

Smoking is prohibited in many public areas, and it's generally frowned upon to smoke while walking. Look for designated smoking areas instead.

18. Don't Take Food and Drinks Into Shops

Most shops do not allow people to take food and drink inside them, even if it's a sealed coffee.

19. Don't Walk in the Middle of a Shrine Path

In Japan, the central lane of a shrine path, known as the "seichu", is traditionally reserved for the gods. Visitors are advised to walk along the sides rather than directly down the middle.

20. Don't Ignore the Rituals when Entering a Shrine

Before entering a shrine, rinse your hands and mouth with the water in the fountain just outside the entrance to purify yourself. Put a coin in the offering box you will find in the main hall, bow twice, clap your hands twice, and recite a short prayer. If there is a gong, use it before praying, so as to get the attention of the deity.

Not sure what to do? No worries! Just watch the locals or ask your guide.

And if you're traveling with us, your private guide will be right there to help you do it all the right way (without feeling awkward).

21. Know the Escalator Etiquette

When taking escalators in Japan, you need to know the following rituals:

In Kanto (Tokyo, Yokohama, etc.), people usually stand on the left and leave the right side open for those in a hurry.

In Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, etc.), it's the opposite: stand on the right, pass on the left.

Don't worry about standing the wrong way. Just watch how locals are standing and follow along. Our guide will tell you what to do if you travel with us if you travel with us. 

Visit Japan with Japan Highlights

Etiquette in Japan is both complex and fascinating—it reflects the spirit of the culture you're exploring. The best way to truly understand it is to experience it firsthand.

Our professional staff will help you craft your next trip to Japan, taking care of everything and ensuring you and your family have a hassle-free vacation.