Behind the modern sparkle and cool activities, there's a traditional side to Japan with strict rituals and unique rules. As a traveler, you need to know these dos and don'ts; otherwise, you will cause embarrassment.
1. Don't Eat While Walking
In Japan, you won't see people eating on the streets, as eating while walking is seen as impolite.
Whether it's delicious takoyaki or matcha ice cream, finish your snacks at a stall or find a quiet spot. If you take your foods with you, there are no public trash bins on the streets, so littering will be a problem.
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. Avoid Eating Dinner After 7 PM
Most restaurants close by 8 PM. If you try to dine after 7 PM, you might find that even open restaurants may not accept new customers. During our last visit to Fukuoka in 2025, we noticed that by 8 PM, most places were closed except for izakayas. The ideal time for dinner in Japan is around 6 PM.
4. Don't Forget to Carry Cash
In Japan, many places, like souvenir shops at attractions, many restaurants, and taxi drivers, do not accept credit cards. It's important to always have enough cash on hand.
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.
4. 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.
5. 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 a better service. If you want to thank them, saying "ありがとうございます" (Arigatou gozaimasu) is enough.
6. 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.
7. 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 on the small tray provided at cash registers.
8. 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 are too shy to follow this practice, book a private session. Many hotels have rooms with private hot springs, but the prices are very high and they are often very hard to book.
9. 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. Therefore, cover your tattoos before entering.
10. Don't Take Photos of Strangers
People don't like to be photographed without their permission. Never point your camera at others, even at grandmothers in rural market areas. If you'd like to take photos of someone, ask them first, or have your guide to ask them.
11. Never Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice
This act resembles a funeral ritual and is, therefore, seen as disrespectful. Instead, lay your chopsticks down on the table when not in use.
12. 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.
13. Avoid Taking Photos in Shrines
Photography is often restricted in sacred areas. Always check for signs and respect the sanctity of the location.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Don't Forget to Make Reservations
Popular restaurants and attractions often require reservations. Even though some restaurants accept walk-in customers, you may need to wait in lines outside for a long time, especially during peak travel times. You could book your restaurants at this site: https://tabelog.com/cn/tokyo/rstLst/4/
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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 as 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.
Visit Japan with Japan Highlights
Anywhere, etiquette is complex and fascinating, as it reveals the inner spirit of the culture you are exploring. So, don't wait any longer and get a first-hand experience of Japanese culture. Our professional staff will help you craft your next trip to Japan, taking care of everything and ensuring you and your family a hassle-free vacation.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Japan Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.