As Japan continues to draw visitors with its blend of ancient temples and futuristic urban landscapes, travellers often find themselves most impressed by the nation’s spotless streets, punctual transport, and elaborate culinary traditions.
However, navigating the country’s many unwritten rules of social etiquette can be a challenge for outsiders, reports BBC.
Mizuki Uchiyama, a Japanese journalist with over a decade of experience living in both Tokyo and Osaka, explains that Japanese culture places a significant premium on the collective good over individual preference.
For those looking to be mindful guests, Uchiyama outlines several key customs that define everyday life across the archipelago.
Dining and table manners
Table etiquette is a primary area where visitors can demonstrate respect. When using chopsticks, it is essential to avoid sticking them upright in rice or passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another, as these actions mirror Japanese funeral rituals.
Furthermore, diners are encouraged to lift their soup or rice bowls toward their faces rather than hunching over them.
In a departure from Western norms, slurping noodles – such as ramen, udon, or soba –is encouraged. This tradition, dating back to the Edo period, is believed to enhance the aroma and cool the food simultaneously.
Dining language is equally important. Calling out “sumimasen” (excuse me) is the respectful way to get a server’s attention, while phrases like “itadakimasu” (I humbly receive) before eating and “gochisousama” (thank you for the meal) after finishing express gratitude for the food and its preparation.
Notably, Japan is a strictly no-tipping culture where service is considered part of the job. Offering extra cash can cause confusion; instead, appreciation should be shown through politeness. Guests are also expected to clean their plates, as leaving leftovers is discouraged.
Public conduct and transport
The famous cleanliness of Japanese cities is maintained through a sense of collective responsibility. Public rubbish bins are rare, and the general expectation is that individuals will carry their rubbish home for disposal. If necessary, bins can be found at convenience stores or railway stations.
Public transport is regarded as a shared quiet space. Passengers are expected to keep mobile phones silent, use headphones, and avoid making phone calls or having loud conversations. While snacking on the street or local transport is generally frowned upon, eating is perfectly acceptable on long-distance Shinkansen trains, where bento lunch boxes are a staple.
Even escalator etiquette varies by region: in Tokyo and eastern Japan, people stand on the left, whereas in Osaka and western Japan, they stand on the right.
Customs in shops and bathhouses
Visitors to shops and casual eateries will frequently hear the greeting “irasshaimase” (welcome). While it may be delivered as an exuberant shout by staff, no verbal response is required; a simple nod or smile is sufficient.
In the realm of onsen (hot springs), etiquette is particularly strict. Guests must bathe entirely nude and must wash and rinse thoroughly at shower stations before entering the water. Long hair should be tied up.
While many facilities still restrict guests with tattoos due to their historical association with the yakuza (organised crime), some tourist-heavy areas are beginning to relax these rules.
Uchiyama notes that while visitors are not expected to get every detail right, trying to follow these customs helps travellers better understand the culture and shows respect for their hosts.
