Understanding Japanese culture and customs is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some cultural manners and "don'ts" that are particularly important for foreign visitors to know.
Public Manners
Don't talk loudly on public transport or in quiet places.
It's considered good manners to be quiet on Japanese trains and in public areas. Please refrain from loud conversations or phone calls.
Avoid eating while walking or on the train.
In most places in Japan, it's not customary to eat while walking or on public transportation. Please eat inside a restaurant or in designated areas.
Don't litter on the street.
You may find that there are very few trash cans on Japanese streets. Please carry your trash with you until you can dispose of it at a convenience store or another designated location.
Restaurant and Dining Manners
Don't stab food with your chopsticks or stick them vertically into your rice.
Sticking chopsticks vertically into rice is a ritual performed at funerals and is considered bad luck. Stabbing food with chopsticks is also bad manners.
Remember to lift your bowl.
When eating rice, soup, or small side dishes, it's customary to lift the bowl with your hand.
Don't tip.
Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture. Instead of tipping, express your gratitude with a simple "arigato" (thank you). Tipping may confuse staff or be seen as rude.
Other Cultural Points to Note
Always take off your shoes when entering someone's home.
In most Japanese homes, you remove your shoes at the entrance. The same rule applies to ryokan (traditional inns), some restaurants, and temples.
Avoid pointing.
Pointing at people is considered rude. To indicate someone or something, use your open hand or a slight nod of your head.
Try not to sneeze loudly.
In Japan, people try to be considerate and sneeze as quietly as possible in public. If you need to sneeze, it's best to cover your mouth and do so quietly.
These manners are things that people in Japan do naturally in their daily lives. You don't have to be perfect at all of them, but being a little mindful will make your interactions with locals much smoother.