Small habits in Japanese culture can be different enough to catch you out on your first trip. My guide explains each point as if you’ve never seen it before, what it is, why it matters, and what to look for, so you can blend in and enjoy your trip.
I was worried about upsetting locals without the intention on my first visit, and I picked up some good tips over my travels.
I have curated these into a quick list of dos and don’ts in Japan for tourists and then a more detailed break down of all the key points to consider for the first time traveller to Japan.
TL;DR: 8 everyday etiquette tips to blend in
- Trains are quiet: Offer priority seats; set your phone to silent; no voice calls (some cars ask for phones off near priority seats).
- Let people off first: Stand aside; board in order; don’t stop in doorways.
- Escalators: stand left in Tokyo/Kantō; right in Osaka; Kyoto varies, so follow signs and copy locals; where signs say ‘stand, don’t walk’, stand on one step.
- Queues: line up on platform marks; move away from exits before checking your phone.
- Bags: wear backpacks on your front in crowds; place suitcases at carriage ends or overhead.
- Paying at the till: put cash or card on the money tray; no tipping.
- Chopsticks basics: don’t point or spear; don’t stick upright in rice; pass via the plate, not stick-to-stick.
- Eating on the go & rubbish: don’t eat while walking unless you’re in a signed festival/market area; carry waste and bin later; sort general waste / plastics / cans & bottles at your hotel.
My top tip! I saved this list to my phone so I can check it on the move
When you visit shrines & temples (simple steps)
- Approach: bow lightly at the torii; walk slightly left or right of the centre path.
- Purification (temizuya, water basin): left hand → right hand → rinse mouth with water in your hand → rinse handle (don’t touch the ladle to your lips).
- Prayer: small coin; bow twice; clap twice; silent wish; bow once. At Buddhist temples you usually skip the claps, so follow the signs.
When you visit baths (onsen) & tattoos
- Basics: wash and rinse fully before soaking; towels and hair stay out of the water; no phones/photos.
- Tattoos: policies vary, so use covers, pick tattoo-friendly venues, or book a private bath.
- Practical: many lockers take a ¥100 coin (often returnable).
More of my Japan guides to help plan your trip
- Where to stay in Osaka — Best bases for day trips, including Namba vs Umeda.
- Perfect Hakone Loop — What to do and how to get around when you are in Hakone
- Tokyo 3 day itinerary — A guide to the best sights and hidden gems.
- Kyoto in 2 Days — A guide to everything you will want to do in Kyoto
- 1-day Hiroshima Itinerary — A clear plan to enjoy Hiroshima in a short visit
- Japan Two-Week Itinerary — How Hakone fits into a wider route without backtracking.
Transport etiquette: trains, metro and buses
Trains here feel a world away from the crush back home, and a few small habits are all it takes to fit in. None of it is complicated once you know what to look for.
My Top Tip! I switch my phone to silent before the ticket gate and wear my backpack on my front if it’s busy.
Priority seats & phones
Some seats are set aside for people who are pregnant, elderly, injured or travelling with small children, and the carriages are noticeably quiet on top of that.
Look for: priority icons above or beside the seats, and ‘silent mode’ or ‘no calls’ stickers.
Do this: offer your seat if someone needs it, set your phone to silent, and keep voice calls off. Texting is fine, and if a call is urgent step into the gap between carriages. One thing that stuck with me is that nobody plays videos or music out loud, something that’s becoming all too painfully obvious back in Europe. If you’re unwell, wear a mask and go easy on loud nose-blowing.
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Women-only carriages
Some lines run a ‘Women Only’ carriage at certain times, usually during rush hour, to give women a calmer space.
Look for: pink ‘Women Only’ signs on the doors and matching markings on the platform floor.
Do this: if you’re male, pick another carriage when those signs are showing. Outside those hours anyone can board, which catches a few people out.
Are you planning days in the capital? Here’s my 3 days in Tokyo route that will help with the best things to see and do
Queuing & boarding
Boarding is orderly here, and the platform tells you exactly where to stand.
Look for: painted lines and numbered door markers showing where the doors stop.
Do this: join the back of the line, let everyone off before you step on, and don’t stop in the doorway. The same habit applies on the street: wait for the green man even when the road looks empty.
Bags & luggage
Carriages get tight at peak times, and a backpack on your back will bump people without you noticing.
Look for: notices asking you to carry bags at the front.
Do this: swing your backpack round to your front when it’s busy, and put suitcases at the carriage ends or in the overhead racks, not the aisle.
Escalators by region
Which side you stand on changes depending on where you are, and you see it the moment you reach a station.
Do this: stand on the left in Tokyo and the wider Kantō region, on the right in Osaka. Kyoto goes either way, so copy the people around you or follow the signs. Where a sign asks you to stand rather than walk, stay put on one step.
Eating on trains: local vs long-distance
What’s OK depends on the type of train.
Do this: skip food on local and metro trains. On the Shinkansen and other long-distance services it’s completely normal, and a station bento, called an ekiben, is half the fun. Pick low-odour food and take your rubbish with you.
Are you planning several long distance trips? Weigh up whether the JR pass is worth it for your trip
Get prepared for your Japan trip with my first-timer starter kit
- Break down the language barrier: key phrases and tech for an easy first trip
- How to stay connected: the cheapest data and easiest setup
- Avoid currency fees: the best cards for spending and cash
- 25 apps that make your trip easier: the best free downloads
- Save 30 to 90 minutes at the airport: the free Visit Japan Web QR code
- Etiquette do’s and don’ts: what to know on your first visit
Paying made easy: money tray and cards
Paying at the till works a little differently, but there’s really only one habit to learn.
Paying at the till: the money tray
Paying happens through a small tray rather than hand to hand, and it’s the one till habit worth knowing.
Look for: a small plastic or wooden tray sitting by the till.
Do this: put your cash or card on the tray, and take your change and receipt from it the same way. There’s no tipping in Japan, so don’t leave anything extra.
This caught me out on my first trip. I went to pay with a handful of coins and a very polite shopkeeper smiled and pointed me to the tray. The same thing happened when I passed my card over and got it back with two hands. Small things, but they make a difference, and you pick them up fast.
Cards vs cash: simple rules
Cities, chains and the big attractions take cards widely, but plenty of smaller places are still cash only.
Do this: keep some notes and coins on you, because it isn’t always obvious from the outside whether a place takes cards. Keep a few ¥1,000 notes handy and break large notes at konbini when you can.
Card payments are far more common than many people will have you believe. I pay by card about 80% of the time in Japan and only need cash on odd occasions. That being said, it’s worth having some cash on you at all times. ATMs are easy to find if you run low.
Convenience stores (konbini)
The ATMs in many konbini accept foreign cards, which makes them handy when you’re low on cash. Some branches have a small eat-in corner. If there isn’t one, eat outside only where it’s signed, otherwise take it with you. The bins out front are often for cups and cans only. When in doubt, do as the locals do.
Dining basics: chopsticks, small phrases and shoes
A few table habits matter more than anything else.
My Top Tip! If there’s no chopstick rest, I fold the paper sleeve into one.
Chopsticks made simple
A few chopstick habits surprise first-timers, and a couple matter more than the rest because they echo funeral rites and feel jarring to locals.
Look for: a chopstick rest (a small block) or the paper sleeve to rest them on.
Do this: don’t stand chopsticks upright in rice, and don’t pass food straight from your chopsticks to someone else’s, use a plate instead. Don’t point or spear food either, and rest your chopsticks on the block or sleeve between bites.
I didn’t know the resting etiquette at all on my first trip. It’s the sort of thing you only pick up by watching someone else do it.
Also useful:
- Finish what you order; taking leftovers away is uncommon.
- At sushi counters, dip the fish side into soy, not the rice, and avoid mixing wasabi into the soy unless the chef suggests it.
- Slurping noodles is fine at ramen/udon shops, but you don’t have to.
- Skip strong perfume at sushi bars; aromas affect other guests.
Quick useful phrase list
These will be helpful in restaurants, or try this if you are after more basic japanese phrases for your first trip
- Itadakimasu: before eating (‘let’s eat’)
- Gochisōsama: after eating (‘thank you for the meal’)
- Sumimasen: excuse me
- Arigatō gozaimasu: thank you (polite)
Street eating: generally avoid walking and eating; at festivals and markets, look for signed areas or eat beside the stall.
Shops: finish or bin drinks before entering; many places don’t allow food or open cups inside.
Photos: if there’s no photo sign, ask first—some sushi and kaiseki places don’t allow photos.
Shoes & indoor spaces
In homes and plenty of small venues you take your shoes off at the entrance.
Look for: a raised step called a genkan, usually with shoe racks and rows of slippers.
Do this: slip your shoes off at the step, put on the indoor slippers, and point your shoes back towards the door. Wear the separate toilet slippers only in the loo and remember to swap back afterwards. Walking out still in the toilet slippers is a classic first-timer slip.
My Top Tip! You should not wear shoes or slippers on tatami mats, make sure to remove both, tatami mats are socks or bare feet only
Shrines & temples: respectful in three steps
You’ll see many on your trip to Japan; following these simple steps is all it takes to get it right.
My Top Tip! If I’m unsure, I watch one person for ten seconds, then copy what they do.
Torii & approach
The torii is the gate marking the shrine boundary, and the centre of the path is symbolically reserved.
Look for: a red or orange gate at the entrance.
Do this: bow lightly before you pass, and walk slightly to the left or right of the centre.
Is Kyoto on your list, follow this Kyoto 2-day itinerary with map and costs
Purification (temizuya)
Before praying you do a short rinse at the water basin to show respect.
Look for: a stone basin with ladles near the entrance.
Do this: rinse your left hand, then your right, pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth (spit beside the drain), rinse the left hand again, then tip the ladle up to wash the handle. Don’t put the ladle to your lips.
Prayer sequence
There’s a simple set order for offering at a shrine, and knowing it lets you do it without hesitating.
Do this: toss a small coin, bow twice, clap twice, make a silent wish, then bow once. At Buddhist temples there are usually no claps, so follow the signs.
Photo etiquette at shrines and temples
Some sacred areas limit photos to protect worshippers’ privacy.
Look for: ‘no photos’ signs, or ropes and curtains around inner spaces.
Do this: put the camera away where it’s signed, and never photograph people while they pray.
Dress code at temples and shrines: There is no strict dress code but modest and tidy is sensible. You will see many locals remove their hats inside, mirroring this is a good idea.
Onsen & public baths: what to expect
Baths are about soaking when clean, washing comes first.
My Top Tip! I keep a ¥100 coin and a small face towel in a zip pouch.
Onsen basics
An onsen is communal hot-spring soaking, and the golden rule is that you wash before you get in.
Look for: shower stations with stools and hand-held showers.
Do this: undress in the changing room, wash and rinse thoroughly, then enter the bath clean. Keep towels and hair out of the water, and no phones or photos.
Tattoos: your options
Some venues still restrict visible tattoos, and you can be turned away if you don’t plan ahead.
Look for: the tattoo policy on the signs or the venue’s website. I’d strongly recommend checking before you go to save a wasted trip.
Do this: use cover stickers, choose tattoo-friendly baths, or book a private or family slot. Ask at reception if you’re unsure.
Locker & towel tips
A couple of small practicalities save you faffing about at the door.
Do this: carry a ¥100 coin for the lockers (often returnable), and bring a small face towel for drying off before you step back into the changing room.
Want an easy onsen day trip from Tokyo? Try my Hakone loop itinerary and stay in one of the best ryokan Hakone has to offer
Rubbish, sorting and quiet streets
Public bins are rare, something that surprised me on my first trip. Don’t be that tourist, carry any waste.
My Top Tip! I fold a spare convenience-store bag into my pocket every morning. I learned this one the hard way, after a day of carrying loose rubbish around in my backpack because I couldn’t find a bin. The bag sorts it for next to nothing.
Rubbish: few bins, what to do
Public bins are rare, so you’ll often carry waste for a while before you can get rid of it.
Look for: bottle and can bins beside vending machines; general bins in stations and parks aren’t always there.
Do this: keep a small bag on you, use the bottle and can bins when you spot them, and never leave rubbish next to a full bin.
Sorting at hotels
Hotels and rentals separate their waste, and hosts can be fined for getting it wrong, so it’s worth a quick look at the labels.
Look for: bin labels for general waste (often ‘burnable’ or ‘combustible’), plastics, and cans and bottles.
Do this: rinse bottles before binning them, and ask reception if the labels aren’t clear.
Smoking: designated areas only
Smoking while walking is restricted in many districts, and you can be fined or asked to move on.
Do this: use the marked outdoor smoking spots or the indoor smoking rooms, and don’t smoke on the move.
Regional differences & useful exceptions
A few local habits matter more than strict “rules”, following them can help you mix with the locals.
My Top Tip! If I’m unsure, I copy the nearest local and follow the signage.
Escalators by region
The standing side isn’t the same everywhere, and matching it keeps everyone moving.
Do this: stand left in Tokyo and Kantō, right in Osaka. Kyoto varies, so watch locals or follow signs. Where a sign says stand rather than walk, stay still.
Eating on the street (when it’s OK)
Some spots are set up for eating on the move, but unless it’s clearly signed you shouldn’t be eating as you walk. This one caught me out early on. I happily wandered along eating until I spotted a sign and realised it wasn’t the done thing.
Do this: stick to the marked area or eat beside the stall, then use the bins provided or take your packaging with you.
Kyoto alleys (Gion)
Don’t stop geiko or maiko for photos, obey any ‘no photography’ signs in the private lanes, and watch where you wander. The rules here have tightened in recent years as Kyoto pushes back against over-tourism, so be conscientious and aware.
There has been more of this in recent years as the locals attempt to combat over tourism, be contientious and aware.
Choosing a base near Gion? see where to stay in Kyoto so you can pick the right area for you
FAQ’s about etiquette in Japan
Yes, in almost all traditional onsen you bathe naked, and it feels far less awkward than you expect once you’re in. The little modesty towel is yours to carry, just keep it out of the water. If the idea really puts you off, look for a larger bathing complex (a ‘super sento’) with mixed swimsuit areas, or book a private family bath.
Some onsen still turn away visible tattoos, though the rules are slowly relaxing. A small tattoo you can usually cover with a waterproof patch from a pharmacy. For anything larger, look up tattoo-friendly baths in advance or book a private bath so it’s a non-issue. If you’re unsure on the day, just ask at reception before you pay.
Can I take a pram Yes. Use the lifts where you can, avoid the worst of the rush-hour crush, and park the pram at the carriage ends where there’s more room. Staff are usually happy to help if you get stuck at a gate.on trains?
A friendly nod or a small bow is plenty as a visitor, and nobody expects you to get the depth or timing right. A slight bow when you say thank you or goodbye goes a long way. Handshakes are increasingly common too, so just follow the other person’s lead.
No, the custom is to pour for the people you’re with and let them top up your glass, rather than filling your own. Wait until everyone has a drink, then say ‘kanpai’ (cheers) before the first sip. A small thing, but locals notice it.
Don’t be put off by the panel of buttons. The seat is usually heated, and the buttons work a bidet and dryer, with a separate flush (often a lever, or a button marked 大 for a full flush and 小 for a smaller one). In homes, ryokan and some restaurants you swap into separate toilet slippers, just remember to swap back on your way out.
Not at all. Tipping isn’t expected anywhere in Japan and can even cause confusion. Good service is simply the standard. If you leave money on the table, there’s a fair chance someone chases after you to return it as forgotten change.
Yes. This is a common myth that is not founded in any fact. Both are fine, especially in the summer when the weather warms up. It’s best to avoid both for smart restaurants though.
Keep it low-key. It isn’t something you will see in public, so be conscious of those around you
Final Tip on dos and don’ts in Japan
This might feel like a lot to consider, but the Japanese are very welcoming and will appreciate you trying. I would recommend focusing on the transport and payment etiquette on your first day, a lot will come naturally as you see others.
My firm motto is, if you’re unsure watch the locals and follow their lead.
NEXT: pick a short route with my best 7-day Japan tour or book a base from the best Tokyo hotels for all budgets
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