Japan Etiquette Quick Reference

Especially for first-timers. Japan has unwritten rules that locals follow naturally — knowing them makes you a more comfortable and respectful visitor.

The Big Three (most important)

No eating while walking — eat standing at a stall or sit down
Quiet on trains — no phone calls, keep voice low, headphones in
Shoes off at the entrance — if there’s a step up and a row of shoes, take yours off

Trains

Do	Don’t
Stand to the side when doors open	Talk on the phone
Move to the back of the car	Play audio without headphones
Offer your seat to elderly/pregnant	Eat (exception: Shinkansen long-distance is fine)
Keep bag in front or on the rack	Block the door

Escalator rule (important — cities differ!):

Osaka: Stand on the right, walk on the left
Tokyo: Stand on the left, walk on the right

Shoes

Remove shoes when entering a home, many traditional inns (ryokan), and some restaurants with tatami seating
Look for the step up (genkan) and a row of shoes/slippers — that’s your cue
Slippers provided at the entrance are for indoor use only — remove them before stepping onto tatami mats

Onsen (Hot Springs)

Wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath — this is non-negotiable
No swimwear — you enter bare
Tattoos: many traditional onsen prohibit visible tattoos; check the policy before going
Towels stay out of the water — fold your small towel and put it on your head or the side
Separate baths for men and women (usually)

Cash and Tipping

Japan is still heavily cash-based — carry yen at all times
Tipping is not done in Japan — it can be considered rude or confusing. Don’t tip at restaurants, taxis, or hotels.
When paying cash, place money on the small tray at the register, not directly in the cashier’s hand

Trash

There are almost no public trash cans in Japan
You are expected to carry your trash until you find a bin (usually at a convenience store)
Convenience stores (combini) have bins outside for their own products — use them after purchases there

Convenience Stores (Combini)

7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart — these are excellent and used constantly
Grab food, snacks, ATM cash, phone charging cables, medicines
Say “Fukuro wa iiidesu” (袋はいいです) to decline a plastic bag

Basic Phrases

Phrase	Japanese	Use
Thank you	Arigatou gozaimasu	Always
Excuse me	Sumimasen	Getting attention, passing someone
I’m sorry	Moushiwake gozaimasen	Formal apology
Do you speak English?	Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?	At shops/help desks
Where is [place]?	[place] wa doko desu ka?	Navigation
This one please	Kore o kudasai	Ordering
Check please	Okaikei o onegaishimasu	Restaurant
Emergency!	Kyukyu!	Urgent help

Photographing People

Always ask before photographing someone directly — “Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka?”
Shrines and temples: check for “No Photography” signs inside buildings
Some markets and shops don’t allow photography — look for signs