Japanese Customs and Manners | LIVE JAPAN travel guide (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 Japanese etiquette rules? ›

Japan is also known for its rich history, still visible in modern culture; shrines, temples, and castles can be found almost anywhere. Japan is an amazing country that's relatively safe to visit, and the Japanese are generally very friendly to tourists.

It is considered polite to take off your shoes at the entrance, genkan, before entering a Japanese household. Shoes that are worn outside are considered dirty and not something to be brought into a house. Instead slippers are usually provided for inside the household, and it is generally considered polite to use them.

Don't Blow your nose in public. Don't expect everyone to speak English. Do Hold Back on Public Affection. Do bring Some Japanese yen. Do Know How To Pass Money When Paying.

Don't walk around eating or smoking. Don't misuse your chopsticks. Don't approach geisha or maiko for selfies. Don't harass the sacred deer at Nara or Miyajima Island.

Bowing is an essential part of Japanese custom to show respect, thanking, greeting or apology. In stead of shaking hands, we bow, and it depends on time and people how long and deep you bow. Generally men keep their hands in their side, and women put their hands together on their thighs with fingers touching.

In Japan, it's not common to tip for services such as those provided in bars, cafes, restaurants, taxis, and hotels. However, there is a custom in Japan of giving a gratuity, called ""kokorozuke"", (coming from the heart), in some situations. There are certain situations where tipping might be considered appropriate.

When traveling in Japan, especially if you're in one of the big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you'll generally have no problem not speaking Japanese at all. There are usually English signs all over train stations and airports.

What is Japanese etiquette? ›

Greeting and bowing in Japan

Japanese people are accustomed to bowing as a form of greeting. Walking around the streets, you'll probably notice people nodding spontaneously while talking on the phone and businesspeople or even train conductors taking long deep bows as a formalized show of respect.

Most people who visit Japan want to see Mount Fuji, as it is the single most popular tourist site in Japan.... In the Valley of Yokoyu River of the Nagano district is a unique attraction, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park.

Pointing or waving at people or objects with chopsticks is considered to be impolite.

Avoid revealing clothing.

Low necklines and tight clothes can be considered inappropriate in Japan. This is especially true when visiting shrines and temples. Jump down to see what not to wear in Japan. Strike a balance between comfort and class. Japanese people tend to look put together when they go out in public.

There's also no cultural relevance that prohibits people from eating while walking. As long as you are following TPO guidelines, you should be good. While it's okay to eat while eating, it's not a common practice. Japanese people are mindful of having cleanliness and respect for public spaces.

Bowing is not only used to greet, but also to thank, apologize, make a request, or ask someone a favor. Most Japanese do not expect foreigners to know the proper bowing etiquette. A combination of a bow and shaking hands is usually expected from foreigners.