Japanese Customs for Tourists
Updated June 2026 · 7 min read
Japan is famously welcoming to foreign visitors, and locals are very forgiving of tourists who do not know every custom. That said, knowing a few key rules will make your trip smoother, earn appreciative smiles, and help you avoid unintentionally awkward situations.
1. Shoes and Indoor Spaces
Removing shoes before entering homes, traditional restaurants, ryokan, and some temples is essential. Look for a genkan (entryway step) and a row of slippers as your cue. Align your shoes neatly pointing toward the exit when you remove them.
Tip: Wear socks you are comfortable showing. Holes in socks will be noticed. Slip-on shoes make the constant on-off much easier.
2. Bowing
Bowing is the standard greeting in Japan. As a tourist, a small nod or shallow bow (15 degrees) when greeting someone, thanking a shopkeeper, or entering a restaurant is always appreciated and never wrong.
Handshakes are understood in business contexts with foreigners. Hugging and kissing as greetings are uncommon and generally not expected.
3. Tipping (Don't)
Do not tip in Japan. Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can actually cause confusion or mild offense — staff may chase you down the street to return money they think you forgot.
Excellent service is standard and built into the price. Express appreciation with a bow and a sincere "arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much) instead.
4. Public Transport
5. Eating and Drinking
Eating while walking (aruki-gui) is generally frowned upon outside of food market areas like Tsukiji or festival stalls. Find a bench or designated eating area.
It is polite to say "itadakimasu" (I humbly receive) before eating and "gochisousama deshita" (thank you for the meal) when finished. You will hear these phrases constantly in Japan.
Slurping noodles is not rude — it is considered a sign of enjoyment and helps cool the noodles.
6. Chopstick Rules
- Stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism)
- Pass food chopstick-to-chopstick (funeral ritual)
- Point at people with chopsticks
- Spear food with chopsticks
- Rest chopsticks on the chopstick rest (hashioki)
- Use the back end to take from shared dishes
- Ask for a fork if you need one — no shame
- Keep chopsticks together when not in use
7. At Shrines and Temples
Bow when passing through torii gates at shrines. Walk on the sides of the main path, not the center. Purify your hands at the water basin before approaching the main hall.
For detailed guidance, see our dedicated guides: