Japanese Etiquette for Visitors: Do's and Don'ts

Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Japanese people are generally forgiving of visitors' mistakes. Making the effort to follow a few basics will be noticed and appreciated.

Shoes

• Remove shoes when entering homes, ryokan rooms, many temples, some restaurants and fitting rooms. Look for a raised step (genkan) and shoe racks.
• Don't step on tatami mats with slippers — go barefoot or in socks.
• Separate toilet slippers are often provided; don't forget to change back.

On trains and in public

• Queue in lines at platform markings; let passengers off first.
• Keep your voice down and don't take phone calls on trains.
• Wear backpacks on your front or put them on the rack in crowded carriages.
• Priority seats are for elderly, disabled, pregnant passengers and people with small children.
• Stand on one side of escalators according to local custom (left in Tokyo, right in Osaka), though rail companies encourage standing still on both sides for safety.

Temples and shrines

• At shrines, rinse your hands and mouth at the chozuya (water basin) if available: left hand, right hand, pour water into your left palm to rinse your mouth (don't drink from the ladle).
• A common way to pray at a shrine: bow twice, clap twice, pray, bow once. At Buddhist temples, don't clap.
• Follow signs about photography — it's often forbidden inside halls.
• Dress modestly and keep noise down.

Eating and chopsticks

• Saying "itadakimasu" before eating and "gochisōsama deshita" after is polite.
• Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick to chopstick — both are associated with funerals.
• Slurping noodles is normal.
• Eating while walking is frowned upon in many places; eat near the stall or vending machine.

Rubbish

Public bins are rare. Carry your rubbish until you find a bin (convenience stores, stations), and follow the sorting labels: burnable, plastic, cans/bottles (PET).

Photography and privacy

• Ask before photographing people, especially maiko/geiko in Kyoto.
• Some neighbourhoods and private lanes have banned photography or entry because of overtourism — respect signs.
• Don't block streets or trespass for photos.

Smoking

Smoking while walking is banned in many city wards. Use designated smoking areas.

Tattoos

Many onsen, sento, gyms and pools still restrict visible tattoos. Some allow them if covered with patches; others are tattoo-friendly. See our onsen guide.