The Dos and Don'ts of Japanese Culture
Japan is a fascinating place to visit with immense cities teeming with people to quiet mountains carpeted by dense forests. It's an ancient culture and new innovation intertwines to create a remarkable culture - ripe for discovery.
Japan may have a reputation for being a land full of strange customs and unwritten rules that can stump even the most savvy traveller, however, the heart of Japanese culture is always courtesy and respect. It's best summarised by the concept of kikubari (key-koo-BAH-ree) - which loosely means 'to share one's spirit or energy with others', to be attentive and appreciate the people around you. When considering how to behave, anticipate the needs of others and be mindful of their needs before they have to express them. Sounds ideal right?
Less discerning adventurers may be put off, but we think it adds extra charm, allowing you to delve into a new culture and tease out the idiosyncrasies to better understand local life.
Japanese people will never expect you to know all the ins and outs of their culture - and out of politeness and respect, they won't point out your mistakes either - but the more you know, the better prepared you'll be and the more authentic your experience will be.
What Are Examples of Japanese Etiquette?
Bowing
Bowing is a cornerstone of Japanese etiquette, you'll see it everywhere you go. It's a greeting, a term of endearment, a thanks or an apology. The depth and duration of a bow are directly proportional to the depth of feeling; deeper bows are thought to be more formal - great for settings like business meetings. When travelling as a tourist, a small bow or nod of the head is perfectly acceptable - it's considered more informal. Essentially, any attempt to bow is greatly appreciated as it shows respect for them and their culture.
Remove your shoes
Removing shoes is a cultural and religious custom that allows people to separate from the outside world, resulting in a more peaceful atmosphere. It's customary in Japan to take off your shoes when you enter homes, temples, shrines, ryokans (traditional inns) and onsen (hot springs).
It's easy to spot in public places as there'll often be a neat line of shoes or a getabako (cupboard) at the entrance. This Japanese custom is so engrained within the culture that buildings are constructed to include a separate space for removing your shoes, called a genkan, which is often lower than the main floor.
Once your shoes are removed, you'll often be provided with a pair of slippers to wear inside, which you should accept. If you have a very good reason not to wear the slippers, don't walk around with bare feet; always wear socks.
Our advice? Be sure to pack shoes that don't require a lot of effort to put on and take off.
Be quiet
Japan has a work-heavy culture that often sees citizens working long hours and late nights, trains, buses and other forms of transport are deliberately relaxing as workers spend a lot of time riding them. As such, it's customary in Japan to keep noise to a minimum and always be respectful of others.
Dining etiquette in Japan
Japanese food is incredibly popular worldwide, from veggie-packed rice dishes and noodles to trendy sushi, so you should absolutely make the most of your time here by dining out.
However, you should know, that whilst proper table manners may be dying in the Western world, in Japan, they are still vitally important. The main aspect of dining etiquette in Japan revolves around how you use chopsticks:
- Don’t pass food to another person using your chopsticks.
- Don’t stab food with your chopsticks.
- Don’t rest chopsticks on your bowl, when you're finished, place them beside your bowl or plate - ideally using the chopstick holder or creating your own from the paper wrapper that comes with disposable chopsticks.
- Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl when you are finished.
If sharing a communal plate, use separate communal chopsticks to pick food up and put it on your plate.
It's also impolite to pour soy sauce on white rice, burp at the table, or refill your own glass - although you should refill your companion's glass whenever you notice it is empty.
It's also considered perfectly acceptable to slurp your noodles, as is picking up your bowl to drink the contents or eat the last few scraps, you'll notice locals doing it so why give it a go too?
Phrases to know when dining:
- Before eating, it's polite to say 'itadakimasu' (ee-tada-kee-ma) - or 'I am glad to receive this meal'.
- After dinner, end with 'gochisosama' (go-chi–sow-sama) - which loosely translates to 'thanks for the meal'.
Tips for visiting shrines and temples
In Japan, shrines and temples serve as hubs for religious practice, cultural preservation and community life. Many Japanese people visit them regularly for prayers, festivals and other significant life events.
Do dress modestly, covering the shoulders, chest, and knees. (Sorry, no shorts!) And don't forget to remove any headwear, like hats.
Traditionally you are not supposed to visit a Shinto shrine if you are sick, have an open wound or are in mourning, as these are considered causes of impurity. At the entrance, you'll find a 'temizu' basin (a stone basin filled with water with a ladle) to purify yourself before entering by pouring water from the ladle onto your hands. While some visitors skip this step, it's also customary to pour water into your cupped hand and rinse your mouth, spitting the water out beside the fountain - don't swallow it or drink directly from the ladle.
Once inside the offering hall, you can place a coin in the box, followed by a short prayer, if so moved.
When entering a temple, be prepared to remove your shoes so wear a nice pair of socks, or bring a pair with you.
Many temples burn incense, which you may be able to purchase. To use them, let them burn for a few seconds before extinguishing the flames by waving your hand (not blowing them out). Finally put the incense into the incense burner and make a short prayer.
Photography is usually allowed outside temples and shrines, but never in the buildings. Look for signs or ask a guide if you are unsure.
Other useful tips about Japanese customs:
Japanese customs highlight the significance they place on being caring and considerate of others. So here are a few others to consider while exploring this fascinating culture:
- Don't eat or smoke while walking - if someone steps in accidentally spilt coffee or sushi, it could ruin their day.
- Don't blow your nose in public and only use a paper tissue. You can daintily dab your nose. If you cannot help having to blow your nose or sneeze, turn away from your companions.
- Don't point. It's considered bad etiquette in Japan to point to indicate a person, object or direction, instead gesture in the general direction with your whole hand and keep your palm facing up.
- Don't speak loudly on the phone in public, if you have to take a call, be sure to respond quietly. This is especially important on public transport where it's advised to avoid talking on the phone altogether. Most people put their phones on silent in public, so as not to disturb others.
- Don't approach geisha or maiko for selfies, they are going about their working day and stopping them from being on time is considered very rude.
- Do respect the queue, if you think Brits love a queue, that goes doubly for the Japanese. Queueing is practically an art form, known for its order and politeness. So don't skip the queue, cut the lines or cause disorder. This goes for everything from restaurants to public transport - even crossing the road.
- Do take business cards. If you're visiting Japan on business, take plenty of business cards. Receive a business card with both hands and look at it carefully before continuing. Don't fold it, play with it or write on it, especially in front of the giver.
- Do wait to be seated in a formal setting. Allow the host to indicate your seat, which under normal circumstances would be the best in the house.
- Do bring souvenirs - Japanese customs dictate that you bring your host a small gift. Ideally something from home, or a food item such as a box of biscuits, sweets, cakes or fruits.
Read Things to Know Before You Visit Japan for more information.
Information about Japanese laws
Check your medicine
Many cold and flu medicines, as well as common painkillers like codeine, are banned here. If you are found to have brought them into Japan - even for personal use - you could be found guilty of an offence and risk being detained or deported. And, of course, illicit or recreational drugs, such as cannabis, can also result in arrest and deportation.
No littering
Littering is prohibited in Japan, and you'll really enjoy how clean the streets feel. However, it's also worth noting that there are also no bins! If you're out and about, you must hold onto your rubbish throughout the day and dispose of it when you get to your hotel. Littering fines in Tokyo can be up to 30,000 yen - around £150 - so make sure you bear this in mind.
The drinking age
You have to be 20 years old to buy or consume alcohol in Japan - the buying and drinking age for alcohol is 2 years after the UK. Parents, guardians and businesses who don't follow these rules face fines and foreigners who are caught drinking underage may be jailed or deported. (They also have strict punishments for anyone driving with alcohol in their system).
Japan is a fascinating country with so much to see and do, if you wish to find out more, why not check out our guide on Things to do in Japan?
