12 Unspoken Rules To Follow When You Travel to Japan

The unspoken rules of Japan, from staying silent on trains to never tipping at restaurants, may surprise first-time visitors. While Japan welcomes over 36 million tourists a year, many travelers unintentionally break social norms that locals follow instinctively.

Japan is an island nation of around 125 million people. There are four main islands and over 14,000 small islands making up this diverse archipelago. The country used to be made up of hundreds of small feudal territories before being unified into one country. As you can imagine, the island chain has incredible diversity in language and cultural practices.

Imagine stepping into a traditional ryokan inn, where removing your shoes is a must, or navigating the Tokyo subway in complete silence, even during rush hour. From mastering proper bowing etiquette to understanding the cultural significance of gift-giving, these customs shape daily life in Japan.

To create this list of 12 essential unspoken rules, I drew from four years of personal experience in Japan, local insights, and common tourist mistakes.

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So, you’re visiting Japan—what’s the unspoken rule most likely to trip you up?

This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.

Talking too loudly 1/5

Rules to Follow When You Visit Japan Respect Peoples Personal Space Cherry blossoms in Kyoto

Ignoring personal space 2/5

Rules to Follow When You Visit Japan Dont Tip Seriously Dont

Leaving a tip 3/5

Rules to Follow When You Visit Japan Slurp Your Noodles Japanese soup ramen

Hesitating to slurp 4/5

Rules to Follow When You Visit Japan Take Your Shoes Off Indoors

Wearing shoes inside 5/5

Results

Talking too loudly

60 80

Ignoring personal space

57 83

Leaving a tip

50 90

Hesitating to slurp

62 78

Wearing shoes inside

50 90

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Respect People’s Privacy

12 Cities in the World with the Most Colorful Autumn Scenery Kyoto, Japan — © f11photo / Adobe Stock

Respecting people’s privacy should be a no-brainer. However, we’ve all seen the viral video of tourists harassing Geishas or taking photos of people without their consent.

Japan preserves its unique way of life, and sometimes, it’s pretty beautiful and hard to ignore. You’ll see traditional knife makers, Shinto priests, and people wearing traditional clothes. Manicured private gardens, romantic tea houses, and even people’s homes can look indescribably dreamy.

No matter how striking the scenes are in Japan, people should respect their privacy and leave them alone. If you clearly can’t resist on the street, ask politely and take a hint if it feels awkward.

Photography Etiquette in Kyoto’s Gion District: While exploring Gion, I noticed clear signs asking visitors not to photograph Geishas without permission. I found that joining a guided cultural tour allowed for respectful learning opportunities without intruding on anyone’s privacy.
Temple and Shrine Respect: In some temples like Fushimi Inari, photography is restricted in prayer areas. I always checked for signage and followed locals’ lead—sometimes the best memories are those you keep without a camera.

Stop Touching Things!

One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give is to stop touching things. This applies to temples, shrines, manicured plants, and pretty much every gorgeous thing around you.

We’ve all seen the dreaded ‘vacation brain’ infect travelers. It happens to even the best of us. Before you know it, you’re disrespecting every unspoken rule imaginable.

Japan is a country that holds a lot of things sacred. If you do things such as hanging off torii gates, climbing on statues, or shaking bonsai, please go home.

Hands-Off at Temples and Shrines: While visiting places like Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine, I noticed many sacred objects and ropes that might seem tempting to touch. I kept my hands off unless signage indicated otherwise—respecting these spaces means observing without interfering.
Garden Etiquette: In traditional gardens like Kenroku-en, I stuck to designated paths and avoided touching manicured plants or stones. These gardens are works of art, and maintaining their beauty means leaving them exactly as they are.

Stop Talking Loudly

Stop shouting in public, on hiking trails, and in public. In Japan, quiet is valued, and interrupting people’s day by being noisy is a sign of disrespect.

Follow the ‘when in Rome..’ philosophy. If you see locals walking calmly or talking softly, you should do the same.

If you’re traveling in a group, get used to talking quietly in public. This is especially true after dark. In nightlife areas and some late-night restaurants, this rule goes out the window, and you can be as loud as you want!

Quiet Conversations on Public Transport: While riding trains like the Shinkansen, I kept my voice low or stayed silent, as most passengers prefer a quiet atmosphere. If you need to take a call, step into the designated phone areas between carriages.
Respectful Hiking Practices: On popular trails like Mt. Takao, I noticed locals enjoying the peace and sounds of nature. I kept conversations soft and avoided playing music aloud—letting everyone enjoy the serene environment.

Slurp Your Noodles

Slurping noodles may be rude in other countries, but in Japan, it’s a sign of respect. First, it shows you’re really digging your meal, which everyone will appreciate.

It also helps cool off your food. I’ve been burned several times by scarfing down my delicious yet scalding ramen.

When you order your noodles, take your chopsticks, grab a bunch of noodles, and slurp away. There’s an art to not making a mess, and when you perfect it, you’ll get tons of points.

Counter Seats for Ramen Slurping: I found that sitting at the counter in ramen shops like Ichiran allows you to slurp away without feeling self-conscious. Plus, you can watch the chefs at work, making the experience even better.
Try Tsukemen for Practice: If you’re new to slurping, I recommend ordering tsukemen (dipping noodles). Since the noodles are served separately from the broth, they’re cooler and easier to slurp without splashing.

Be Early

Reasons Why I Stayed in Japan for Four Years Reason #6 The Culture Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo — © Eyetronic / Adobe Stock

Punctuality is a golden rule in Japan, and being late is considered disrespectful. People will arrive at appointments or meetings with friends several minutes early. If you’re late, you better have a good excuse.

Take your time to understand your route to and from scheduled events. Consider traffic, train times, and distances. Just because you’re foreign doesn’t mean you should ignore this.

When you’re early, people will automatically think highly of you. Plus, don’t expect anyone to wait for you.

Plan for Train Precision: Japanese trains, like the JR lines and Shinkansen, are famously punctual. I always arrived at the platform 10 minutes early, as trains depart exactly on time—sometimes even down to the second.
Restaurant Reservations: For popular spots like Sushi Dai in Tokyo, I booked reservations whenever possible and showed up early. Some places won’t hold your spot if you’re late, and arriving early shows respect for the staff’s schedule.

Try to Eat Politely

Dining in Japan can be confusing—to eat sushi with hands or chopsticks, leaving one last piece when leaving, etc. Most restaurants are pretty forgiving as long as you follow a few rules.

First, take your shoes off if you’re seated in a private dining area or sitting on the floor. Talk softly and refrain from making a scene. If you want to take photos of the food, ask first, and take them quickly.

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Try saying ‘itadakimasu’ at the beginning of a meal and ‘gochisousama-deshita’ at the end. These words essentially thank the person preparing your meal for their work and hospitality. When they hear this, you’ll earn more points.

Don’t Pass Food with Chopsticks: I learned that passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another resembles a funeral ritual in Japan. Instead, place the food on a shared plate for others to take.
Use the Back of Chopsticks for Shared Dishes: When sharing plates, I used the opposite end of my chopsticks (the end that doesn’t touch my mouth) to take food. It’s a small gesture but shows good manners and respect for others at the table.

Don’t Tip, Seriously Don’t

Don’t tip, no matter how good the service was. This may seem outlandish for Americans but tipping just doesn’t exist in Japan. It’s also not appreciated.

Servers make a decent living, and the profession is highly respected. If you leave a tip, chances are you’ll make someone feel embarrassed. They will probably do whatever they can to give your money back, even if you dart out.

Instead of tipping, show your gratitude to the chefs and servers by saying thank you and bowing. Show them you loved the meal and your experience, and you’ll make them happy.

Pay at the Register: In many restaurants, I noticed that you don’t pay at the table. Instead, you take the bill to the register near the entrance. This avoids any awkward tipping situations and follows the local custom.
Express Gratitude Verbally: After a great meal, I always said gochisousama-deshita with a smile when leaving. It’s a simple, respectful way to show appreciation that staff truly value—much more than a tip.

Respect People’s Personal Space

Respect people’s space wherever you can. This is especially true on public trains. When they get crowded, walk slowly and try not to get in anyone’s way.

When you meet people, it’s better to bow than shake hands. Obviously, if someone reaches their hand out, shake it. Otherwise, give a nice deep bow and a smile instead.

Another unspoken rule involves personal bubbles. If you’re talking to someone, back up a little and give extra space.

Stand on the Correct Side of Escalators: In cities like Tokyo, I always stood on the left side of the escalator, leaving the right side clear for people in a hurry. In Osaka, it’s the opposite—stand on the right and walk on the left.
Mind Your Space on Trains: During rush hour, I wore my backpack on my front or held it by my side to avoid bumping into others. It’s a small adjustment that makes commuting more comfortable for everyone.

Take Your Shoes Off Indoors

No matter how smelly your feet are, you need to take off your shoes. Entering someone’s home with your shoes on is taboo.

When you go inside, take off your shoes at the entrance ‘genkan’ before stepping inside. Most homes have indoor slippers for guests that you can borrow.

This cultural practice is easy to follow. You can always bring clean socks with you in case you need to change.

Watch for Slipper Zones: I noticed that some places, like traditional restaurants, temples, and even certain museums, provide slippers at the entrance. However, remember to remove these slippers before stepping onto tatami mats, as they are meant for bare feet or socks only.
Bathroom Slippers Are Separate: In homes and some restaurants, there are special slippers just for the bathroom. Always switch back to the regular indoor slippers after leaving the bathroom to avoid awkward mistakes.

Respect Sacred Spaces

Temple and shrine etiquette is vital to gaining respect. Fortunately, most sacred spaces have guidelines written on signs for you to follow.

Always talk quietly and give people space. Never touch anything unless given permission. Most importantly, respect roped-off areas and don’t go exploring.

As beautiful as these spaces are, they’re not tourist destinations. If there are signs permitting photos, feel free. Otherwise, ask permission first.

Purify Before Entering Shrines: I always stopped by the temizuya (purification fountain) at Shinto shrines. Use the ladle to rinse your left hand, then right hand, and finally your mouth (without touching the ladle to your lips). It’s a respectful ritual before approaching the sacred area.
Offer Prayers Correctly: At Shinto shrines, I followed the common practice: bow twice, clap twice, offer a silent prayer, and bow once more. It’s a small gesture that shows respect and blends you into the peaceful atmosphere.

Dress Appropriately

Small Towns Across the Globe Shirakawa Go Japan — © Kittiphan / Adobe Stock

In Japan, dressing appropriately for the occasion is key. I’ve broken this rule a million times by wearing shorts in the middle of winter. People looked at me like I had something extremely wrong growing out of my head.

That doesn’t mean you can’t wear what you want. At some festivals and parties, you’ll see people wearing anything imaginable. I’ve even walked home in a seal onesie without anyone batting an eye.

If you’re in public dress according to the seasons. Try to be modest unless everyone else is dressing un-modestly too.

Layer Up for Indoor and Outdoor Differences: I always carried a light jacket or cardigan, especially in winter. Trains, restaurants, and shops are often well-heated, so layering made it easy to stay comfortable without standing out.
Cover Up for Temples and Shrines: When visiting religious sites, I made sure to wear clothing that covered my shoulders and knees. It’s a simple way to show respect and avoid being turned away from certain areas.

Use the Onsen Correctly

Onsen are hot springs and saunas and are some of the most popular places in Japan to hang out. When you meet people, they’ll probably want to take you.

The first thing to keep in mind is that everyone is unclothed. Avoid wearing swimsuits or clothes. When you enter, take a thorough shower.

Once inside, enjoy the mineral-rich water. Take your time and talk quietly. Even if you’re shy, it’s hard not to love onsen culture once you get used to it.

Towels Stay Out of the Water: I learned that the small towel you bring into the onsen should never touch the water. Most locals fold it and place it on their heads or leave it on the side. It’s a simple but important sign of respect.