Japanese Cultural Tips For Travelers
Share this page
- Greet and say “Thank You” with a slight bow
- Refrain from showing body tattoos – Body art is considered disrespectful when shown in public. Many public baths / hot spring places will not allow you to enter if you have body tattoos or even just painting on your body.
- While Commuting in Public Transport (Trains/Buses):
- Refrain from talking on your mobile phones – Japanese treasure the quiet and peaceful environment. Hence, it would be appreciated that you talk quietly (if necessary) with your family and/or friends in the train.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed in the train.
- Do not use the phone speaker if you are watching a movie/video clip. Use your earphones.
- Do not sit with your legs crossed. This may become an obstacle to those standing especially when it is very crowded.
- Queue & Move In An Orderly Manner – Japanese queue in an orderly manner whenever they are waiting for buses, trains, and elevators. When the bus or train arrives, they board and alight in an orderly manner too.
- Do not Litter – If there are no trash bins around, keep your trash with you till you see one.
- Bring Easy-To-Remove Shoes – For places such as pubs, inns, hot springs, ryokan to name a few, you will be asked to take off your shoes. Hence, it will be good to bring easy-to-remove shoes.
- Arrange Your Shoes Neatly – Whenever you are asked to take off your shoes, arrange them neatly, facing outwards.
- Wear A Mask If You Are Unwell – If you catch a cold in Japan, it is appreciated if you wear a mask. This shows the respect you have for everyone around you.
- Ask Before Taking Photos or Touching Any Decorative Items In The Retail Store – Out of respect, you would need to ask before taking any photographs or touching any decorative items in the retail store.
- No External Food & Drinks Allowed In Restaurant – In Japan, bringing external food and drinks into a restaurant is not allowed. This includes mineral water bottle as well.
- Public Baths / Hot Spring – Please shower before going into public baths like hot spring. The bathtub is for you to relax your body.
- No Tipping Culture – Tipping is not required in Japan.
