Japanese Manners for Tourists: 20 Things to Know Before Visiting

Travel in Japan
2026.07.04

Hello, I’m Hirossy.

Before visiting Japan, many people may wonder,

“What manners should I know in Japan?”

Japan has some manners that may feel a little surprising for people from other countries.

But please do not worry too much.

Even Japanese people are not perfect all the time. Also, manners can be a little different depending on the area, shop, or family.

In this article, I will gently introduce Japanese manners that may help foreign tourists feel more comfortable in Japan.

I will explain them from the view of an ordinary Japanese dad.

Conclusion: Japanese Manners Are Mostly About Caring for Others

If I explain Japanese manners in one simple way, I would say this:

Try not to trouble the people around you.

Of course, Japan is not the only country with manners.

Every country has its own culture and habits.

In Japan, this idea can often be seen on trains, in lines, at restaurants, and even when people take their trash home.

You do not need to think too hard.

Just look around and ask yourself,

“What are other people doing here?”

That alone can help you a lot.

Why Does Japan Feel Like It Has Many Manners?

In Japan, many people often share small public spaces.

For example, trains, stations, convenience stores, restaurants, and sightseeing spots can be very crowded.

So, if each person thinks a little about others, everyone can feel more comfortable.

For example, if someone talks loudly on the phone inside a train, people nearby may feel uncomfortable.

If someone leaves trash behind, the next person or the cleaning staff may have trouble.

If someone does not take off their shoes in a place where shoes should be removed, the room may become dirty.

These small actions are often important in Japan.

But again, not all Japanese people follow every manner perfectly.

When I go out with my children, I often say things like,

“Please be quiet here.”

“Please put your shoes nicely.”

Manners are not something we can do perfectly from the beginning.

We learn them little by little.

Japanese Manners for Tourists: 20 Things to Know

Here are 20 Japanese manners that are useful to know before visiting Japan.

Each one is short and simple, so you can read this like a travel checklist.

1. You Usually Do Not Need to Tip in Japan

In Japan, people usually do not give tips at restaurants, hotels, or in taxis.

This may feel strange if you come from a country where tipping is common.

But in Japan, good service is usually included in the price.

If you try to give a tip, the staff may feel a little confused.

A smile and a simple “thank you” are enough.

2. Many People Stay Quiet on Trains

On Japanese trains, many people speak quietly.

Especially during busy morning and evening hours, people often look at their phones, read books, or rest quietly.

Talking with your friends or family is not bad.

But speaking in a softer voice is a good idea.

It helps the people around you feel comfortable.

3. Phone Calls on Trains Are Usually Avoided

In Japan, talking on the phone inside a train is usually not good manners.

Many people keep their phones on silent mode.

If they need to make a phone call, some people get off the train first and talk at the station.

For tourists, it is usually better to use messages while riding the train.

4. People Often Wait in Line

In Japan, people often wait in line at stations, bus stops, convenience stores, and restaurants.

Sometimes the line is not very clear, but people may still be waiting in order.

If you are not sure, look around and see what others are doing.

Cutting into a line can surprise people, even if you do not mean to be rude.

5. On Escalators, People Often Stand on One Side

In many cities in Japan, people stand on one side of the escalator.

The other side is often left open for people who are in a hurry.

But the side can be different depending on the area.

In Tokyo, many people stand on the left side.

In Osaka, many people stand on the right side.

Recently, some places ask people not to walk on escalators for safety.

So the safest way is to follow the signs at that place.

6. There Are Not Many Trash Cans, So You May Need to Take Trash Home

Japanese streets often look clean, but there are not many trash cans.

At stations or in town, it can sometimes be hard to find one.

You may need to keep your plastic bottle, snack bag, or small trash in your bag and throw it away later.

When sightseeing, it is useful to carry a small trash bag.

7. Be Careful About Eating While Walking

In Japan, eating while walking is okay in some places, such as festivals or some sightseeing areas.

But on normal streets or in crowded places, some people may not like it.

You should also be careful on trains and inside shops.

If there is a place for eating nearby, it is better to eat there.

8. There Are Places Where You Take Off Your Shoes

In Japan, people take off their shoes in homes, ryokan inns, some restaurants, and some temples.

If you see a step at the entrance or a shoe box, it may be a sign to take off your shoes.

In many Japanese homes, people do this to keep the inside clean.

As a dad, I often tell my children,

“After you take off your shoes, please put them nicely.”

9. Be Careful with Toilet Slippers

In some ryokan inns or older buildings, there are slippers only for the toilet.

You wear them only inside the toilet.

A common mistake is forgetting to take them off and walking back into the room with them.

Even Japanese people sometimes make this mistake.

If you notice it, just quietly put them back.

It is okay.

10. A Small Bow Is Enough

In Japan, people often bow when they greet someone or say thank you.

But tourists do not need to bow deeply.

A small bow or a little nod is enough.

If you say “thank you” and gently lower your head, that feels polite.

11. Try Not to Speak Too Loudly in Restaurants

Restaurants in Japan can have many different moods.

Some izakaya restaurants are lively and noisy.

Some cafes or Japanese restaurants are quiet.

The important thing is to match the mood of the place.

If people around you are eating quietly, speaking a little more softly is a good idea.

12. Oshibori Is for Cleaning Your Hands

At many restaurants in Japan, you may receive an oshibori before eating.

An oshibori is a small wet towel.

It is mainly for cleaning your hands.

In many cases, it is not for wiping your face or the table.

At casual restaurants, people may not care too much.

But it is safest to remember that oshibori is for your hands.

13. Be a Little Careful with Chopsticks

In Japan, there are a few things people usually avoid with chopsticks.

For example, do not stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice.

Also, do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks.

These actions are connected with funeral customs in Japan.

If a tourist does this by mistake, people probably will not get angry.

But it is good to know.

14. Wash Your Body Before Entering an Onsen

At an onsen or public bath, people wash their bodies before entering the bath.

The bath is not a place to wash your body.

It is a place to relax after you are clean.

At first, this may feel a little confusing.

But if you wash at the shower area first, you will be fine.

Also, people usually do not put towels into the bath water.

15. Be Quiet and Respectful at Shrines and Temples

Shrines and temples are sightseeing spots, but they are also places for prayer and faith.

In some places, taking photos is okay.

In other places, photos are not allowed.

It is best to look for signs and follow them.

You do not need to know every rule perfectly.

Being quiet and respectful is more important.

16. Be Careful When Taking Photos

Many people take photos in Japanese towns and sightseeing spots.

But you should be careful if someone’s face is clearly in your photo.

You should also be careful when taking photos inside shops.

If you see a “no photos” sign, please do not take photos there.

Taking pictures of food is common, but when the restaurant is busy, it is better to take photos quickly.

17. At the Cash Register, You May Put Money on a Tray

At many cash registers in Japan, there is a small tray for money.

You can put your cash there instead of handing it directly to the staff.

This is not rude.

It just makes paying easier and smoother.

Cashless payment is becoming more common, but cash is still used in many places.

If there is a tray, you can simply put your money on it.

18. At Convenience Stores, It Helps to Be Ready

Japanese convenience stores are very useful, but the cashier line often moves quickly.

It helps to decide your payment method before you reach the register.

The staff may ask if you need a bag, if you want your food heated, or if you have a point card.

If you do not understand, you do not need to panic.

Many convenience store staff are used to tourists.

19. Be Careful with Your Bags in Public Places

On trains, in cafes, and in other public places, try not to block the way with your bags.

If you have a big suitcase, it is good to think a little about the people around you.

Japanese stations can be very crowded, so bags may easily bump into people.

Just moving a little to the side can help a lot.

20. You Do Not Need to Be Perfect

The most important thing I want to say is this:

You do not need to be perfect.

Even Japanese people do not always follow every manner perfectly.

The important thing is to care a little about the people around you.

If you do not know what to do, look around and copy what others are doing.

If you are confused, you can ask with a smile.

That is enough.

Gentle Advice for Foreign Visitors

Japanese manners may feel a little detailed at first.

But behind many of them, there is a simple idea:

Everyone can feel more comfortable if we care a little about each other.

You do not need to remember everything during your trip.

First, just remember these three things:

  • Look at what people around you are doing
  • Speak a little softly in quiet places
  • Take care of your trash and your bags

These small things can make your trip in Japan much easier.

Many Japanese people feel happy when visitors try to understand Japanese culture.

Summary

Japanese manners may look a little strict or detailed at first.

But they are not there to judge people.

Many of them are small ideas to help everyone share the same space comfortably.

Being quiet on trains.

Waiting in line.

Taking your trash with you.

Taking off your shoes.

Not tipping.

If you know these small habits, your trip to Japan may feel more comfortable and enjoyable.

Of course, every culture is different.

Japanese manners are not always the “right” way for everyone.

But if you know a little before you come, you may feel less confused when you arrive.

I hope this article becomes a gentle guide for your trip to Japan.

Please enjoy your time in Japan.

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