Etiquette Quick Guide

The most important do's and don'ts at a glance:

✅ Do's

• Take off shoes when entering houses, temples, Ryokans, some restaurants (watch for the Genkan/raised area)
• Bow when greeting, thanking, apologizing (a slight 15° is enough for tourists)
• Be quiet in trains, temples, Onsen
• Stand in line — always orderly, never cut in line
• Take your trash with you — public trash cans are rare. Japanese people take their trash home (or to the Konbini)
• Use both hands when giving and receiving (money, business cards, gifts)

❌ Don'ts

• Give tips — NEVER! Considered an insult. Service is a given in Japan.
• Eat while walking — considered rude (exception: festival stands and markets)
• Stick chopsticks in rice — reminiscent of funeral rituals. Always place chopsticks on the holder.
• Blow your nose in public — better to sniff discreetly (yes, really)
• Talk loudly on the phone in the train — set phone to Mana Mōdo (manners mode/silent)
• Step on Tatami with shoes — absolute taboo