Behind the modern sparkle and cool activities, there's a traditional side to Japan with strict rituals and unique rules. As a traveler, you need to know these dos and don'ts, otherwise, you will cause embarrassment.
1. Don't Eat While Walking
In Japan, you won't see people eating on the streets as eating while walking is seen as impolite.
Whether it's delicious takoyaki or matcha ice cream, finish your snacks at a stall or find a quiet spot. If you take your foods with you, there are no public trash bins on the streets, so littering will be a problem.
2. Don't Make a Noise While Eating
Eating while making a sound is seen as rude in Japan. However, there's an exception for slurping noodles. When eating noodles, you are encouraged to make sounds. The sounds are compliments to the chef, saying the noodles taste great.
3. Don't Talk on Your Phone on Trains, or in Cafés
Japanese trains and subways are places to be quiet. Avoid talking on your phone when on a train. On some trains, there are even signs indicating travelers should set their phones to silent mode.
If you need to answer a phone call, tell the people that you are on a train and will call back soon. Then, end the call quickly.
4. Don't Throw Litter on the Street
There are no trash cans on the streets in Japan. Therefore, take a plastic bag with you to collect your trash and take it back to your hotel where you can dispose of it.
5. Don't Tip
There is no practice for tipping in Japan, so do not tip your guide or give tips in restaurants, etc. If you do, it means you are not happy and are asking for a better service. If you want to thank your guide, saying: ありがとうございます" (Arigatou gozaimasu) is enough.
6. Don't Wear Clothes While Soaking in Hot Springs
You are now allowed to wear bathing suits when soaking in Japanese onsens. You need to take off all your clothes and wash thoroughly before entering the baths. If you are too shy to follow this practice, book a private session. Many hotels have rooms with private hot springs, but the prices are very high and they are often very hard to book.
7. Don't Enter Onsens with Tattoos
Tattoos are often associated with taboos and could be viewed negatively. As a result, many onsens do not permit entry to those with visible tattoos. Therefore, cover your tattoos before entering.
8. Don't Take Photos of Strangers
People don't like to be photographed without their permission. Never point your camera at others, even at grandmothers in rural market areas. If you'd like to take photos of someone, ask them first, or have your guide to ask them.
9. Never Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice
This act resembles a funeral ritual and is, therefore, seen as disrespectful. Instead, lay your chopsticks down on the table when not in use.
10. Don't Use Outlets in Cafes or Restaurants
Outlets in restaurants and cafés are not for public use. Take your own power pack.
11. Don't Give Money Directly to Cashiers
When shopping, giving your money directly to a cashier would make them feel embarrassed. Instead, place your money on the small tray provided at cash registers.
12. Don't Forget to Take Off Your Shoes When Going Indoors
When entering places like ryokans, restaurants, and temples in Japan, you might need to take off your shoes. Not all restaurants require this, but ryokans and shrines do. Also, it's important to place your shoes neatly. Some restaurants even provide lockers for your shoes.
Look for a shoe rack by the door and switch to slippers.
13. Avoid Taking Photos in Shrines
Photography is often restricted in sacred areas. Always check for signs and respect the sanctity of the location.
14. Don't Take Photos in Restaurants
In some sushi shops, especially these high-end restaurants, you may not be allowed to take photos. Some restaurants have signs telling customers not to take photos. If there are no signs, ask first if you want to take some photos.
15. Don't Smoke While Walking
Smoking is prohibited in many public areas and it's generally frowned upon to smoke while walking. Look for designated smoking areas instead.
16. Don't Forget to Carry Cash
Many places in Japan, especially smaller shops and restaurants, do not accept credit cards. Always have enough cash on hand.
17. Don't Forget to Make Reservations
Popular restaurants and attractions often require reservations. Even though some restaurants accept walk-in customers, you may need to wait in lines outside for a long time, especially during peak travel times. You could book your restaurants at this site: https://tabelog.com/cn/tokyo/rstLst/4/
18. Don't Take Food and Drinks Into Shops
Most shops do not allow people to take food and drink inside them, even if it's a sealed coffee.
19. Don't Walk in the Middle of a Shrine Path
In Japan, the central lane of a shrine path, known as the "seichu", is traditionally reserved for the gods. Visitors are advised to walk along the sides rather than directly down the middle.
20. Don't Ignore the Rituals when Entering a Shrine
Before entering a shrine, rinse your hands and mouth with the water in the fountain just outside the entrance, so as to purify yourself. Put a coin in the offering box you will find in the main hall, bow twice, clap your hands twice and recite a short prayer. If there is a gong, use it before praying, so as to get the attention of the deity.
21. Don't Take a Suitcase Larger Than 66 Centimeters (26 Inches)
The luggage allowance on Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) is up to 66 cm (26 in). If your suitcase exceeds this size, you would need to use a luggage delivery service. Additionally, some hotels and inns may not have sufficient space to store large suitcases.
A 66 cm (26 in) suitcase should be ample for your needs. If you plan to travel around several cities in Japan, you may need to use luggage storage facilities. While hotels usually provide these, the coin lockers at subway stations may not accommodate a suitcase of that size.
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