Etiquette in Japan: the rules to know so you avoid blunders
Shoes to take off, phones on the train, tipping, chopsticks, onsen: in Japan many everyday gestures back home can seem out of place. Japanese people are patient with foreigners, but knowing the basic rules lets you enjoy the trip with more peace of mind.
Here you will find the most important rules, the new 2026 regulations that can mean fines, and two phrases that make a difference.
- Updated October 2026
- What to do and what to avoid
- Fines and new rules
Six rules that apply everywhere
Take off your shoes when needed
At the entrance of homes, ryokan, temples and some restaurants. If there is a raised step or a tatami floor, take off your shoes. You are often given slippers, and there are dedicated ones for the bathroom.
Keep your voice down on public transport
No phone calls on trains, subways and buses: put your phone on silent and reply to messages. In restaurants too, people speak quietly.
Always queue
For the train, the elevator, a shop: the queue is orderly and respected. Follow the lines marked on the floor and never cut in line.
Greet with a bow
No handshakes needed. A slight nod of the head is more than enough, and is much appreciated coming from a foreigner.
No tipping
In Japan you do not leave a tip: in restaurants, taxis and hotels it is unnecessary and sometimes awkward. Service is already included in the price.
Give gifts with two hands
If you bring a gift (omiyage), hand it over with both hands, ideally nicely wrapped. The person receiving it usually opens it later, not in front of you.
Do not expect perfection: nobody expects a foreigner to know every custom. Showing respect and a willingness to adapt is already greatly appreciated.
Food, chopsticks and trash
Chopsticks: what not to do
Do not stick them upright in rice (it recalls a funeral rite), do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks and do not point them at others. When you are not using them, rest them on the chopstick rest.
Do not eat while walking
Eating and drinking while walking on the street is considered impolite. Stop next to the shop or in a dedicated area. Markets and festivals are the exception.
Trash: carry a bag with you
There are few public bins: keep your trash in your bag until you find one, often in stations or near vending machines.
Say "itadakimasu" before eating
It is the phrase said before eating. It is not mandatory, but it is a nice gesture. At the end you say "gochisosama deshita", to thank for the meal.
The hot spring bath, step by step
Leave your clothes and shoes in the changing room
Go in without a swimsuit, with the small towel that is usually given at the entrance.
Wash thoroughly before getting in
Sit on the stool at the shower and wash with soap and shampoo. The tub is only for relaxing: it must never be soiled.
Slip into the tub slowly
Keep the towel out of the water (on the edge or on your head), do not make noise and do not dip your hair.
Check the tattoo rule
Some onsen ban visible tattoos, others accept them or have you cover them with a patch. Check first: private onsen you can book also exist.
Rules and fines to know in 2026
Gion (Kyoto): 10,000 yen
In Kyoto, photographing geiko and maiko or entering the private alleys of the Gion district without permission can cost a 10,000 yen fine. Public streets like Hanamikoji are not off limits.
Smoking and littering on the street
In many cities and districts (such as some central areas of Tokyo) smoking on the street is banned, and littering brings fines ranging from 2,000 to 30,000 yen depending on the municipality.
Bicycles: fines from April 1, 2026
From April 1, 2026 cycling fines are immediate: phone while riding 12,000 yen, red light or wrong way 6,000 yen. The alcohol limit is the same as for cars.
Drones
Registration is required for drones from 100 g up, and permits are needed to fly. Central Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto are no-fly zones. Penalties go up to 500,000 yen.
Mount Fuji
During the official season (July 1 to September 10) the trails require a mandatory 4,000 yen fee and registration. Outside the season, access to closed trails is forbidden.
Nara deer
The deer are protected animals: do not hit them or chase them. Feed them only the official crackers sold on site.
Rules change often and depend on the municipality: always check the signs on site and the official websites of the places you visit.
Five phrases that open doors
| How to say it | How it is written | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| kohn-nee-chee-wah | こんにちは (konnichiwa) | Good day / hello |
| oh-hah-yoh goh-zah-ee-mahs | おはようございます (ohayō gozaimasu) | Good morning |
| ah-ree-gah-toh goh-zah-ee-mahs | ありがとうございます (arigatō gozaimasu) | Thank you very much |
| soo-mee-mah-sen | すみません (sumimasen) | Excuse me (to call someone or to apologize) |
| ee-tah-dah-kee-mahs | いただきます (itadakimasu) | Said before eating |
Read the first column as if it were English, stressing each syllable evenly: the final "u" of "masu" is barely heard. Even just trying is a sign of respect, and Japanese people appreciate the effort.
Translator and maps? Stay connected
Camera translation to read menus and signs only works with internet. Choose an eSIM or a Pocket WiFi before you leave.
What people ask most often
Do I have to take off my shoes in restaurants?
Only in some, especially traditional ones. If you see a raised platform or a tatami floor at the entrance, take off your shoes.
Can I shake hands?
Yes, but only if the other person offers. A small bow is usually preferable.
Can I talk on the phone on the train?
No, it is considered rude. If you have to answer, do it in a very low voice and for a few seconds only, or get off at the next stop.
Do you tip in Japan?
No. It is not customary and can cause embarrassment: service is included in the price.
Can I eat while walking on the street?
It is better to avoid it. Stop next to the shop or in a dedicated area. At markets and festivals it is more tolerated.
Can I enter an onsen with tattoos?
It depends on the property: some forbid it, others allow it or offer private baths. Ask before you go.
What happens if I make a blunder?
Nothing serious: Japanese people are patient with tourists. Apologizing with a "sumimasen" and a small bow is enough.