Japan is known for its politeness and order, and many first-time visitors worry about “getting things wrong.” You do not need to memorise hundreds of rules to behave respectfully — a handful of core principles, plus a few situation-specific tips, cover most of what tourists actually need.
Etiquette around temples and shrines, restaurants, public transport and onsen (温泉) tends to matter most for visitors, since these are the situations where small mistakes are most noticeable to those around you.
Table of Contents
- General Manners in Japan
- Temple and Shrine Etiquette
- Restaurant and Dining Etiquette
- Public Transport Etiquette
- Onsen (Hot Spring) Etiquette
- Smoking and Public Behaviour Rules
- Frequently Asked Questions
General Manners in Japan
Bowing and Greetings
You are not expected to perform perfect formal bows. Simple nods and polite greetings are fine for almost every tourist situation.
- A small bow or nod when saying hello or thank you is appreciated.
- Avoid overly familiar physical contact with strangers, such as hugs or back-slapping.
Keeping Your Voice Down
Speaking loudly on public transport or in enclosed spaces is generally seen as inconsiderate.
- Keep conversations quiet on trains and buses.
- Avoid phone calls inside train carriages; if a call is necessary, step onto the platform first.
Punctuality
Punctuality matters more in Japan than in many other countries. Arrive on time for tours, restaurant reservations and trains, since lateness can come across as disrespectful of other people’s time.
Temple and Shrine Etiquette
Japan has a large number of religious sites, particularly Shinto shrines (神社, jinja) and Buddhist temples (寺, tera). The two have slightly different customs, but the general approach below works respectfully at both.
Dress Code
There is no strict dress code at most shrines and temples, but modest clothing is appreciated.
- Avoid offensive slogans or clothing that is very revealing.
- Remove hats when entering inner halls, where signage or local custom indicates you should.
Basic Shrine Visit Steps
At Shinto shrines, most visitors follow a simple, widely recognised pattern.
- Torii gate (鳥居): Give a light bow before walking through, ideally along the side rather than the centre of the path.
- Purification fountain (temizuya): Rinse your hands and mouth lightly using the provided ladle, following any posted instructions.
- Main hall: Offer a small coin, bow, clap gently if that is the local custom, then bow again before stepping away.
If you are unsure of the exact steps, it is perfectly acceptable to watch other visitors and mirror their behaviour respectfully.
Photography Rules
Many temples and shrines allow photography in outdoor courtyards but restrict it inside inner halls or in specific designated areas. Look for posted signs, and avoid photographing worshippers up close without their permission.
Restaurant and Dining Etiquette
Japanese dining etiquette has a few distinctive points that are easy to learn and worth knowing before your trip.
Chopstick Rules
Certain chopstick behaviours are considered rude because they are associated with funeral rites.
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.
- Do not pass food directly from one set of chopsticks to another.
- Do not use chopsticks to point at people or wave them around while talking.
Placing chopsticks neatly across your bowl, or on a chopstick rest if one is provided, is perfectly acceptable between bites.
To learn the correct way to hold and use chopsticks before travelling to Japan, read our How to Use Chopsticks guide for a full step-by-step breakdown.
Saying Itadakimasu and Gochisousama
Many Japanese people say itadakimasu (いただきます) before eating and gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) after finishing a meal. You are not obliged to use these phrases as a visitor, but saying them quietly is often appreciated as a small sign of respect.
Tipping in Japan
Japan operates on a non-tipping culture in almost all everyday situations.
- Leaving cash on the table can confuse staff, or the money may be politely returned to you.
- Good service is the standard expectation, and staff wages are not supplemented through tips.
If you genuinely want to show appreciation, a sincere verbal thank-you is generally more appropriate than leaving money.
Public Transport Etiquette
Japan’s trains and buses run on a strong shared expectation of order and consideration for other passengers.
Queuing for Trains
Passengers typically form organised queues at marked positions on the platform.
- Join the line at the marked spot and wait your turn to board.
- Let passengers exit the train fully before you step on.
Priority Seating and Phone Use
Priority seats are reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, people with disabilities and parents travelling with small children.
- Offer up a priority seat if someone who needs it boards and no other seats are free.
- Switch your phone to silent mode (“manner mode”) and avoid taking calls while on board.
Luggage Placement
Large luggage should be kept out of the way of doors and aisles at all times. On the Shinkansen, use the overhead racks or the designated oversized-luggage spaces at the back of some carriages, rather than leaving suitcases in the aisle.
Onsen (Hot Spring) Etiquette
Onsen are a highlight of many Japan trips, but they come with a specific set of customs that differ from typical Western spa etiquette.
Washing Before Entering
The most important rule is to wash thoroughly at the washing area before entering the communal bath.
- Sit on the provided stool, use the soap and shower head, and rinse off completely.
- Only enter the bath once you are clean; the bath itself is for soaking, not washing.
Clothing and Towels
Most traditional onsen require bathing without clothing, with separate areas for men and women.
- Swimsuits are generally not permitted unless a facility specifically states otherwise, such as some mixed-bathing or family onsen resorts.
- A small modesty towel can be carried while walking around, but should be kept out of the bathwater itself.
Tattoos
Some onsen and public baths still restrict visible tattoos, historically due to associations with organised crime, although policies have been gradually relaxing, especially at facilities used to international visitors.
Check the specific facility’s policy before you go. Some allow tattoos outright, others ask you to cover small tattoos with a waterproof patch, and some still prohibit visible tattoos entirely.
Smoking and Public Behaviour Rules
Many Japanese cities restrict smoking while walking on public streets and require smokers to use designated smoking areas.
- Smoke only in clearly signed smoking zones, which are often located near stations or inside some cafes and bars.
- Some municipalities, including parts of Tokyo, enforce fines for smoking on the street outside designated areas, so check local signage.
Eating while walking is not illegal and rules vary by location, but in busy shopping streets and near food stalls it is common courtesy to step to one side or finish food near the stall rather than walking through crowds while eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rude to tip in Japan?
Tipping is not expected and is sometimes politely declined. A sincere thank you is generally seen as more culturally appropriate than leaving money.
Can tourists visit onsen with tattoos?
Policies vary by facility. Some onsen allow tattoos, some ask you to cover them with a patch, and some still prohibit visible tattoos entirely. Always check the specific onsen’s rules in advance.
Do I need to bow to everyone in Japan?
No. Simple nods and generally polite behaviour are enough for tourists. Formal, deeper bows are more relevant in business or ceremonial contexts that visitors rarely encounter.
What should I avoid doing on Japanese trains?
Avoid loud conversations, phone calls inside the carriage, blocking doors with luggage, and sitting in priority seats if you are healthy and able-bodied and the train is busy.
Good etiquette in Japan comes down to observation, quietness and consideration for the people around you, rather than memorising an exhaustive rulebook. Bookmark this guide before your trip, and when in doubt at a temple, restaurant or onsen, watching how local visitors behave is always a safe way to follow suit.