Manners and etiquette in Japan

Learn common etiquette for meals, footwear, trains, buses, hot springs and everyday interactions in Japan, based on JNTO guidance, without having to memorise every local custom.

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  • Before you go
  • Customs and etiquette

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), understanding and respecting local etiquette can make a trip more enjoyable, but it is not necessary to master every custom. Observing what people around you do is the best approach. This page summarises common manners introduced by JNTO.

Key points

  • Shoes: Remove your shoes at the entrance to most Japanese homes. Many Japanese restaurants, temples and hot springs also have rules about removing shoes, so check first.
  • Public transport: You may speak quietly on trains and buses, but do not make phone calls. Let passengers get off before boarding, and offer priority seats to older people, pregnant people and people with disabilities.
  • Meals: Say “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisosama deshita” after finishing.
  • Onsen: Wash yourself before bathing, keep small towels out of the bathwater and check tattoo rules in advance.

Dining

JNTO’s official guidance:

Item Guidance
Before and after meals Before eating, say itadakimasu (), roughly meaning “I gratefully receive this meal”; after eating, say gochisosama deshita () to express thanks for the meal
Leftovers Leaving food uneaten is not considered good manners, and taking leftovers away is generally not accepted
Group meals People usually wait until everyone has been served before eating; it is customary to ask before taking the last portion of a shared dish
Sushi Sushi may be eaten with chopsticks or by hand. Usually only the fish is dipped in soy sauce, not the rice, and wasabi should not be mixed directly into soy sauce. High-end sushi restaurants tend to have stricter etiquette; conveyor-belt sushi restaurants and chains are more casual
Noodles Slurping ramen, udon and soba is generally accepted, but you do not have to force yourself to do so

For seating and rules at yatai food stalls, see Fukuoka yatai guide for beginners.

Everyday interactions

  • Japanese people generally have less physical contact in everyday interactions, including kissing, hugging, handshakes and public displays of affection.
  • In most situations, a nod or bow is an appropriate greeting.
  • Common expressions introduced by JNTO: sumimasen () can mean “sorry”, “excuse me” or even “thank you”; arigato gozaimasu () is a direct expression of thanks; yoroshiku onegaishimasu () is used when asking someone to do something or when meeting for the first time.
  • See Useful Japanese phrases for more travel expressions.

Removing shoes

  • In most Japanese homes, remove your shoes at the entrance. As you enter, you can say ojama shimasu (), meaning something like “Sorry to intrude”.
  • Shoes are also not worn in many Japanese-style restaurants, temples and hot springs; pay attention to the rules.

Using public transport

  • Speaking quietly on trains and buses is acceptable, but phone calls are generally not accepted, regardless of volume.
  • Queue beside the vehicle doors and let disembarking passengers get off first.
  • Offer priority seats to older people, pregnant people and people with disabilities.

Onsen

Key points from JNTO’s official guide:

  1. Remove all clothing in the changing room, including swimwear. Onsen bathing is normally done naked, with separate areas for men and women.
  2. Keep small towels out of the water: Fold the towel and place it on your head or beside the bath. Tie up long hair or wrap it in a towel.
  3. Wash before entering the bath: Wash thoroughly with soap and shampoo at the washing area, then rinse. Before entering the bath, pour hot water over yourself (called kakeyu) to adjust to the temperature.
  4. Speak quietly in changing rooms and bathing areas. Leave your phone outside the bathing area, and avoid swimming or splashing.
  5. Tattoos: According to official guidance, some traditional onsen may not admit people with tattoos, although this is changing. You can look for tattoo-friendly facilities or reserve a private bath. Check before bathing.

For onsen near Fukuoka, see Fukuoka accommodation and onsen.

Drinking outdoors

JNTO’s Local Laws page explains that drinking outdoors is not illegal and is part of the culture, but being noisy does not fit local customs. Take your rubbish with you. See Local laws in Japan for more information.

Drinking water

Official English-language material from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) explains that tap water is disinfected with chlorine and managed in accordance with water-quality standards to provide clean water. This material does not give a publication date or drinking advice specifically for travellers. Therefore:

  • The number of items and values in the current water-quality standards are not listed on that official page, so this site does not quote them.
  • For conditions affecting pipes in individual buildings, temporary water interruptions or post-disaster situations, pay attention to notices and information from your accommodation.
  • For confirmation, ask your accommodation or the local waterworks bureau.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need to study Japanese etiquette specially?

JNTO says you do not need to master everything. Understanding and respect are sufficient; observe what people around you do.

Further reading

Sources