Japanese Etiquette: The Ultimate Guide

As exciting as a trip to Japan seems, your first-time trip may also come with fears that you’ll do something wrong and offend the people around you, evoking horrified gasps from onlookers. Now, while you probably won’t have to worry about that, Japan is a country with many cultural norms and expectations that you may not have back home.

With our ultimate guide to Japanese etiquette, we’ll make sure you’re never caught out (or accidentally taking part in funeral rites!).

Why is etiquette important in Japan?

One of the most important parts of travel is being able to enjoy a country and its culture without affecting the people around you. In Japan, where overtourism is becoming a bigger problem every year—with certain regions, such as Kyoto and Hokkaido, adding additional lodging tax for inbound visitors—the negative impact of tourists has never been quite so clear…

Litter is increasing, online streamers cause a ruckus on women-only carriages, and geishas are swarmed for photographs without consent. The list goes on. Of course, these incidents are few and far between, but every time someone enters Japan without keeping etiquette and general decency in mind, it makes the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

So, in order to make sure you don’t join the ranks of Japan’s most-disliked visitors, showing respect to their customs and culture is the most important thing you can do.

Find out more: A Guide to Exploring Japan Responsibly

Japanese table etiquette

Eating out is one of the best parts of coming to Japan and allows you to truly immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine and culture while rubbing shoulders with the locals. So, let’s make sure you’re doing it right.

Before starting your meal

Use the provided oshibori (wet towel) for your hands

In Japan, oshibori are complimentary wet towels—either warm or cold, depending on the season—provided in restaurants and bars. As you might expect, the idea is that you’re cleaning your hands before enjoying food and drinks.

Tip: The wet towel is only intended to freshen up your hands, so avoid using it to wipe your face or neck.

Say itadakimasu to show gratitude

In Japan, "itadakimasu" (いただきます) is a phrase said before a meal to express gratitude, both for the food itself and for the people who made it, from its humble ingredients to the finished meal. Literally translated, itadakimasu means “I humbly receive,” reflecting the gratitude of receiving the food.

Eating with chopsticks

Do:

• Hold the chopsticks in your dominant hand—some people have a belief that using your left hand is rude, but this isn’t the case!
• When taking food from a communal dish, use the opposite, clean end of your chopsticks, not the end that has been in contact with your mouth.

Don't:

• Stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice; this resembles funeral rites. This is perhaps the biggest faux pas to avoid, as many Japanese people are superstitious and you may have them fleeing from the table.
• Pass food from your chopsticks to someone else's; it’s considered rude (not to mention that it’s difficult to do).
• Point, play with, or spear your food with chopsticks.
• Leave your chopsticks resting on your rice bowl; it is considered bad luck. Where possible, place your chopsticks on the provided chopstick rest, called a hashioki (箸置き; はしおき)

Eating rice

• Pick up your rice bowl: Hold the small bowl in your non-dominant hand, bring it close to your mouth, and use chopsticks to scoop rice into your mouth. Stooping down towards your bowl is considered bad manners, called inugui (犬食い; いぬぐい) for its similarity to the way a dog eats.
• Avoid pouring soy sauce directly over your rice. It is meant to be enjoyed plain, allowing you to enjoy the high-quality of Japan’s revered rice, while also bringing out the flavors of other dishes.
• Avoid over-ordering: This applies to all dishes, but wasting even a grain of rice due to greed may be frowned upon. Of course, don’t force yourself to finish a dish if you’re truly full, but order what you believe you can finish.

Eating sushi

• One sushi, one bite: Each piece of sushi is designed to be eaten in a single mouthful (if possible).
• Chopsticks or hands? Both are acceptable ways to eat sushi, but using your fingers allows you to appreciate the texture and temperature more directly.
• Dipping in soy sauce: When using soy sauce, turn the nigiri (sushi with topping on rice) and dip the fish side into the sauce to avoid the rice falling apart.

After the meal: Saying thank you

Gochisousama deshita: Express your gratitude by saying "gochisousama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした) after the meal, pressing your hands together in a way that almost resembles praying.

Tip: “Gochisousama deshita” can also be used to say thank you and ask for the bill, as it implies that you’re ready to leave.

Find out more: Guide to Japanese Table Manners

Japanese drinking etiquette

Drinking is a key part of social bonding in Japan, and understanding the unspoken rules—such as how to pour for others—shows respect and keeps the good times flowing.

Pouring drinks for others

It's customary to pour drinks for others before yourself, if sharing a bottle of something. Hold the bottle with both hands when pouring, or, if being poured for, support the glass with one hand.

Pro tip: When ordering a large bottle of beer, you may be given small glasses. This is so that one bottle can be shared between the group, strengthening bonds between friends and colleagues.

Toasting drinks

Before drinking, it's common to raise a toast with "kanpai!" As you might expect, it simply means, “cheers!”

Wait for everyone: Don't start drinking until everyone at the table has been served.

Paying for drinks in a group

In group settings, it's common to split the bill equally, regardless of individual consumption. As a result, people are often aware of what they are ordering, either choosing dishes that can be shared or that are of a similar price to existing orders.

Find out more: Japanese Sake Etiquette

Useful Japanese for dining in Japan

Here are some of the most common Japanese phrases for dining.

Japanese greeting etiquette

When visiting or interacting with Japanese people, understanding greeting etiquette is essential. Greetings in Japan go beyond simple words—they reflect respect, social hierarchy, and cultural values.

Saying hello in Japanese

Hello in the morning

Ohayou gozaimasu (おはようございます): This formal greeting means "good morning" and is used until around 10am. Among friends or in casual settings, it's shortened to just ohayou (おはよう).

Hearing ohayo in the afternoon? Don’t worry, you haven’t lost your mind—ohayou gozaimasu can also be used for the first time you’ve seen someone that day, especially within the workplace.

Hello during the day

Konnichiwa (こんにちは): Used from late morning until early evening, "konnichiwa" is the standard way to say "hello" or "good afternoon." It’s polite and appropriate in most settings.

Hello during the evening

Konbanwa (こんばんは): This phrase means "good evening" and is used after sunset. It’s a polite way to greet someone later in the day.

Saying goodbye in Japanese

• Soro soro (そろそろ): This expression gently gives the idea that it’s time for you, or the group, to leave. It gives an atmosphere of, “well, I’d better be going.”
• Mata ne or Ja ne (またね / じゃね): Casual ways to say “see you” or “later.” These are used among friends or peers, not to superiors.
• Mata ashita (また明日): Means “see you tomorrow.” A friendly, everyday phrase that’s common in schools and workplaces.
• Sayounara (さようなら): While you may have been taught that this means “goodbye,” it carries a sense of finality or long-term parting. People don’t use this every day, and it is more appropriate when you won’t see someone for a long time.

Physical contact in Japan

Bowing vs handshakes

As you’ve probably heard, bowing is the most common greeting in Japan. From a quick nod of the head for a passing thanks to 90-degree angles for formal bows, there’s a bow for every social hierarchy and occasion.

Though handshakes are becoming slightly more common, especially in business settings where multiple cultures collide, bowing is still more prevalent. So, unless you know someone well enough that you know they enjoy hugs, we’d recommend sticking with the classic bow.

Punctuality

Punctuality varies in importance by country and culture, but is highly regarded in Japan. Avoid arriving late, whether you’re meeting friends, colleagues, or clients. However, don’t arrive too early, either! Arriving really early puts pressure on the person you’re meeting as they’ll feel like they’re making you wait—or, if you’re heading to their place, they may not yet be ready to receive guests.

Business cards in Japan: Etiquette and best practices

In Japanese business culture, the exchange of business cards—meishi koukan (名刺交換)—is a highly layered custom. From how you present your business card to how you treat theirs is all a choreographed dance of mutual respect and cultural awareness, setting the foundation for a professional relationship.

Before the exchange

• Be well-prepared: Always carry a sufficient number of business cards in immaculate condition, stored in a proper cardholder. A worn or bent card can reflect poorly on you.
• Respect hierarchy: In group settings, cards are exchanged according to rank. The guest or visiting party typically offers their cards first, beginning with the most senior person.

Presenting your business card

• Use both hands: Present your card using both hands as a sign of respect.
• Make sure it faces the correct way: Ensure the Japanese side is facing the recipient, with your company logo at the top, making it easy to read.
• Add a bow: Accompany the gesture with a slight bow to convey politeness.
• Introduce yourself clearly: State your company name, department, and full name while presenting the card.

Receiving a card

• Accept with both hands: Take the card with both hands at chest level, showing attentiveness.
• Acknowledge the gesture: Say “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you), “hajimemashite” (nice to meet you), or “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (I look forward to working with you).
• Take a moment: Hold the card carefully and take a few seconds to read the details—this shows genuine interest and respect.
• Handle with care: Never write on, fold, or place the card in your pocket or wallet while the person is still present.
• Keep the card visible: If you're seated, place the card neatly on the table in front of you during the meeting.

After the exchange

• Store respectfully: Once the meeting concludes, place received cards in your cardholder, not loosely in your pocket or bag.
• Recognize its cultural importance: Treat the business card exchange as a formal introduction—it’s a small act that carries significant weight in building professional rapport in Japan.

Find out more: How to Greet in Japan

Japanese shrine and temple etiquette

Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines are sacred places in Japan, and each has its own customs. From bowing at the entrance to purifying your hands and mouth, observing proper etiquette shows respect for the spiritual significance of these sites.

Entering a Japanese shrine or temple

Bow before you pass through the torii gate

The torii gate at the entrance of a Japanese shrine acts as the line between the secular and sacred worlds. When entering a shrine, bow once before the torii, then walk to the side of the path—only deities may walk along the center.

Purify your hands

Next, use the temizuya water basin to purify your hands and mouth, following a very specific process:

1. Rinse your left hand: Scoop water with the ladle in your right hand, pour it over your left hand, and let the water drain.

2. Rinse your right hand: Switch the ladle to your left hand and pour water over your right hand.

3. Rinse your mouth: Scoop water into your left hand and rinse your mouth, but do not drink it directly from the ladle or touch your mouth to the ladle.

4. Rinse the ladle: Turn the ladle upright to let the remaining water rinse the ladle itself before placing it back.

How to pray at a Japanese shrine or temple

• Make an offering: Toss a small coin into the offering box to show respect. If you have a ¥5 coin, even better, as the Japanese pronunciation of "five yen" (go-en) sounds like the word for "good connection" or "fate."
• Pray: Bow twice, clap twice, and then bow a third time after praying.

Find out more: How to Visit a Shrine and How to Visit a Temple

Leaving a temple or shrine

• Bow once more: As you exit through the torii gate, turn back toward the shrine and bow one final time to show respect and gratitude to the deities.

Transport etiquette

Japan’s public transportation system is known for its efficiency, cleanliness, and quiet atmosphere. Whether you're riding a train or bus, following local etiquette will avoid unwanted stares and have you train-hopping like a local.

Things NOT to do on trains and buses

Don’t talk loudly

Talking loudly on trains in Japan is considered rude and disruptive. Speak quietly, avoid speaking on the phone, and even keep your on-the-go media at a respectful volume, or the sound may bother those nearby.

Don’t eat or drink

Just like eating while walking is frowned upon, so is eating on public transport. Similarly, drinking from a bottle is fine. However, it’s not common to see people drinking from open containers while on the train or bus. Perhaps save that Strong Zero for back at your Airbnb…

Don’t sit in the Priority Seats section (unless you’re willing to move)

Trains and buses in Japan have a Priority Seats section. These are for the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone with a disability. Although it’s not rude to sit in this section if there is no one who visibly needs the seat, you should relinquish the seat if you see someone who does.

Look out for the Help Mark: If someone has one of these tags anywhere on their belongings, they are highlighting that they have a disability of some sort, whether or not it’s visible. When you see it, be sure to offer the seat.

Don’t forget about women-only carriages

In order to combat sexual harassment in Japan, which is unfortunately a growing issue and is often taking place on busy trains, women-only train cars have been introduced on many lines during rush hour. This allows women to travel without concern, even during busy periods.

If you’re a man traveling around Japan during rush hour, avoid these women-only carriages.

Note: These carriages are also open to elementary school-aged boys and passengers with disabilities.

Things NOT to do when traveling through Japan

Jaywalking

Jaywalking, meaning crossing the road “unlawfully”—that is to say, without waiting for the green pedestrian light or a zebra crossing—is illegal in Japan and can result in a fine of up to ¥50,000. It can also be penalized with up to three months in prison, though you’re more likely to get a slap on the wrist than go straight to jail. Even if the road is narrow and there are no cars coming, you’ll notice the locals still wait for the green light, so make sure you do the same.

Blocking the escalator

In Japan, it’s customary for people using escalators to stand on one side, allowing people to walk up the other side. However, you may see signs asking you not to walk up the escalator at all—this is due to changing opinions within local authorities that it would be safer to prohibit walking up the escalator in favor of people standing on both sides.

❗ Kanto vs Kansai: In the Kanto region (which covers Tokyo) and the Kansai region (including Osaka and Kyoto), escalator etiquette varies. In Kanto, people stand on the left, while in Kansai, people stand on the right.

Onsen and sento: Japanese bathing etiquette

Public bathing in Japan may set off your anxiety, and understandably so if it’s your first time, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences once you know how to do it.

Whether visiting an onsen (hot spring) or a sento (public bath), bathing in Japan follows a specific ritual centered around cleanliness, relaxation, and shared space. Proper etiquette—like washing thoroughly before entering the bath and maintaining a quiet atmosphere—is essential for respecting this cherished cultural tradition.

Check whether you need to bring towels

If you’re at a hotel with a public bath, you’ll likely have towels provided. Generally, there will be a larger towel for drying and a smaller towel (or cloth) for washing and protecting your modesty as you walk between different baths. However, if visiting a local sento (public bath used by locals), you will either need to rent these or bring your own.

Remove your shoes

You’ll likely need to remove your shoes at the door of the establishment or place them in a little locker or cupboard just before you enter the locker room.

Tip: Make sure your shoes are easy to remove and wear clean socks.

Enter the correct side

Most hot springs and public baths are split by gender. The male side is usually represented by a blue curtain adorned with the kanji for man (男), while the female side is represented by a red curtain adorned with the kanji for woman (女). When in doubt, check with the staff.

Undress in the locker room

In the locker room, you’ll either place your belongings into provided baskets or lockers, the latter of which may require a ¥100 coin—don’t worry, you’ll likely get the ¥100 coin back when you re-open it. So, now you’re going to fully undress. The only thing you’ll enter the actual bathing area with is your small modesty towel, leaving your clothes and larger towel in the locker.

Wash yourself before getting in the bath

In Japan, baths are less about hygiene and more about relaxing. So, even at home, people will often shower before they get in the bath. This allows them to simply soak in the bath, letting the worries of the day drift away. Hot springs and public baths are no different.

Most public baths have a section just to the side for washing yourself, often including a stool, tap and bucket, shower, and shampoo, body wash, and maybe hair conditioner—if they’re feeling fancy. Wash yourself thoroughly, ensuring that all suds are completely rinsed away before approaching the bath.

Getting into the onsen

Each bath usually has a small bucket or scoop on the edge. Before getting into any new baths, pour a few of these over yourself. This not only helps your body to acclimatize to the temperature of the water, but also means that you’re not bringing in too much other water from different baths.

Once you’re in the onsen

Now that you’re submerged in the calming waters of the hot spring, there are just a few things to remember:

• Don’t speak too loudly, if you’re visiting with friends—this is a place of relaxation.
• Avoid dunking your modesty towel in the water—it should rest on top of your head, or on the edge of the bath.
• Only enter the water up to your shoulders—your hair should never dip into the water. If you have long hair, it’s best to tie it up.

Wash again before you leave

Once you've enjoyed a long soak, wash off again at the same spot as before and then give yourself a wipe down with your modesty towel. This means that as you enter the changing room, you’re not leaving a trail of water behind you.

Are tattoos allowed in Japanese onsen?

As you may already know, some public baths in Japan don’t allow people to enter if they have tattoos. This is because, historically, tattoos were associated with the yakuza (organized crime). Even if a sento isn’t tattoo-friendly, you may be able to get away with covering your tattoo up with a skin-colored bandaid (if it’s not too large). If possible, it’s best to check whether tattoos are allowed before you turn up, towels in hand.

Find out more: A Guide to Sento

Nailing Japanese etiquette like a local

Understanding and respecting Japanese etiquette—whether you're greeting someone, exchanging business cards, dining out, or using public transport—shows not only cultural awareness but also genuine appreciation for the customs of Japan.

By learning a few key phrases and observing local norms, you'll not only make a positive impression but also deepen your experience and connections while in Japan.

Etiquette in Japan FAQs

Should I leave a tip in Japan?

No. It is not customary to tip in Japan, and leaving money behind will likely result in an awkward conversation (or staff chasing you down the street thinking you left money by accident).

Is slurping rude in Japan?

Though slurping your food in Western cultures may come off as rude, it is not a rude behavior in Japan. Especially when eating noodles, such as ramen or soba, it's a sign of appreciation and enjoyment. Slurping also slightly cools down the noodles before they reach your mouth.

Fun fact: Though slurping is normal in Japan, there is also a growing trend in younger generations to find excessive slurping to be irritating—it even has a term, ヌーハラ (Noo-hara), or “noodle harassment.”

Why do Japanese people say itadakimasu before eating?

Japanese people say itadakimasu before a meal to express gratitude for the food, translating literally to, “to humbly receive.” Within this one phrase, there’s an entire cultural understanding of the effort and lives—of both plants and animals—that went into the dish or meal.

What to say when leaving a restaurant in Japan?

When leaving a restaurant in Japan, you can say "Gochisousama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした), meaning "Thank you for the meal". This can also be used as a way to ask for the bill. Alternatively, you can use the classic "Arigatou gozaimashita" (ありがとうございました) to say “thank you.”

What is considered rude in Japan?

A number of behaviors may be considered rude in Japan, so here are some things to avoid:

• Being too loud in public
• Speaking on the phone while on public transport
• Eating while walking
• Smoking in public places—there are dedicated smoking areas, even outside!
• Being late (or even too early)
• Wearing shoes in someone’s home
• Entering an onsen without bathing
• Sticking chopsticks into a bowl of rice