Basic etiquettes to follow while traveling in Japan

Are you traveling to Japan for the first time?

Japan is known for its well and highly structured society, and there are many unspoken etiquette rules governing this beautiful country.
These unspoken etiquette rules are a little bit complicated and daunting.

Today we’ll introduce some basic etiquettes you must follow while traveling in Japan.

Don’t walk and eat

Eating while walking is considered impolite in Japan, so make sure to finish your food before walking away.
Sometimes eating while walking is acceptable, mostly at the festivals. Other than that, you’ll see most Japanese people carrying their takeout in sealed bags to eat or drink later.

Also, drinking and eating on public transport are not allowed.

No tipping

Unlike other countries, tipping is an uncommon thing in Japan.

Forget about tipping as restaurants, hotels, and other service providers have included service charge in the bills, so you don’t have to tip.
Tipping is usually unacceptable, and usually if you leave tip, they’ll return the money to you.

Take off your shoes

Unlike other Western countries, you must take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
A Japanese home / hotel will always slippers for guests to wear, so your socks will stay clean.

Some public facilities like temples and restaurants might also ask visitors to take off their shoes before entering.

Give up your seat

Japanese public transport is always packed, and you’re expected to give up your seat not only to the elderly or disabled, but also to pregnant women and those with small children.

Make sure to give up your seat to those who need it more.

No littering

Never throw your trash on the ground. Throw your rubbish into a trash can.

If you can’t find one, keep your rubbish with you and throw it when you’re back to the hotel or airbnb. Littering is prohibited in Japan at all cost.

Don’t cut the queue

No matter how long the queue is, Japanese people will queue orderly and neatly.
So make sure you don’t cut the queue and follow the direction of the queue.

The rules above are the essential parts of Japanese basic etiquettes that everyone in Japan follows.

You are expected to know those rules beforehand, so make sure to learn about them before visiting Japan,
and of course make sure to practice them while traveling around Japan!