Do's & Don'ts in Japan

What Not to Do in Japan

Social etiquette in Japan is a lot different from what many of us are used to. Even after living here for two years, I’m still learning new nuances of acceptable behavior. Recently, I had to issue a formal apology for not responding promptly to an email, as it’s considered rude in Japan to take longer than a day to reply. 

Some rules may seem silly or outright pointless at first, but over time, I've come to really appreciate them because they've helped shape me in ways I'm proud of. If you're coming to Japan, you'll likely find that many of these rules are useful in more situations than you might expect, and you may grow to appreciate them too.

Most of you are probably familiar with some of the basic do’s and don’ts, such as not talking on the phone in the subway, not leaving a tip, and removing your shoes before entering someone’s house.

Because there are so many different rules, it’s easy to worry about making a mistake. To be honest, I think even Japanese people feel this pressure, but it's more intense for them. As a foreigner, you often get a bit of leeway, so it’s okay not to know or get everything right.

When people ask me what to watch out for, I usually advise them to simply be mindful of others. I realize this is a skill that I had to improve when living here, and something I’ve really come to appreciate learning. Tokyo, especially, is such a busy city that being considerate of those around you is essential.

For example, when I first arrived, I found it hard to remember not to stop suddenly if I was unsure where I was going. In Japan, it’s expected that you move to the side before stopping so others can pass. 

I find it almost amusing how well-developed this skill is among Japanese people. Sometimes, when I’m cycling behind someone slowly and quietly, they still somehow sense I’m there and move aside. It’s quite impressive.

I believe this mindfulness of others sets the standard for many other social rules, like for example not talking on the subway. Just as you don’t want to hear others chatting loudly on their phones, it makes sense that you shouldn’t do it either.

I wanted to list a few things I’ve noticed sometimes visitors do in Japan that can be frustrating to witness and some things you should be aware of that could help on your trip here as well:

1. Disturbing Nature: I once saw someone tearing off sakura leaves from a tree near a temple, and it was painful to watch. The act seemed so out of place, especially in such a culturally significant setting. It’s important to remember that you don’t own your surroundings, especially in a country like Japan, where natural beauty and public spaces are respected and cherished. The sakura, cherry blossoms, are symbolic in Japan, representing the fleeting nature of life.

Simple actions like refraining from picking flowers, and observing wildlife from a distance help preserve beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy, both now and in the future. 

2. Yelling Inside Stores: Often, when traveling in groups, people get separated while browsing in shops, the instinct might be to call out to each other across the store. However, in Japan, it’s considered much more courteous to avoid raising your voice in public spaces. Instead of yelling to find each other, simply walk over to where they are. This small effort makes the shopping experience much more pleasant and peaceful for everyone around you. 

3. Thinking Rules Don’t Apply to You: I think it's more common for us to try and talk our way through situations to avoid following certain rules. We might say, "This doesn't apply to me because of X, Y, or Z reasons," or find ways to avoid them because some rules can seem too strict or unnecessary. But in Japan, that approach doesn't really work, and I've actually over time found comfort in this strictness. The same rules apply to everyone, so there's no need to try and elbow your way through. If you do end up breaking a rule, it's likely that staff or someone else will inform you politely.

I learned this the hard way and my most shameful rule-breaking moment in Japan was trying to film while on a rollercoaster. They actually stopped the entire ride, and I had to hand over my camera in front of everyone, who was likely frustrated and annoyed at being held up by the guy breaking the rules. That experience really drove home the importance of respecting the rules, not just for your own sake but for everyone around you.

4. Cutting Lines: Japanese people are very accustomed to waiting in line. This was shocking to me at first because in the past growing up, I’d see a long line and immediately decide it wasn’t worth the wait. Here, though, even if the lines are long, they’re orderly because people don’t cut in line. I remember when I was back in Europe and while I was waiting in line to pay, someone cut in while I wasn’t looking. I had given too much space in front of me and someone took the opportunity.  Suddenly, I felt like I had to be on guard every time I stood in line, and it made the experience of standing in line much more unpleasant. This doesn’t have to be the case, and so even though lines in Japan are often long, they don’t have to be unpleasant. 

There are many other things I could list, but I wanted to focus on the ones that felt more personal to me. These are the experiences that have had a real impact on my time in Japan. However, I also wanted to share some things that you should do while you’re here. When friends have visited Japan for the first time, I've been maybe too careful not to overwhelm them with too much information, but there are a few key things I regret not mentioning. For example:

1. Absolutely Carry Cash!
Despite Japan having a silly amount of payment options, carrying cash is still crucial. 

They say "cash is king," but in reality, 1000 yen bills are the real royalty. Some restaurants for example use ticket-order machines, where you order food upon entering, and many of these machines don’t give enough change for a 10,000 yen bill. I always make sure to break my 10,000 yen bills whenever I get a chance. 1000 yen bills are always comforting for me to have in my wallet. 

Things have improved since the Olympics (you can now pay with a card in taxis, for example), but I’m still surprised by how often cash is necessary. I once had a doctor’s visit where they didn’t accept cards and wanted a substantial payment in cash, very unexpected! So, just always be sure to carry cash to make your life easier.

2. Always Keep a Trash Bag in Your Backpack
In Japan, you’re expected to carry your own trash, which can feel weird and annoying at first. Having to awkwardly carry around the wrappings of a snack after you’ve eaten it - to realize there’s just no trash cans anywhere around. But once you get used to this, it’s not a big deal. All you have to do is make sure you have a way to store your trash until you’re back at your hotel. I usually keep trash in my pocket or carry a plastic bag in my backpack. A bit of an inconvenience, but not the end of the world. Considering how clean streets are in Japan, it’s a sacrifice well worth it.

3. Returning Things to Their Original State
I love this rule because it’s useful in private life too. Simple actions can keep things in better order. For example, when using a restaurant table, it’s common for people to clean and wipe it, and to make sure the stools are pushed back (which is very easy to forget). Applying this habit to my own home made me realize it’s possible to keep things tidy with just simple actions. You might not think it’s a big deal, but everyone’s small efforts make a huge difference.

4. Say Thanks!
Okay, you’ve definitely heard of this. But in Japan, expressing gratitude is deeply ingrained in the culture, and it’s done frequently—sometimes to the point where it might seem excessive. Whether you’re in a casual setting or a formal one, showing appreciation through a simple thank you is considered polite and expected.

The phrase "arigatou gozaimasu" (ありがとうございます) is the go-to way to say "thank you" in Japanese, and you’ll find yourself using it often. It’s used in a wide variety of situations: when receiving a service, when someone holds the door open for you, when a store clerk hands you your change. There’s so many more ways to say thank you, but I think really "arigatou gozaimasu" goes a long way. 

Even a simple nod can be enough in some settings. For instance, if you let someone pass you on the street, it’s likely they will acknowledge your effort with a nod. I love this small gesture of recognition, it creates a sense of mutual respect and encourages you to be more helpful to others. After experiencing this in Japan, I noticed when I went back to Europe that this kind of acknowledgment is less common. It made me realize that without it, offering help can sometimes feel presumptuous rather than appreciated.

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The Kjellbergs