Last Updated on March 8, 2026

Konnichiwa! This year, Japan was voted the best country in the world. With over 600 varieties of Sakura trees showering the landscape with spring blossoms, summer matsuri festivals, serene hot springs, and the majestic Mount Fuji, it’s no surprise that Japan welcomes million of visitors annually.

But if you’re thinking of visiting the Land of the Rising Sun, it’s important to be respectful of their age-old traditions and culture. So you can make the most of your vacation, it’s crucial to learn about Japanese etiquette before you embark on your luxury tour of Japan, for example with Scott Dunn.

In this post, I’ve compiled a list of the best Japanese etiquette tips to ensure your journey is as smooth as a perfectly rolled sushi 😉

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

What etiquette should you be aware of?

Etiquette is very important in Japanese culture. Passed down from generation to generation, it’s all about showing respect, consideration, and appreciation for others. Below you can read more information about Japanese etiquette;

– Bowing

Bowing is a common greeting and a sign of respect in Japan. How deep you should bow is determined by the context and the relationship of the individuals. A slight bow with a nod is appropriate for casual encounters, while a deeper bow is reserved for more formal situations. Just be careful not to overdo it. When bowing, remember to keep your back straight and your hands by your sides. You can also nod your head in informal situations.

– Take your shoes off indoors

Once you step inside a Japanese home or certain traditional establishments like restaurants, inns, tempels or museums, it’s common to ditch your outdoor shoes. You’ll be handed a pair of comfy indoor slippers, but beware, the bathroom has its own designated pair! Ensure you’re wearing clean socks with no holes 😉

– Tatami mats

Whether you find yourself in a traditional ryokan or a tea ceremony, it’s important to master the art of sitting on tatami mats. Kneel gracefully, tuck your feet underneath you, and resist the urge to sprawl out like a starfish. Your inner Zen master will thank you for embracing this centuries-old tradition.

– Use chopsticks properly 

With sushi now a favorite cuisine in America and worldwide, you probably yearn to get a taste of authentic Japanese food. In Tokyo itself, you’ll find plenty of rustic eateries sitting proudly next to omakase spots. With each dish prepared with skill and shokunin perfectionism, it’s hard to have a bad meal in Japan.

As well as holding chopsticks properly, it’s important to be mindful of where you’re placing them in between bites. Never put chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice – this resembles a funeral ritual and is seen as bad karma. Instead, use the chopstick holders or – if you don’t have a holder – simply rest them across the top of your ramen bowl. You should also never pass food from chopstick to chopstick. This is another funeral ritual which should be always avoided.

Tip: slurping, however, is perfectly acceptable and even considered a sign of appreciation for your meal.

– Be quiet in public spaces 

Japanese society values tranquillity. When you’re in public, keep noise to a minimum by limiting conversations and using headphones. Keep your phone on silent, speak in hushed tones, and save your laughter for the karaoke bar.

– Await your turn 

Japan takes queuing seriously, and so should you. Whether you’re waiting for the train, bus, or vending machine, maintain a neat and orderly line. Pushing and shoving are major no-nos. You should also keep a respectful distance from others. Embrace the Japanese virtue of patience. Good things come to those who wait.

– Be polite 

Always be polite when you’re interacting with strangers, elders, or colleagues in Japan. The Japanese call this polite manner ‘Keigo’. To get off on the right foot, try to learn some Japanese greetings and phrases before you travel. 

– Give gifts the right way

In Japan, gift-giving is a tradition expressing gratitude and respect. When presenting a gift, do so with both hands and a gracious bow. You should also be careful not to give gifts in sets of four. This is a number associated with death in Japanese culture and should be avoided!  And remember, it’s customary for the recipient to initially refuse the gift. Persistence is key, so don’t give up too easily! 😉

Conclusion

Embracing Japanese culture and etiquette is one way you can experience the ‘real’ authenticity of this wonderful country. The Japanese look after their guests extremely well, so the least you can do is be polite, friendly, and courteous.

If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!

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