Experience Japan the Right Way
Learn the essential etiquette that will make your Japan trip unforgettable — and respectful!
Start Exploring →
Learn the essential etiquette that will make your Japan trip unforgettable — and respectful!
Start Exploring →Shinkansen, subway, and taxi rules
🍜Ramen, sushi, izakaya manners
♨️Hot spring bathing etiquette
⛩️Visit sacred places with respect
💼Meishi, meetings, professional culture
🌆Trash, smoking, queueing rules
👟When to remove shoes & traditional stays
🆘Essential Japanese phrases for travelers
Japan has a rich culture built on respect, harmony, and consideration for others. Understanding local etiquette isn't just about following rules — it's the key to deeper connections, warmer welcomes, and more authentic experiences throughout your journey.
A slight bow (15°) is a universal greeting. The deeper the bow, the more respect shown.
Always remove shoes when entering homes, ryokan, and many traditional restaurants.
Phone calls on trains are frowned upon. Keep voices low in public spaces.
Public bins are rare but streets are spotless. Carry your rubbish until you find a bin.
Credit cards and IC payments are widely used, but small restaurants, temples, shrines, and rural shops may still require cash.
Bring local treats (omiyage) when visiting. Never open gifts immediately upon receiving.
Short animation videos to show you exactly how Japan's etiquette works — without a single word needed.
More videos being added across all categories ✨
Deeper dives into Japan's most-asked etiquette questions
Queuing, boarding, phone rules — everything tourists need to know
Slurping, solo dining, ordering at a ramen shop the right way
Which onsen allow tattoos? Private baths, policies & tips
Not just a stamp — the respectful way to collect shrine seals
The surprising answer — and what to do with your garbage
Real stories & how to fix them — from phone calls to Shinkansen luggage rules
The pre-wash rule, towels in water, phones, tattoos — avoid every mistake
Geisha fines, temple bans, onsen rules — what's allowed and what gets you in trouble
Otoshi charges, kampai customs, and how to split the bill
Konbini etiquette — basket rules, cashier phrases & hidden tips
Yukata, futon, meal times — what foreigners get wrong at ryokan
Matsuri & hanabi rules — yukata, spot-saving, food stall tips
Laptop rules, long stays, kissaten vs chain cafe customs
Do you tip? Where it's rude, where it's OK, and what to do instead
The dos and don'ts of Japanese chopstick manners — avoid funeral taboos
Soy sauce tips, wasabi rules, ginger use, and sushi bar manners
Toilet slippers, washlet buttons, squat toilets, and public restroom tips
Tokyo stands left, Osaka stands right — avoid common escalator mistakes
Omiyage culture, wrapping, taboo gifts, and the refusal ritual explained
Bow depth (15°, 30°, 45°), hand positions, when to bow and when not to
