So, you’re off to Japan. Sugoi! You’re dreaming of sushi trains, bullet trains and possibly even ninja trains (ok, maybe not). But while Japan is a traveller’s paradise of order, charm and efficiency, it also comes with a set of unwritten rules. Break them and you won’t end up in trouble, but you will earn some serious side-eye from locals.
Grab your chopsticks, straighten your socks and let’s run through ten things you definitely shouldn’t do if you want to blend in rather than blunder about like Godzilla in a china shop.
1. Don’t Eat While Walking
🍙 Japan loves food, but not the mobile-snacking kind.
Chowing down on a hot dog while striding through Shibuya will make you look sloppy. Eating is meant to be done sitting or standing neatly at the spot where you bought it.
💡 Tip: Convenience stores often have a bin or small space nearby. Pause, eat, then carry on.
2. Don’t Talk Loudly on Public Transport
🚇 Trains are eerily quiet… in the best way.
Locals don’t blast music, shout into their phones or loudly unpack life stories on the commute. It’s a zen bubble of silence.
💡 Tip: Put your phone on silent, keep chat low and enjoy the peaceful ride.
3. Don’t Forget to Take Off Your Shoes
👟 In homes, temples, ryokans and some restaurants, shoes stay at the door.
Walking inside with your trainers is basically cultural vandalism.
💡 Tip: Pack presentable socks. Nobody wants to see your worn-out pair with holes in the toes.
4. Don’t Stick Chopsticks Upright in Rice
🥢 It looks harmless, but in Japan this mimics a funeral ritual.
Do this at dinner and you’ll kill the mood faster than instant ramen.
💡 Tip: Rest them on the holder or across your bowl. Easy, respectful, no bad vibes.
5. Don’t Skip the Queue
🛤️ Japan loves an orderly line more than almost anything.
Whether it’s a train, ramen shop or escalator, barging ahead is peak rudeness.
💡 Tip: Follow the arrows on station floors. They’re not just decoration.
6. Don’t Point at People
👆 Pointing directly at someone can feel aggressive.
Want to gesture? Use your whole hand, palm facing up, like a polite game show host.
💡 Tip: A small nod or eye movement often does the job without any pointing at all.
7. Don’t Ignore Temple Etiquette
⛩️ Temples and shrines are spiritual places, not selfie factories.
Loud chatter, posing on altars or ignoring purification rituals isn’t the best look.
💡 Tip: Wash your hands and mouth at the entrance basin, walk quietly and save the TikTok dances for later.
8. Don’t Give Tips
💴 In Japan, good service is standard, not a reward.
Leaving money on the table can actually confuse or embarrass staff.
💡 Tip: Just smile, bow slightly and say “arigatou gozaimasu”. That’s the real tip they appreciate.
9. Don’t Cross the Street on Red
🚦 Even if the road looks empty, locals wait for the green man.
Running across on red makes you stand out like a neon “I’m a tourist” sign.
💡 Tip: Use the wait time to people-watch. Japan has some of the best street fashion shows for free.
10. Don’t Forget the Bathing Rules
🛁 Onsen (hot springs) are bliss, but they come with strict etiquette.
Swimsuits are a no-go, tattoos can be tricky and soap is for showering before you enter, not during.
💡 Tip: Wash thoroughly, rinse well and then slip into the hot spring like a pro.
✨ Final Bow Thoughts:
Japan is polite, peaceful and precise. The best way to enjoy it is to respect the rhythm, follow the quiet rules and avoid rookie mistakes. You don’t need to be perfect, just thoughtful.
So, whether you’re sipping sake in Kyoto, shopping in Osaka or napping on a Shinkansen, remember: don’t eat while walking, don’t shout on trains and definitely don’t stick your chopsticks in your rice. Do that and you’ll glide through Japan like a respectful traveller rather than a bewildered extra in a comedy skit.
