What Not To Do in Japan

You’ve booked the trip of a lifetime. You’ve dreamed of walking beneath the sakura blossoms, soaking in a steamy onsen in the shadow of Mount Fuji, slurping soul-satisfying ramen on a neon-lit Shinjuku side street. Japan, a land where the ancient and ultra-modern exist in thrilling harmony, awaits.

But before you zip up your suitcase, there’s one thing every traveler must pack: cultural respect.

Japan is renowned for its cleanliness, efficiency, and a deeply ingrained culture of manners. While locals are famously gracious with visitors, there are some unwritten rules that, when broken, can turn admiration into awkwardness faster than you can say sumimasen.

So, let’s save you the embarrassment and elevate your travel game. Here are 10 vivid, must-know things not to do in Japan, crafted to help you explore with confidence, humility, and style.

1. Don’t Talk Loudly (or at All) on Public Transport

Step aboard the Tokyo Metro or a shinkansen bullet train and you’ll be struck by the serenity. No phone calls. No boisterous chatter. Just a quiet hum of movement. In Japan, trains are sacred spaces for reflection, reading, or napping after long workdays.

Loud conversations, especially on the phone, are considered intrusive and rude. Locals often set their phones to silent (yes, even vibrate can be too much), and if they must speak, it’s barely above a whisper with a cupped hand. Want to blend in? Embrace the silence. Let the rhythmic motion of the train lull you into Tokyo dreams.

If you absolutely must take a call in an emergency, stand near the door and cover your mouth as you speak, quietly and briefly.

2. Don’t Blow Your Nose in Public

You’ve got the sniffles? Welcome to the club. Seasonal allergies and colds are common among Japan’s residents. But blowing your nose in public? In Japan, it’s considered deeply unhygienic.

The sound, the action, the used tissue all of it is enough to turn heads. Most locals will politely sniffle until they find a bathroom or private space to relieve themselves. Bring soft, discreet tissues and quietly dab until you’re alone. Your nose and your reputation will thank you.

3. Don’t Enter Homes or Certain Establishments With Shoes On

This isn’t just a quaint tradition. It’s practically law. In Japan, shoes are symbolic of the outside world’s dirt. Stepping into a home, traditional inn (ryokan), temple, or tatami-mat restaurant without removing them is not only inconsiderate it’s offensive.

At the genkan (entryway), you’ll find a clear boundary and often slippers provided. Pro tip: when leaving your shoes, turn them outward so they’re ready to slide into later. It’s a small touch that earns big respect. There are bathroom-only slippers too. Never wear them beyond the restroom.

4. Don’t Skip the Shower Before Entering an Onsen

Ah, the onsen. Japan’s soul-soothing, mineral-rich hot springs. But if you think you can hop right in, hold that towel. Onsens are communal and pristine, and every bather is expected to thoroughly wash before soaking.

Shampoo, soap, and a pre-soak scrub are non-negotiable. Your modesty towel is for covering yourself outside the bath, not for soaking. Keep it folded neatly on your head or by the edge never in the water. Bathing suits are not allowed in most traditional onsens. When in Japan, do as the Japanese do and bare it all.

5. Don’t Eat While Walking (Except at Festivals)

Imagine a charming Kyoto street lined with centuries-old wooden townhouses. A tourist strolls by, munching on takoyaki. A glob of sauce splashes a passerby’s white shirt. Cue the collective gasp.

In Japan, walking and eating is largely frowned upon in daily life. It’s seen as messy and inconsiderate especially in busy areas like Kamakura or Kyoto.

At matsuri (festivals) or cherry blossom viewing parties, eating while walking is perfectly fine. Just check your surroundings and clean up after yourself. Trash bins are scarce, so bring a bag for your wrappers.

6. Don’t Mix Wasabi Into Your Soy Sauce

You’re seated at a sushi bar. The chef places a delicate slice of otoro before you. Then you swirl wasabi into soy sauce like a painter mixing oils. The chef winces. You’ve just committed a culinary crime.

In Japan, sushi is an art. The chef has already balanced flavors. Wasabi should be dabbed on the fish never mixed into soy sauce. Dipping? Do it fish-side down, gently. Want to impress? Eat the sushi in one bite (or two max), and say gochisosama deshita (“thank you for the feast”) when finished.

7. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission

Japan is a photographer’s dream. Glowing cityscapes, kimono-clad elders, immaculately plated dishes. But before snapping, ask yourself: is this respectful?

In temples, galleries, bookstores, and hot springs, photography is often forbidden. Even in restaurants, ask the chef before taking food shots. Flash, in particular, is a major faux pas. In Japan, privacy is paramount. When in doubt, just ask with a smile and a polite bow.

8. Don’t Tip

The service is impeccable. Your tea is refilled before you notice it’s empty. The server bows as you leave. Your Western instincts scream “Tip them!” Don’t.

In Japan, tipping is unnecessary and even confusing. Leaving coins can result in staff chasing you down the street to return the “forgotten” change. Instead, show your gratitude with heartfelt words. A simple “Arigatou gozaimasu” or “Gochisosama” goes a long way. A bow of appreciation when exiting a restaurant is always welcome.

9. Don’t Be the First to Take the Last Piece of Food

Picture a table laden with sushi, karaage, and okonomiyaki. One golden piece of tempura remains. You eye it. You reach. Wait.

In Japan, taking the last piece without asking is considered greedy. Often, it’s offered around the table multiple times before someone shyly accepts. If you really want it, wait for someone else to suggest sharing. Better yet, split it with a smile.

10. Don’t Use Your Chopsticks Like a Shovel or a Spear

Chopsticks are more than tools. They’re cultural icons. Treat them with reverence. That means:

• Never stick them upright in rice (a funeral ritual)
• Don’t pass food from one set of chopsticks to another (another funeral practice)
• Avoid rubbing disposable chopsticks together as it implies they’re cheap
• Don’t spear food or point with them

Rest chopsticks on the holder between bites. Use communal chopsticks for shared dishes. Be graceful and deliberate.

Be Curious, Be Humble, Be Gracious

Japan is not just a destination. It’s an experience of deep culture, subtle beauty, and refined social norms. But don’t be intimidated. The Japanese are incredibly kind and understanding toward travelers making an effort to adapt.

You will slip up. That’s okay. The magic lies not in perfection, but in intention. Bow when unsure. Speak softly. Smile often. And when in doubt, observe what locals do and follow their lead. With a respectful heart and open eyes, your time in Japan will be richer, deeper, and infinitely more rewarding.