Japan Travel Etiquette｜10 Golden Rules Every Traveler Should Know

Learn Japan Travel Etiquette for repeat visitors—covering trains, onsen, shrines, dining, and public manners. Small gestures make your trip smoother and more respectful.

If you’ve visited Japan a few times, the sights now feel familiar. That’s exactly when the small courtesies start to elevate your trip. This guide gathers practical, travel-focused etiquette by situation—on trains, at shrines, while dining, shopping, and more. A few mindful habits go a long way. Read on, and your next Japan journey will feel smoother, kinder, and even more rewarding.

Japan Travel Etiquette at Hotels & Ryokan｜Essential Manners for a Comfortable Stay

• Know where to take off your shoes and place your luggage:In traditional inns (ryokan) or rooms with tatami floors, take off your shoes at the entrance. Sometimes, you’ll switch to indoor slippers too. Try not to put your suitcase directly on tatami—it can damage or dirty the surface. Use a wooden area instead or lay it flat so the wheels don’t touch the floor.

• Toilet slippers? Yes, really!
  If there are special slippers just for the toilet, use them only when you’re in there—and don’t forget to switch back after!
• Don’t take the room items home:
  Things like Yukata, slippers, towels, hairdryers, or kettles are for use during your stay. Disposable items like toothbrushes are usually fine to take.
• Hot springs & public baths:

1. Wash your body properly before getting in (just rinsing isn’t enough).
2. Don’t dip your towel into the bath.
3. Dry off before going back to the changing room to keep it dry and clean.
4. Got tattoos? Double-check if you are allowed to use them—some don’t.

Japan Travel Etiquette on Trains & Buses｜Polite Transit Rules to Know

1. Line up properly:
   When getting on trains or buses, follow the signs or floor markings and wait your turn. Let everyone get off before boarding. Cutting in line is a big no-no.
2. Keep it quiet on board:
   Try not to talk or play music out loud. Speakerphone calls are also seen as rude.
3. Carry your backpack in front or place it above:
   Especially when it’s crowded, don’t wear your backpack on your back—it takes up space and might bump others.
4. Escalator rules vary by region:
   Technically, everyone should stand still, but in practice, people often leave one side open for those in a hurry. (e.g. stand on the left in Tokyo, right in Osaka.)
5. Take your trash with you:
   There aren’t many public bins, so bring a small bag and use station recycling bins when you can.

Japan Travel Etiquette for Dining｜Do’s & Don’ts at Restaurants in Japan

• Eat a bit of everything, not one thing at a time:
  In Japan, it’s normal to switch between rice, soup, and side dishes rather than finishing one before starting another.
• Taking leftovers home isn’t common:
  Because of hygiene rules, most restaurants don’t offer takeout for leftovers. If you’re unsure how much to order, start small.
• It’s okay to lift your bowl:
  Holding your rice or soup bowl while eating is polite. Try not to make noise while eating—except when it comes to noodles! Slurping soba or ramen is totally okay.

• Water and tea are free (self-service or refillable), but in some Izakaya and Japanese restaurants, a small bowl of food called “otsoshi” is automatically served. This is charged. If you do not need it, you can refuse it when you order.
• Choose the right place to eat: Even in tourist areas, some places are prohibited in crowded areas (Kamakura, Asakusa, etc.). If eating or drinking is only allowed in front of the store where you purchased the food, eat at that location. Eating apples and bananas while walking is also not common in Japan.

Japan Travel Etiquette at Shrines, Temples & Public Spaces｜Respectful Behavior Made Simple

• Be quiet at shrines and temples:Bow before passing through a Torii gate, and if there’s a water basin, cleanse your hands and mouth before praying. Look out for “no photos” signs.

Want to know perfectly? Check this perfect Shrine & Temple Etiquette Guide.

How to Visit Shrines & Temples in Japan｜10 Essential Etiquette Rules

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• Stay out of restricted areas
  Don’t step on grass, gardens, or into fenced-off zones—basically, respect boundaries.
• Only smoke in designated spots:
  Smoking while walking is banned in many cities.
• Trash bins are rare—bring a bag:
  Especially at sightseeing spots, it helps to carry a small bag for your own trash.

Japan Travel Etiquette 2025｜Small Gestures That Create Big Impressions

In Japan, being considerate and blending in with others is a big part of good manners.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s the small gestures that matter and help you connect better with the places and people you meet.

Even just saying “sumimasen” (excuse me) or “arigatou” (thank you) can go a long way.

Wishing you a fun and memorable next trip to Japan!
✨ Enjoy your journey!