Local Customs in Japan: What You Need to Know
Traveling to Japan can be an incredible experience, but understanding the local customs is key to having a positive interaction. The Japanese have a unique mix of tradition and modernity, which can impact how you behave during your visit.
Whether you’re in a large city or a small town, respecting the culture is important. From greetings to dress codes, let’s dive into some of the essential customs you should know.
Greetings and Etiquette
Bowing
In Japan, bowing is the standard form of greeting. It’s a sign of respect. The depth and length of the bow can vary depending on the situation. A small nod of the head is common for informal situations. A deeper, longer bow is used for more formal occasions.
Handshakes can be common in business settings, especially with foreigners, but it’s respectful to wait and see if your Japanese counterpart offers a handshake first. If they bow, it’s best to return the bow.
Exchanging Business Cards
If you find yourself in a business setting, receiving and giving business cards (called “meishi”) is an important ritual. Use both hands when giving and receiving cards. Always take a moment to examine the card you receive before putting it away. Never stuff it into your pocket without looking at it first, as this can be perceived as rude.
Addressing People
Always address people by their last name followed by “san,” which is a formal honorific. For example, if someone’s last name is Tanaka, you would address them as Tanaka-san. This shows respect in everyday interactions.
First names are used mainly among family and close friends, so avoid using them until you’ve established a closer relationship with someone.
Dress Codes
Casual Settings
In most of Japan, people dress conservatively, even in casual settings. Flashy, loud clothing is uncommon, especially in rural areas. Simple, neutral colors like grey, black, and white are the norm. It’s a good idea to avoid clothing that is too revealing.
When visiting more rural areas or smaller towns, you may find that people dress even more conservatively. If you’re visiting temples or shrines, be sure to cover your shoulders and avoid short skirts or shorts.
Business Attire
Japan has a formal workplace dress code. For men, wearing a suit and tie is the norm. For women, a formal blouse and skirt or suit are common. Black, navy, and dark grey are popular colors for business wear. Bright accessories are usually avoided in formal settings.
If you are visiting someone’s workplace or attending a business event, it’s best to dress on the formal side unless you’ve been told otherwise.
Respect in Public Spaces
Quietness
Japan is known for being quiet. Public spaces like trains and buses are calm places, and keeping your voice low is considered polite. Loud conversations, phone calls, or disruptive behavior is often frowned upon. If you need to take a call, it’s best to step into a more private area like a designated phone booth or, if on a train, perhaps make the call in a quiet zone near the exits.
Public transportation like the subway can get crowded, especially in cities like Tokyo. Be mindful of others’ space and avoid speaking on the phone while riding public transport.
Queueing
In any public setting where there is a line, people will patiently wait their turn. No one will push or rush ahead. Breaking the line is a huge breach of social etiquette, so always be mindful of where the queue starts. You’ll often see clear markings on platforms or in front of stores indicating where people should stand.
Trash Disposal
Japan has very strict rules about waste disposal. There are very few public trash cans, so if you have trash, you are expected to carry it with you until you find the appropriate place to discard it. Many places, like parks or train stations, separate waste into categories such as burnable, non-burnable, and recyclables. Make sure to follow the guides on the bins carefully.
Visiting Homes and Temples
Taking Off Your Shoes
If you are invited into a Japanese home, you will be expected to remove your shoes at the entrance. In exchange, you’ll be given a pair of indoor slippers which can be worn throughout the house. There are separate slippers specifically for the bathroom, so be sure to use those as well.
If you enter a traditional inn (called a ryokan), the same rules apply. Also, in temples or other traditional buildings, you may also need to remove your shoes at the entrance.
Offering Gifts
If you are invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift. Something local from your home country, like artisanal foods or small trinkets, works well. The key here is not the value of the gift but the gesture behind it. You don’t need to spend a lot of money.
When giving a gift, it’s polite to present it with both hands, and it might be humbly refused once or twice out of modesty before finally being accepted. This is all part of the local etiquette, so don’t be caught off guard.
Behaving at Temples and Shrines
Japan’s temples and shrines are places of worship, and respectful behavior is expected. When entering certain temples, you may be asked to cleanse yourself at a water basin (called “temizuya”). You pick up a ladle, rinse your hands, and your mouth before entering the main area.
In Shinto shrines, bow once or twice before stepping inside. You may also offer a small coin at the collection box, do a short bow, clap your hands twice, and offer a silent prayer. These steps vary from shrine to shrine, so you can follow what locals do.
Dining Etiquette
Chopstick Manners
Chopsticks are commonly used in Japan, and using them correctly is valued. Never point your chopsticks at others, and avoid waving them around or using them to spear food. When you’re not using your chopsticks, place them on the chopstick rest if provided, or directly on the table if one is not available.
Avoid the practice of sticking chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a custom performed at funerals. It’s also polite not to pass food from one set of chopsticks to another, since this too resembles an aspect of funeral rites.
Slurping and Sharing Food
In Japan, slurping is seen as a sign that you’re enjoying your meal, especially noodles. Don’t hold back on slurping your ramen or soba.
Sharing food directly with your chopsticks is not common. If you would like to share, you can use the back end of your chopsticks to transfer food. Some restaurants provide a separate set of serving utensils, so be sure to use those when available.
Paying the Bill
In Japan, it’s common practice to pay the bill at the cashier rather than waiting for it to be delivered to your table. Most restaurants will place the bill on the table, and you take it to the cashier when you are ready to leave.
Tipping isn’t customary in Japan. In fact, it can be considered rude. If you leave money on the table, the staff will likely run after you to return it. The service charge is usually included in the bill.
Religious and Traditional Customs
Respect for Religion
Japan’s main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism. While most Japanese people practice elements of both, religious customs are generally private. Respect for religious spaces like temples and shrines is expected even if you are not religious yourself.
Many people still follow traditional rituals during important events like weddings, funerals, and New Year celebrations, so if you are invited to a formal event, be mindful of these customs and take guidance from locals.
Seasonal Festivals
There are many festivals throughout the year. Popular ones include the cherry blossom festivals in spring and the summer festivals featuring dancing and local food. During these large gatherings, wearing a traditional outfit like a yukata (a light cotton kimono) is common.
Even if you’re not dressed in traditional clothing, attending a festival is a great way to experience Japanese culture. Just follow the local customs: be polite, clean up after yourself, and enjoy the atmosphere respectfully.
Final Thoughts
Respect and careful attention to local customs are central to Japanese culture. Small gestures and manners can go a long way in showing appreciation for Japan’s traditions and norms. Keep these key customs in mind during your trip, and you’ll find yourself blending in with ease, while also making your stay more enjoyable for both you and the locals.
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