Good to know
Good to Know
- Foreigners are generally forgiven for imperfect bowing; a slight nod of the head suffices in most casual situations.
- The Japanese are known for being very polite and respectful, placing great importance on manners and etiquette in their daily lives.
- Business card exchange is treated as a formal ritual—handle cards with respect and avoid writing on them or placing them carelessly.
- In Tokyo specifically, stand on the left and walk on the right when using escalators (opposite of some other Japanese cities).
- While sipping a takeaway drink is generally OK, munching while on the go is a no-no except during long train journeys, where bringing a picnic is the norm. Just remember to take all your rubbish with you, as it's part of Japanese culture to always clean up after yourself and leave no trace.
- If invited to a meal or social gathering, arriving on time or slightly early shows respect; being late is considered disrespectful.
- Japanese people tend to dress smartly, especially in Tokyo. Tourists don't have to go overboard, but will be better received if they look neat and tidy.
- Some onsens and public bathhouses restrict access to people with visible tattoos; it's best to research facilities in advance or look for 'foreigner-friendly' or 'private bath' options.
Greetings
Bowing
- Description
- A courteous nod or bow of the head when greeting someone or entering and leaving an establishment will go a long way.
Sumimasen
- Description
- "Sumimasen," which usually means "sorry," can also be used as "excuse me" and even "thank you" depending on the context.
Arigato gozaimasu
- Description
- Use "arigato gozaimasu" as a more direct thanks.
Onsen Bathing
Wash before entering
- Description
- You must wash thoroughly before entering the onsen bath. Sit on a stool and clean yourself completely. Rinse all the soap off. Only then can you enter the communal bath.
Towel placement
- Description
- Don't bring your towel into the bath water. Most people fold their small towel and place it on their head or on the side of the bath.
No soap in bath
- Description
- The bath is for soaking, not washing. No soap in the bath water, obviously.
Tattoo restrictions
- Description
- Tattoos are often prohibited due to their historical association with organised crime, though some facilities are becoming more accepting. Many onsen don't allow people with tattoos, though this rule is relaxing slightly in some places that cater to international visitors. The historical association of tattoos with yakuza (Organized crime) drives this rule.
Dining Etiquette
Itadakimasu & Gochisousama
- Description
- "Itadakimasu" — said before eating and meaning something like "I am glad to receive this meal" — and "Gochisosama-deshita," said after finishing a meal, loosely translated as "thanks for the food".
Chopstick etiquette
- Description
- It is also important not to put chopsticks in rice upside down or transfer one set of chopsticks to another, since they are linked with funerals.
Drinking customs
- Description
- In social settings, it's customary to pour drinks for those around you as a gesture of respect and appreciation. When pouring, hold the bottle with both hands. If you're on the receiving end, raise your glass with both hands.
Wait for others to start
- Description
- At social gatherings, especially with coworkers, wait for the highest-ranking person to start eating or drinking before you do.
Don't refuse food
- Description
- It's generally considered rude to refuse food offered to you, not just in Japan but in many cultures. If you don't like the dish, accept it anyway, but you're not required to eat it.
No tipping
- Description
- Tipping is not part of Japanese etiquette. Payment is usually made at the counter, not at the table, and money is placed on a small tray rather than handed directly.
Slurping is acceptable
- Description
- Though slurping your food in Western cultures may come off as rude, it is not a rude behavior in Japan. Especially when eating noodles, such as ramen or soba, it's a sign of appreciation and enjoyment.
Sensitive Topics
Politics, Religion, and Controversial Historical Events
- Guidance
- One of the most sensitive topics to avoid in Japanese business settings is discussions related to politics, religion, and controversial historical events. These subjects can evoke strong emotions and potential disagreements, leading to uncomfortable situations or misunderstandings. To maintain a positive and harmonious atmosphere, it's best to steer clear of such topics and focus on neutral, business-related discussions.
Business Card Etiquette
Presentation with both hands
- Description
- When presenting your business card, offer it with both hands, ensuring that the Japanese-printed side faces the recipient. Avoid tossing or pushing the card across the table; Japanese etiquette mandates rising and walking over to present it.
Receipt and placement
- Description
- When given a business card, one should accept it with both hands, briefly read it, and then place it in your business card holder or wallet if standing. If seated, the card should be placed on the table for the duration of the meeting before being stowed away.
Punctuality
- Expectation
- Arrive early
- Description
- Japanese people are punctual and frequently early, so try not to be late to meet guides, pre-booked taxis or restaurant reservations. Arriving on time or even a few minutes early is seen as a mark of respect and professionalism. Punctuality means arriving 5-10 minutes early; being "on time" is considered late.
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this culture & etiquette research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.