The Japan Etiquette Guide

The further we move away from Europe, the more different the customs and habits become. Depending on the country, this can be more or less strict. If you're planning a trip to Japan soon, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the customs there. Much of what we consider impolite is completely normal in Japan or even part of good manners. The same goes for the other way around.

In this small Japan guide, we want to provide you with a few behavioral rules to avoid common pitfalls. But we can assure you right here: Japanese people are aware that their rules of conduct differ greatly from those of the Western world. Tourists are quickly forgiven for making mistakes. Nevertheless, it certainly doesn't hurt to have a few tips in your pocket.

Enjoy reading. Feel free to let us know in the comments at the end of the article what experiences you have had in Japan.

Handshakes for greetings? Please don't in Japan. Physical contact in public is generally unusual. Instead, bowing is part of social life. It is used not only for greetings but also to express thanks, say goodbye, or as a signal to depart.

Depending on the depth and duration of the bow, the status of the person bowing and the person being bowed to becomes clear. The basic rule is: the lower-ranking person bows longer. Thus, you show respect to the other person.

Westerners are typically accepted with a medium bow. As a rule of thumb, you can apply an angle of about 30 to 45 degrees, holding the bow for 3 seconds. It's important that you only bend at the upper body. Your legs should remain straight and your rear shouldn't stick out.

In other parts of Asia, hands are often clasped together when bowing. This is not the case in Japan, where hands are placed on the thighs and then bow.

You do not have to return the bow of service staff; it's part of good service. A smile or nod of agreement is sufficient here.

Gift-giving has a great tradition in Japan. If you receive a private invitation, it is customary to bring a gift. Gifts are also appropriate at some business meals. There are also some rules to observe to avoid embarrassment.

Usually, something edible in elaborate packaging is gladly given as a gift. This is considered a sign of appreciation. Especially fruit is very popular as a gift. However, it is also somewhat more expensive than we know it to be from Germany, after all, only the most beautiful and perfect fruit is sold.

Moreover, Europeans do not have to adhere as strictly to the gift-giving rules, or they are not expected to. If you bring something traditional from home, you are doing everything right. Just don't be disappointed if the recipient does not open the gift in your presence. This is to avoid showing a disappointed face and embarrassing the giver.

In Japan, it is traditional to eat with chopsticks. Just getting sushi into your mouth flawlessly with them is an art in itself. However, you should always avoid the following:

Additionally, burping and blowing your nose at the table is an absolute violation of rules and a no-go. Slurping soup, however, is welcomed and encouraged. It is a sign that the food is good and helps fully develop the flavors on the palate.

There is nothing better in Japan than an evening in an Izakaya. We had our best Izakaya bar night in Nara. Those who want to know more about it should definitely read the article on Nara.

But there are also some tips to ensure everything goes smoothly. When you are in company, it is customary not to pour your own drink. Your companion will do it, as will you for your counterpart. So be careful; if you don't want any more to drink, do not empty your glass. Otherwise, you are stuck in an infinite loop and will be continually refilled.

By the way, for those who wonder why Japanese people often get drunk quickly: Many lack an enzyme that is responsible for breaking down alcohol. So they can "almost" not be blamed.

Tipping is not customary in Japan and is even considered rude. Service staff and taxi drivers are not tipped. There have even been situations where taxi drivers have chased after their passengers to return the change.

If you want to express your appreciation for good service, a simple thank you and a nod or bow will suffice. For us Europeans, this can often feel unfamiliar, but it is actually a nice change not having to calculate.

Many of the rules regarding train travel in Japan should be familiar to us. Eating is not allowed on trains (except on the Shinkansen), and you should not place your feet on the seats. If you are sitting in a seat reserved for pregnant women or the elderly, you should vacate it when it is needed.

One experience we had, which is significantly different from Europe, is standing in line and pushing. Pushing is considered extremely rude, and at every train station, there are markings on the ground that show you where to stand.

And if the train is full, do not forcibly push your way in. Usually, the next one arrives in just a few minutes, and then you can safely ride.

In Hakone, at our guesthouse, we had our first contact with toilet slippers. In principle, houses in Japan are not entered with shoes. At the entrance, shoes are removed, and you either receive guest slippers or walk in socks. A little tip: make sure your socks are always in good condition; you never know when others might see them.

Restrooms, by the way, are not entered with socks. That's what toilet slippers are for. These should also never leave the toilet room, so make sure to take them off right at the entrance. It is also proper to position the slippers so the next person can easily slip into them.

For many, visiting an onsen, a Japanese bath, is a must-do on a trip to Japan. However, there are also some rules to follow.

In many onsens, it is already made clear at the door: 'No tattoos' allowed. This relates back to Japan's past, where primarily members of the Japanese Mafia, the Yakuza, were tattooed. If you find a notice about this at the entrance of the onsen, it is binding. This applies even to the smallest of tattoos.

The size does not matter here. Anyone with tattoos should research the rules of the desired onsen in advance. Otherwise, there is also the option to book a private onsen, for example, in a guesthouse. There, you can also sweat with body art in peace.

Traditionally, onsens are also separated by gender. These baths serve relaxation and not entertainment. Be quiet and considerate both in and out of the water. Photos are forbidden, as are loud conversations or jumping around.

Before entering the onsen bath, showering is mandatory. There, you cleanse yourself to prevent contaminating the onsen water. If you see small stools in the shower rooms, these should be used. Standing up in such cases is considered rude.

Depending on the facility, you'll find shower heads or large basins with cold and warm water. The small towel, tenugui, is used for lathering and wiping off sweat during the onsen visit. This towel should not come into contact with the onsen water. It is worn on the head during the session. If you feel unsure, just watch the Japanese and follow their lead.

In Japan, many restaurants and bars still allow smoking. Although many places have given up this habit, you will still find more smoking establishments in Japan than, for example, in Germany. Smoking in public is frowned upon. Especially, smoking while walking is considered a major faux pas.

If you are a smoker, be sure to use the designated smoking areas. These are clearly marked and are usually set back from the sidewalk behind glass walls to protect others.

Since there are hardly any public trash cans in Japan, it makes sense to carry your own portable ashtray. Disposing of cigarette butts in the street is forbidden.

Japan is the land of temples and shrines. In every city, you will find a variety of temples that you can visit. These are incredibly beautiful. The rules of conduct here are also quite strict.

Of course, you should behave quietly, keep your phones on silent, and at every temple, there are signs indicating the rules that apply there.

One experience we had related to consuming drinks. This is generally illegal in many temples. This also includes drinking water. Take one last big sip before entering a temple complex. By the way, chewing gum is often also prohibited.

In historic sites without stone flooring, you often have to remove your shoes and wear loaned slippers or walk in socks. Your shoes will be stored on a shelf, or you will receive a separate bag for them. To ease your nerves, we recommend wearing shoes that you can quickly put on and take off. We had to take our shoes off and put them back on five times during one temple visit.

The word 'no' is considered very impolite in Japan. After all, it expresses rejection, which Japanese people generally try to avoid. They do not want to give others a bad feeling. For this reason, the pure 'no' is not really used in everyday language. Instead, they tend to withdraw with subtle statements. The sandwich method is particularly popular.

Rejection is wrapped between polite phrases. Example: 'I would love to go eat with you, but...'.

The statement 'That's difficult.' is also commonly used instead of a clear no. Here, it's important to read between the lines. But one should also leave the direct no in the suitcase.

We hope this little guide helps you prepare for Japan. It gives you a bit more confidence in how you should behave without getting into too many uncomfortable situations. Don't worry too much; those who are polite and considerate will be treated the same way. Japan is known for this.

Do you have any experiences or funny stories from Japan? Did we forget anything that is prohibited? Please feel free to share in the comments.

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