What are some unwritten rules and things you should not do in Japan? Japanese people are known for being well-mannered and following their strict, subtle etiquette. But while Japanese people are non-confrontational, there is a set of “unwritten rules” that people expect you to follow. These rules are considered common sense and are one of the reasons why society lives in peaceful harmony. For first-time travelers to Japan, certain mistakes can easily be made, and you might experience these cultural shocks. 

These mistakes can range from minor faux pas to major cultural blunders that could offend the locals. So, whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or are a seasoned traveler, let’s learn 30 things you should not do in Japan.

The Unspoken Rules in Japan: Reading The Air

In Japan, there is a vital social skill known as kuuki ga yomeru (空気が読める), which literally translates to “reading the air.” It’s the art of sensing the mood, understanding the unspoken needs of those around you, and acting accordingly.

At the core of these unspoken rules is the concept of Wa (和), or public harmony. In Japan, maintaining a peaceful balance is a top priority, whether you are in the office working with your Japanese colleagues or riding the train. This collective effort creates a society that is famously polite, considerate, and noticeably less aggressive than many other parts of the world.

While some Japanese norms are strictly enforced by law, such as bans on public smoking and underage drinking, many of the most important rules are never written down. These are the “unspoken norms” that people are simply expected to understand through observation and empathy. Throughout this list, you’ll notice a common thread: while some of these rules are rooted in ancient cultural or religious taboos, most are preserved to maintain public harmony.

1. 食べ歩き (tabearuki): Don’t Eat While Walking

You may be used to grabbing a sandwich on the go or quickly grabbing a slice of toast on your commute to work or school. You may have even seen scenes depicting such in anime. However, in Japan, it’s not common. It’s frowned upon. 

Eating while you walk should be avoided, particularly in busy areas such as the train station or congested streets. You can slow down the traffic and leave a trail of crumbs in your wake. Perhaps the most important reason not to eat and walk is that it does not allow you to savor and appreciate the food, which can be interpreted as disrespectful.

So you may wonder, what about street food? Even for street food, stopping and eating on the street is best. Some popular places for food stalls, like Asakusa, have designated areas for you to step to the side and eat. While some food markets and theme parks allow tabearuki, you should generally find a designated eat-in space in Japan.

2. Talk Loudly on Public Transport

The trains in Japan are as quiet as libraries. People tend to speak in hushed voices while on the train or bus. This is because the trains can get quite packed. Imagine if everyone started having a conversation on a packed train; it would get very loud, very quickly, which could be uncomfortable, and so there is this unwritten rule. Another reason is that people are usually tired after a long workday and sometimes fall asleep on the train. So, it’s respectful to those people to be quiet and keep their voices down.

3. Take Phone Calls on the Train or in Quiet Cafes

Another thing you will rarely see is someone taking a phone call on the train. If they do, in a quiet voice, they let the other person know they are on the train, and the conversation ends there. In quiet cafes, people also step out of the cafe for a phone call out of respect for other customers who might be working or studying. 

You will usually gear in train announcements to put your phone on silent, or マナーモード (manaa modo).

4. Don’t Eat on the Train

The third thing you shouldn’t do on the train is eat. Again, this is because trains can get busy and cramped. Furthermore, the trains in Japan are very clean, and there is always the potential of spilling something or leaving bits of food behind. The exception to this rule is on the shinkansen (bullet trains), where it is acceptable, and there are even eki-bens (short for train station bentos.)  

5. Don’t Tip

No matter how good the service is, there are never tips in Japan. If you tip, it can result in more inconvenience for the waiter as they chase after you to return your money. It is uncommon here in Japan, and they often cannot accept your tip due to company policy. You can tip only if you find a jar labeled “tip jar”; otherwise, it is a no-go.  

6. Don’t Jaywalk

Do not jaywalk in Japan, especially in busy areas with traffic. Not only is it unsafe, it is also illegal, and the police can stop you for it. Try to find a crossing when you can. 

7. Don’t Stick Your Chopsticks Upwards in Your Rice

Much like how there are table manners, there are also chopstick manners. One of these is to not stick your chopsticks upright in a rice bowl because that is reserved for funerals. Furthermore, if serving your rice in a Japanese home, don’t pile it up like a mountain because it resembles a grave; instead, you can ask for a refill. 

8. Don’t Wear Your Shoes Inside

Inside all Japanese homes is a little area called the genkan (玄関), where there is a little step up into the house. This is where you are supposed to take off your shoes to keep the home clean from dirt outside. Some restaurants and medical clinics, like dentists, have genkans, too. Look out for a little step up or a distinct separation in the flooring; this usually indicates that you must remove your shoes. Sometimes, there will be slippers to change into – a big hint to remove your shoes. Once you have removed your shoes, place them neatly to the side and turn them so they face the door – these are excellent Japanese manners!

9. Don’t Forget Your Handkerchief

Many bathrooms in public places do not have hand towels or hand dryers. Instead, many people carry around a small handkerchief to dry their hands—it’s also very eco-friendly! You can find these handkerchiefs at stores around Japan, especially omiyage (souvenir) stores. 

10. Don’t Only Carry a Credit Card

Don’t make the mistake of only going out with your card; be sure to bring some cash with you, too. Many places, like restaurants and medical clinics, still don’t accept credit cards — especially for older establishments.

While most stores in Japan now accept cashless or digital payment, remember that you will still need to charge your prepaid IC card with cash if you’re going to train hopping a lot! Be sure to carry around enough cash for what you plan to do on the day, or look up where you are going in advance to see if they accept cashless payment. 

11. Not Shower Before Onsen 

Before sinking into the relaxing hot bath, shower with soap in the dedicated shower areas at Onsens. Most facilities provide great soap, shampoo, and conditioners. The more expensive the onsen, the higher quality the soaps, so make the most of it!

12. Don’t Miss the Last Train

Trains in Japan don’t run in the middle of the night, even in the city. Before you stay out too late, always check the time of the last train on Google Maps. Otherwise, you may find yourself spending the whole night at karaoke! 

13. Don’t Pick Up Wild Flowers

Japan has some beautiful flowers and fantastic parks to view in, most noitbly the cherry blossoms. Although it may be tempting, don’t pick the flowers. Instead, take a pretty photo to commemorate the experience. If you want flowers, there are many flower shops all over Japan. Some even sell Sakura, so you can always consider this as an option if you’re going to take a particular photo or video. 

14. Smoke on the Streets

In Japan, there are dedicated smoking areas. Smoking on the streets and in public spaces isn’t allowed, but smoking areas are never too hard to find, especially in the city. 

One thing that you might be able to do is drink in public! Japanese laws on this matter are pretty relaxed, so even though it might be frowned upon, you’re able to consume alcohol in parks and public places. It’s a fun tradition to drink a can of beer while enjoying the cherry blossoms!

15. Don’t Leave Your Garbage Behind

You may see many signs in public spaces and parks reminding people to take their garbage home. There are not many public bins in Japan, so it can be a good idea to carry around a plastic bag with you to collect your trash. Then, once you get home, you can separate it accordingly and dispose of it correctly. This is how the streets in Japan stay so clean. 

16. Don’t Wear Room Slippers to the Toilet

You’ll notice slippers in the bathroom in some restaurants, hotels, and onsens, places where you have to take your shoes off. These are special bathroom slippers or toilet slippers. Before entering the bathroom, remove your room slippers and put on the toilet slippers to keep the areas clean and separate.

17. Don’t Open the Taxi Door Manually

In almost all taxis in Japan, the door that opens at the back, opposite to the driver, opens automatically. Trying to force it open manually could break or make for a rather disgruntled taxi driver. If you sit in the back, always wait for the taxi driver to open the door. 

18. Don’t Face the Wrong Way on the Squat Toilet

While Japan is known for its smart toilets, did you know that some places still use the squat toilet? For those who aren’t used to squat toilets, facing the wrong way is an easy mistake to make but can have dire consequences. When using a squat toilet, squat with your feet flat on the ground for good posture and face the flush lever, usually away from the door. 

19. Don’t Forget That This Kanji 流す Means Flush

Speaking of bathroom etiquette, many bathrooms in Japan remove the manual lever to flush the toilet once they have installed the bidet. But the bidet has so many buttons! And if you do not know which one is flush, it can leave you in a pickle. So it’s good to remember that this kanji, 流す, (nagasu) means flush. You can also look for the small 小 and big 大 kanji for a small and big flush. 

20. Don’t Pour Your Drink Before Others

If you eat with Japanese friends or co-workers, always fill up their drinks for them first. They will appreciate this and may be quite surprised as it is a very well-mannered thing to do in Japan. 

21. Don’t Eat Without Saying Itadakimasu or Gochisousama Deshita

Before people eat in Japan, they bring the palms of their hands together and say itadakimasu as a way to say thank you for the food to the person who made or bought it. When they have finished the food, they say gochisousama deshita to say thank you again, and it lets everyone know they have finished. Don’t forget these two phrases when you eat in Japan!

Did you also know that it is common in Japan to say itadakimasu before bathing in someone else’s house? 

22. Don’t Turn up at Someone’s Home Without Omiyage

Japanese people love omiyage (souvenirs), evident in the number of stores at train stations, airports, and tourist destinations dedicated to omiyage. Omiyage isn’t just given when someone travels and on many other occasions. One of them is when you visit someone’s home. When visiting a Japanese person’s home, they often clean up before you arrive and sometimes prepare tea and snacks. To thank them in advance for their hospitality, people arrive with omiyage, sometimes tea, and often food. Food is always a good option if in doubt.  

23. Don’t Enter Someone’s Home Without Saying Ojamashimasu 

Ojamashimasu means I’m sorry to intrude, but it can also be translated as thank you for the invitation, and it is often what you say as you step into someone’s home when you enter from the genkan into their living space. 

24. Don’t Forget to Wash Your Hands Before Praying at a Shrine or Temple

Before you pray at a shrine, you should wash your hands at the designated basin. This area is called the chozu-ya, temizu-ya, or temizu-sha, depending on the shrine. People wash their hands to purify their minds and bodies before praying to the kami (gods). First, pick the spoon up with your right hand and wash your left. Then, with the spoon in your left hand, wash your right hand. Some people also pour water onto their left hand and wash their mouth, but don’t drink it! Others bring the water toward their mouth and then let it go. Just washing your hands is okay, too.  

25. Don’t Walk Down the Center of the Path When Entering a Shrine

When you visit a shrine, you may find people walking to the left or the right of the path and leaving the center free. This is because the middle of the path is reserved for the kami (gods).  

26. Don’t Point Fingers in Japan

Pointing fingers directly at someone is considered impolite in Japan due to its confrontational and disrespectful nature. It singles out individuals and can cause discomfort. Japanese culture emphasizes indirect communication and maintaining harmony, favoring nonverbal cues and subtle gestures. These cultural norms discourage pointing fingers to avoid confrontation and preserve social relationships.

27. Refrain from Blowing Your Nose in Public

Blowing your nose in public is considered impolite in Japan since it can cause discomfort for those around you. Move to a private area or the restroom if you need to blow your nose. To avoid bringing attention to yourself, you can also use a tissue to dab at your nose discretely.

28. Keep Your Chopsticks Straight

Because it looks like a funeral emblem, crossing your chopsticks on a table or in a bowl is considered disrespectful in Japan. Furthermore, as it resembles a cremation rite, it is strictly forbidden to transmit food straight from one pair of chopsticks to another. When not in use, always keep your chopsticks parallel on the chopstick rest.

29. Don’t Pour Soy Sauce on Your Rice

While soy sauce is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine, it is not traditional to pour it directly over plain rice. Rice is intended to be eaten on its own or with other foods, not drenched in soy sauce.

30. Always Get Permission Before Taking a Photograph

Beautiful sights abound in Japan, but please respect people’s privacy. People, private property, and sensitive sites such as temples and shrines should not be photographed without permission. If you are unsure, ask or seek indicators before taking a picture.

Why Following These Rules Matters

With Japan becoming a more popular destination every year, it’s especially important for those of us visiting or living here short-term to do our best to follow local customs. You might wonder, “Does it really matter if I break a small rule?” While one person’s actions might seem small, the collective impact can be huge. When social norms are consistently overlooked, it can lead to “tourism friction” that affects everyone, locals and travelers alike.

We have already seen how a lack of awareness affects both groups. For example, in Kyoto, some historic geisha districts have had to close certain streets to tourists to protect residents’ privacy. Some local restaurants, due to past negative experience or even pre-conceived notions, have become more hesitant to welcome international guests.

Ultimately, following these unspoken rules isn’t about being perfect. Even some Japanese people have a hard time following these expectations! It’s about showing respect for the shared space. When we make an effort to “read the air,” we help ensure that Japan stays the warm, welcoming, and beautiful place we all fell in love with. Plus, showing that you care about the culture is the fastest way to make local friends!

Want to learn Japanese? Contact Coto Academy for a free level check!

Coto Academy offers fun, relaxed Japanese language classes for learners of all levels. Our schools are located in Tokyo (Shibuya and Iidabashi), Yokohama, and online. If you would like to learn in a small class, contact our coordinators for a free consultation!

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