Faux pas to avoid in Japan, ranked from least to most serious

Over the years, Japan has become a hugely popular travel destination, and it’s not hard to see why. The food is delicious, the people are polite, and the scenery is beautiful. It is also a culture that is likely very different from that of your home country, and maybe that’s part of the appeal. I myself have visited 5 times and learned some important things during my time there.

To make the most of your experience while also respecting local customs, here are some of the most common faux pas to avoid. Though none of them will land you in Japanese prison, I’ve ranked them from levels 1 to 3, from least to most serious.

Level 1 – Good to know

Walking and eating

• Japanese cities are very clean, and some of that is thanks to the fact that people do not walk while eating. If you buy a snack from a street vendor or convenience store, stand still in front of the stall or sit down at a bench to finish your food before continuing on your way. Walking around while licking a melting matcha soft serve is a big no no.

Giving money directly to the cashier

• Japan is a relatively cash-based society and you’ll often find yourself paying with paper and coins. At the register, there is almost always a little tray. That is meant for you to put your cash in, and then the cashier will take the tray to make change for you. Culturally, exchanging cash directly from hand to hand is considered inelegant, so it is preferable to make use of the little tray.

Saying thank you

• Even if you don’t consider yourself a speaker of Japanese, you likely already know the word for thank you – arigatou. What you might not know is that this word is considered informal. The formal version is arigatou gozaimasu. The latter is what should be said to service employees, strangers, and work superiors. So while it is a nice gesture to thank someone, speaking informally to a stranger can be jarring to the listener. For speakers of French or Spanish, it’s comparable to addressing someone you don’t know as tu or tú rather than the formal pronoun for you.

Blowing your nose in public

• People don’t blow their nose in public. They may wipe their nose or “suck in” their congestion, but you won’t see anyone blowing out loud into their handkerchief or tissue, as it is considered unsightly. If you must wipe your nose, try to do so discreetly.

Level 2 – Try not to forget

Talking on the phone on the train

• Japanese trains are a quiet place. Most people are silent, and if they are talking with someone, they are doing so at a reduced volume. Also, if you never see anyone talking on the phone in the train or metro, it is because it is not permitted to do so! Wait until you’re outside to call the person back. Naturally, blasting music or watching TikTok reels on speaker is out of the question too.

Asking for modifications to a menu item

• Can you please remove the ground pork? Is it possible to get that without the sauce? While these requests may be acceptable where you are from, in Japan they will almost always be politely met with a negative response. Modifications of menu items at most restaurants are not possible, so if you have dietary restrictions, try to find a restaurant that already offers what you can eat rather than hoping the kitchen will change its recipes for you.

Wearing perfume or cologne

• People don’t wear scents in public spaces (at least none that are detectable to others). This is because people don’t appreciate being forced to smell others’ perfumes and colognes, even if they smell “good”. So out of respect for others who may be sensitive to smells, it is best to remain scentless.

Opening a taxi door

• Taxi doors open and close automatically, so don’t try to do so manually yourself. The driver operates it from his seat. Pulling and pushing the door yourself could damage the automated mechanism. And since people drive on the left in Japan, you would board from the left side passenger door.

Level 3 – You have been warned!

Leaving a tip

• In some countries leaving a tip is greatly appreciated and sometimes even expected. Don’t do it in Japan, even if the service was great. Tipping is not a part of the culture. If you leave a cash tip at the table after a meal, the waiter will likely chase after you to return the money, because it is culturally awkward (and borderline offensive) to be given unsolicited cash in this fashion.

Not removing your shoes

• When entering Japanese homes, it is obligatory to remove your shoes. This rule even applies to certain restaurants or other establishments, such as onsens (hot springs). Pay attention at the entrance to see if the interior space is slightly elevated from the entryway, and if there are shoes on the ground near the door. Failing to do so can really stress the owner or employees, as the separation between inside and outside is important.

Entering an onsen with tattoos

• Japan is famous for its hot springs and public baths, but those places typically do not allow entry to people with large visible tattoos. This is because in Japan, tattoos are associated with yakuza mafia members. To make sure all patrons are comfortable, establishments will usually deny entry to tattooed individuals. Even if you manage to get past the reception with a tattoo, once you have to undress (as onsens are nude), it will create problems with management and other bathers.

Boarding a women’s only train carriage

• For safety reasons, some train carriages are designated as women-only. This typically occurs in the morning between 7-10am. In addition to being labelled as such in Japanese, they usually also sport stereotypically feminine designs, such as the colour pink and girly patterns. If you are not a woman, it goes without saying that you should not enter these carriages!