53 essential Japanese etiquette rules
From bowing to eating etiquette, learn the essential Japanese etiquette rules to follow in Japan.
Don't eat while walking
Show respect in Japan by following the no-eating-while-walking rule. Learn the cultural reasons behind this etiquette and discover designated spots for enjoying street food.
Bowing in Japan
Show respect and cultural awareness by mastering Japanese bowing etiquette. Discover the meaning behind different bow depths and when to use them.
Don't rub disposable chopsticks together
Show respect in Japanese restaurants by never rubbing chopsticks together. Discover why this habit offends and what to do if you encounter rough chopsticks instead.
Avoiding excessive eye contact with strangers in Japan
Avoid cultural mistakes in Japan by understanding proper eye contact etiquette. Our guide reveals why looking away shows respect and how to read nonverbal cues like a local
Keep your hands visible during conversations
Build trust instantly in Japanese social settings with proper hand etiquette. Learn where to place your hands during conversations and meetings.
Opening gifts in Japan: Careful unwrapping and heartfelt thanks
Transform ordinary gift moments into meaningful connections with authentic Japanese unwrapping etiquette. Discover the art of gratitude that strengthens relationships.
Don't gesture wildly while talking
Communicate effectively in Japan with proper gesture control. Discover why restraint signals respect and how subtle movements enhance your message.
Don't Blow Your Nose in Public
Avoid embarrassing cultural mistakes in Japan by understanding nose etiquette. Learn why sniffling is preferred and where you can actually blow your nose.
Business card exchange in Japan
Navigate Japanese business meetings confidently by mastering proper business card exchange. Discover the meishi ritual that signals your professional credibility.
Don't wave chopsticks around
Show respect at Japanese tables by avoiding this common chopstick mistake. Learn why waving chopsticks offends and how to handle them properly. Dine with confidence.
Remove your shoes indoors
Master proper Japanese shoe etiquette with our comprehensive guide. Learn when to remove footwear, how to use the genkan, and avoid common tourist mistakes.
Saying "gochisousama" after eating
Show proper respect after meals in Japan! Learn when and how to say "gochisousama" in restaurants and homes.
Don't show the soles of your feet to others
Respect Japanese traditions with proper foot positioning. From temple visits to business meetings, learn the ancient taboo that still matters.
Don't use chopsticks to point
Prevent awkward dining moments in Japan! Discover why chopsticks should never be used for pointing and learn culturally appropriate alternatives.
Expressing gratitude frequently in Japanese culture
Build genuine connections in Japan through proper thank-you etiquette. Learn the frequency, context, and phrases that show cultural awareness.
Don't try on clothes without permission
Shop like a local in Japan! Learn why asking permission before trying clothes is essential and how this simple courtesy improves your shopping experience in Japanese stores.
Don't talk on phones in trains
Travel Japan like a local! Learn the critical phone etiquette that prevents disturbing others on trains. Understand manner mode, emergency call handling, and the psychology behind the silence.
Gift wrapping in Japanese culture
Elevate your gift-giving with authentic Japanese wrapping techniques. From tsutsumi to furoshiki, master the cultural traditions that show true respect.
Don't hug or kiss as greetings
Navigate Japanese social boundaries with confidence. From business meetings to family gatherings, learn the art of bowing and personal space that will earn you respect in Japan
Use honorific language (keigo) with strangers and superiors
Discover essential Japanese etiquette with our comprehensive keigo guide. From business meetings to social gatherings, speak with confidence and earn respect in any Japanese context.
Saying "itadakimasu" before eating
Transform your Japanese dining experience! Learn the proper way to say "itadakimasu" before meals and show respect for food and culture. Avoid common tourist mistakes.
Don't waste food
Honor Japanese values by finishing your meals completely. Discover why leaving even rice grains insults both chef and culture. Master this essential dining etiquette.
Don't mix wasabi into soy sauce
Master authentic sushi etiquette that impresses Japanese chefs. Learn the proper way to use wasabi and soy sauce separately to fully appreciate traditional flavors.
Avoid loud talking in public transportation
Travel Japan confidently with our essential guide to train etiquette. Discover why silence matters, how to handle phone calls, and the cultural roots of Japan's quiet commuter culture.
Greeting shopkeepers when entering
Build instant rapport in Japanese shops with proper greeting etiquette. Learn the right phrases and gestures to show respect and receive better service while shopping in Japan.
Don't bring wet umbrellas inside stores
Shop confidently during Japan's rainy season! Discover how to handle your wet umbrella properly and why this simple courtesy matters so much to Japanese store owners.
Don't pass food chopstick to chopstick
Avoid a serious cultural mistake! Learn why passing food chopstick-to-chopstick offends Japanese people and discover proper alternatives. Dine with cultural awareness
Slurping noodles is acceptable in Japan
Feel confident at Japanese noodle shops! Discover why slurping is considered polite, how it enhances flavor, and when it's appropriate.
Don't leave food scattered on your plate
Show respect in Japanese restaurants by mastering proper plate etiquette. Learn how to finish meals neatly and why scattered food offends.
Don't cross your legs when sitting formally
Navigate Japanese formal settings with confidence! Discover proper sitting etiquette, seiza position tips, and when crossed legs signal disrespect.
Handle merchandise gently
Show respect in Japanese stores by handling items properly. Learn the cultural significance behind gentle touching and how to examine products without offending shopkeepers.
Don't point with your finger
Show respect in Japan by avoiding finger pointing. Learn the subtle art of Japanese gesturing with palm-up presentations and chin nods that locals appreciate.
Keep your rice bowl elevated while eating
Master essential Japanese table manners that locals notice. Learn the proper technique for holding your rice bowl elevated and why this tradition matters in Japanese culture.
Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice
Show respect for Japanese traditions by mastering essential chopstick etiquette. Avoid the funeral symbolism of vertical chopsticks and learn proper table manners
Waiting for "kanpai" before drinking alcohol
Show respect in Japanese social settings by understanding proper kanpai protocol. Discover the cultural significance behind this essential drinking ritual.
Eat sushi in one bite when possible
Master proper sushi etiquette that Japanese chefs notice! Discover why eating nigiri in one bite preserves the perfect balance of flavors the chef intended.
Using the opposite end of chopsticks for shared dishes
Impress Japanese hosts with proper chopstick etiquette! Learn the toribashi technique for shared dishes and why this small gesture demonstrates respect and consideration.
Priority seats in Japan: when to give up your spot
Navigate Japanese trains respectfully by understanding priority seat etiquette. Learn who needs these seats, when to offer yours, and how this system reflects Japan's social harmony.
Offering and receiving items with both hands
Make a positive impression in Japanese business settings! Master teiwatashi—the art of using both hands for exchanges. Learn the custom that signals respect and mindfulness.
Don't wear bathroom slippers outside the bathroom
Prevent embarrassing moments in Japanese homes! Learn the strict bathroom slipper rules, understand their cultural significance, and navigate this important custom confidently.
Don't refuse hospitality outright
Show respect in Japan by mastering the delicate dance of refusing then accepting hospitality. Discover essential phrases and perfect timing for smoother social interactions!
Proper clapping sequence at shinto shrines
Show proper respect at Shinto shrines with our authentic clapping ritual guide. Master the sacred sequence of bows and claps that Japanese locals follow.
Don't refuse gifts directly; accept graciously
Navigate Japanese gift-giving customs with confidence. From business meetings to social gatherings, learn why acceptance matters and how to respond properly.
Covering your mouth when using toothpicks in Japan
Master proper toothpick etiquette in Japan and show cultural respect. Learn why covering your mouth matters, proper technique, and when it's appropriate in all dining settings.
Don't touch people without permission
Discover why physical contact in Japan differs from Western norms. Learn proper etiquette for personal space, bowing customs, and social interactions.
Pour drinks for others, not yourself
Master proper Japanese drinking protocol! Learn why pouring your own alcohol offends and how to correctly participate in this important social ritual.
Don't add soy sauce to rice
Prevent cultural missteps when dining in Japan! Learn the traditional rice customs, why soy sauce should never touch plain rice, and how to honor this central food.
Walking on Shrine Pathways
Respect Japanese sacred spaces by knowing where to walk at Shinto shrines. Learn why the center path is reserved for kami and how to follow local customs.
Don't haggle in most stores
Shop like a local in Japan by respecting fixed pricing customs. Discover where haggling is taboo, the rare exceptions, and how to find legitimate discounts instead.
No tipping in Japan
Navigate Japan's no-tipping culture with confidence. Learn why tipping can offend, how to properly show appreciation, and avoid awkward cultural mistakes.
Don't dip rice side of sushi in soy sauce
Impress your dining companions with authentic Japanese sushi etiquette! Learn the proper way to dip sushi in soy sauce for the perfect flavor balance every time.
Temple purification rituals
Show respect at Japanese shrines by performing temizu correctly. Our step-by-step guide explains the sacred water ritual that prepares you for temple visits.
Queuing properly and don't cut in line
Navigate Japan like a local by mastering proper queuing etiquette. Learn the unspoken rules of waiting in line, maintaining position, and showing respect in public spaces.