Avoid these common tourist mistakes to keep your trip smooth, respectful, and unforgettable.
So, you’re planning a trip to Japan? That’s an amazing choice! It’s clean, safe, quirky, and packed with culture, convenience, and conbini snacks. But before you hop off that plane, here’s something just as important as your JR Pass: What not to do in Japan.
These aren’t just “rules”—they’re unspoken expectations. Some might surprise you. Others might save you from a few awkward stares. Ready? Let’s go.
❌ 1. Don’t Talk Loudly in Public Transport
You’ll know you’re not in a Western country anymore when a packed train feels eerily quiet. That’s by design. Japanese people value peace in public spaces. No loud convos, no phone calls, and no blasting TikToks. Whisper or text—it’s the norm.
Recently, we had some bizarre news, mainly due to “influencers” like Johnny Somali and Fidias, and a couple more bad actors ruining the Japan experience for everyone. Click here to read about the bad actors. You don’t have to show off your Boom box and slick dance moves on the buses and trains. You end up looking ridiculous.
Bonus tip: If you have luggage, don’t block the door or aisle. Move it between your legs or into the overhead shelf.
❌ 2. Don’t Wear Shoes Indoors
This is a biggie. Homes, temples, traditional inns (ryokan), and even some restaurants have genkan—the shoe-removal area. See a row of slippers? That’s your cue. Walk in with your street shoes and you might as well yell, “I’m a clueless foreigner!”
Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-barefoot-on-the-wooden-floor-7680323/
Watch out for: Switching to toilet slippers when you enter a bathroom, then switching back after. Yes, really. Why bring the germs from the toilet everywhere else?
❌ 3. Don’t Tip
This is already well-known. Japan is not a tipping culture. Leave a few coins at a restaurant, and they’ll probably run after you to return them. Good service is standard, and showing appreciation through a tip might confuse or embarrass staff. With the economy getting worse, there could be a few people accepting tips, but it’s just easier to avoid giving tips.
Instead, say a cheerful “ごちそうさまでした！” (Gochisōsama deshita!) when leaving a restaurant—it’s the polite way to show gratitude.
❌ 4. Don’t Point or Gesture with Chopsticks
Using chopsticks? Great! But don’t stab food, point at people, or pass food from chopstick to chopstick (this mimics a funeral ritual). Also, never stick them upright into a bowl of rice. Ever. No one will tell you not to do certain things, but it’s better to know than to ignore and move on.
Photo by Juan Encalada on Unsplash
❌ 5. Don’t Eat While Walking
Yes, the conbini food is next-level. But resist the urge to scarf down your onigiri while strolling the streets. In Japan, eating while walking is frowned upon (unless you’re at a festival). Find a bench, a park, or a designated eating area—even if it’s just outside the store.
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-in-white-shirt-eating-on-the-street-5779578/
❌ 6. Don’t Forget to Queue
Whether it’s for the train, elevator, ramen, or public toilet, line up. Japan runs on order, and cutting in line will get you glares that could melt Mt. Fuji. Even when you use the stairs or an escalator, stand on the right and leave some space on the left. It’s for the people who are in a hurry.
❌ 7. Don’t Assume English is Widely Spoken
While major tourist areas will have signage in English, don’t expect fluent English everywhere. Learn a few basic phrases—it’ll go a long way. If you expect tourists coming to your country to speak the native language, don’t expect people here to speak English.
Try these:
- すみません (sumimasen) – Excuse me / Sorry
- ありがとう (arigatou) – Thank you
- トイレはどこですか？(Toire wa doko desu ka?) – Where is the toilet?
❌ 8. Don’t Be “That Foreigner” in an Onsen
Onsen (hot springs) are heaven. But rules matter. You must wash thoroughly before getting in. Swimsuits are a no. And tattoos? Still a no-go in many places. Some are loosening up on tattoo policies, but it’s best to check in advance.
❌ 9. Don’t Leave Trash Around
There are barely any bins in Japan, yet the streets are spotless. How? People take their trash home. So don’t expect to find a trash can on every corner. Hold on to your rubbish until you find the right place to sort it. Don’t throw all the trash in the same bin. Please separate them.
Photo by Jonas Gerlach on Unsplash
❌ 10. Don’t Expect Japan to Be a Theme Park
Japan is unique and often surreal. But it’s also a real place, not a samurai-and-sushi fantasy land. Be respectful. That maid café waitress? She’s working. That shrine? It’s sacred. Is that a Geisha? She’s also working. If you want to snap photos, ask and take permission. And be mindful of your surroundings.
Final Thoughts
Japan will steal your heart—but not your wallet or your patience (unless you don’t follow the unspoken rules). Most locals are kind and forgiving, but taking the time to not stand out for the wrong reasons shows you care.
Being a good guest in Japan is simple: Be kind. Be quiet. Be curious. And maybe pack an extra bag for all the KitKats.
You may also be interested in:
- Mistakes to avoid when visiting Japan in 2025
- What Is Sanseito?
- Best places to visit in Hokkaido
- What It’s Really Like Living in Japan
- NISA vs iDeCo
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