Japanese tea ceremony

A Guide to Japanese Etiquette

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Written by
Rachel O'Leary

Published on: November 28th, 2017

Last modified: July 27th, 2023

Japanese etiquette can often seem daunting to travellers, as traditions are closely observed.

Manners are of great importance in Japan and some customs may not be as obvious as others.

Despite the array of social rules, the important thing for the Japanese is effort - as long as you try, any mistakes will be forgiven.

With a few key customs to bear in mind, here's our guide to Japanese etiquette.

chopsticks-japan

Eating out

Reservations

As many Japanese or sushi restaurants are small, only holding around ten tables, it is considered rude to not show up or cancel at the last minute. It is also worth noting that restaurants in Japan don’t often accept bookings from travellers, so reservations are taken based on respect or a prior relationship with the concierge.

sushi-dining-room

Dietary requirements

If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let the concierge or restaurant know when you make the reservation as chefs tend to source food and create dishes in advance.

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Sushi

Dip the fish in the soy sauce, not the rice, as the sauce causes it to fall apart. Remember also that using too much soy might offend the chef. If you are eating nigiri, place the fish on the tongue first, not the rice.

Japanese Sushi

Drinking

Refilling your own glass is sometimes seen as an insult to the host, even if you refill your fellow diners’ glasses before your own. Usually, if you are refilling others’ glasses, someone else will top yours up. Before drinking, remember to wait for someone to say ‘kanpai’ (cheers).

saki-bottles-japan

Chopsticks

Lay your chopsticks across your bowl or on a ceramic holder, but avoid sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, as to Buddhists it means you’re offering your rice to the dead. Also remember to never gesticulate with chopsticks, wave them over your dish or pass food with them.

traditional-chopsticks

Eating outside

Don’t eat and walk at the same time: it is generally considered rude. Instead, find somewhere to sit down and enjoy your food.

japanese-bento-box-sushi-outdoors
Enjoy lunch sat down
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Onsen

Men and women bathe separately (unless you book a private onsen for two). You must go in completely naked except for a small ‘modesty towel’, which is about the size of a hand towel. You kneel or sit on a little stool and there is a shower, a bucket and shampoo or shower gel and conditioner. You have a full wash, rinse, and then you can get in the water.

wooden-stool-onsen

Usually, you start in the inside bath and then move to the outside onsen, which will have beautiful views or be set in a pretty garden – obviously it’s very private. Please also be aware that if you have a tattoo, which is not small enough to be covered by a bandage, then you will not be permitted to take onsen.

open-air-spa-onsen-japan
Japan Jobi

Best of the rest

Tipping

The Japanese consider tipping to be rude and even degrading. If you really want to tip, a beautifully wrapped gift or confectionery from our home country is appreciated.

gift-giving-parcel

Presents

If having dinner at someone’s home, you must bring a gift. This could be food traditional to your hometown or similar, and it is customary to have it wrapped up. It is seen as proper to strongly protest a gift at first, but to always accept it.

chocolate-gift-box

Hygiene

Blowing your nose in public is frowned upon, so if you have the sniffles, try to find a private place to clear your sinuses or at least do it discreetly.

Slippers

When you see slippers left out, put them on. This could be at a temple, traditional restaurant and even the bathroom. Some restaurants have separate slippers to wear into the bathroom but they must be left in the bathroom and your other slippers worn ​in the restaurant.

sandals-traditional-japanese

Bare feet

Do not let your feet touch the outside ground before you enter the inside of your host’s house. When you are taking your shoes off, carefully step straight inside without letting your bare or socked feet touch the ground.

feet-sandals-japan

Kimonos

If you’re given a kimono to wear at a Japanese inn, make sure you wrap the left side over the right. The opposite method is used on the dead.

japanese-kimono

Business cards

Offer your business card with two hands whilst facing the recipient, and accept cards in the same manner, remembering to look at the card before you put it away.

japanese-business-cards
Exchanging cards

If you are inspired to visit Japan and learn about the traditions of this beautiful country, speak to our expert travel designers to start planning your next holiday...