Social Etiquette and Laws

Japan is a country that runs on rules, and as a foreigner, it’s important to do our best to adhere to these rules and social expectations in order to be respectful BUT there is a lot of them to remember, so if you find it a bit overwhelming, keep it simple. Avoid doing anything that would inconvenience another person in any way, and if you make a mistake, don’t lose too much sleep over it, because as foreigners, we’re granted some grace. Even the Japanese people know it’s a lot to remember, just try your best.

Blowing your nose in public is generally considered impolite, it’s more culturally acceptable to discreetly sniffle or step away to a private area if necessary.

Wearing masks when unwell or in public spaces is a common practice in Japan. It showcases consideration for others, aiming to prevent the spread of germs (especially so since Covid-19). It's not only a protective measure for the wearer but also a social responsibility, particularly in crowded areas or during the cold and flu seasons.

Walking and eating is generally avoided as it may result in inadvertently littering if food or drink is dropped or spilt. For this reason, it’s common for street food vendors (and even vending machines) to have spaces cordoned off beside them for you to stand and eat or drink before you move on. As a side note, these spaces are also commonly equipped with bins to dispose of your rubbish when you’re finished, however keep in mind that it may be considered rude to dispose of outside rubbish in these bins.

Japanese etiquette dictates that individuals should take their trash with them as public bins are rare to find and it’s considered rude to dispose of outside rubbish in private bins, it’s expected that you will return your rubbish home to ‘your’ bin, where it can be properly separated into burnables, non-burnables, etc. This practice reflects a commitment to cleanliness and environmental responsibility, contributing to the overall cleanliness of public areas.

Similar to eating, walking and texting is viewed as inconsiderate as it may lead to collisions, and focusing on a mobile device while in motion is seen as a breach of the communal awareness valued in public spaces.

It's customary to find a seat before placing an order in small or busy cafes or restaurants where you aren’t seated by staff and/or offered table service. Simply leave some of your belongings on the table to reserve it before you line up to place your order. Don’t worry, this is commonplace in Japan as theft is rare. This helps maintain a smooth and organized flow of customers and ensures that you don’t end up with food in hand, but nowhere to sit and consume it.

Choose an umbrella over a raincoat. during wet weather, stores will have an umbrella stand or plastic umbrella bags available at the door for you to store your umbrella in to avoid dripping water on the floors when you enter and possibly creating a safety hazard. Wearing, or carrying a wet raincoat into an indoor space may be seen as inconsiderate and rude.

Maintaining silence on public transport is a must. While riding on trains, especially local trains, conversations are kept at a low volume and phone calls are typically conducted in a hushed manner or more commonly avoided altogether. This ensures a peaceful and considerate environment for all passengers.

Removing shoes when entering houses, ryokan (traditional inns), and some hotel rooms is a customary practice. It helps maintain cleanliness indoors and signifies a separation between the outside world and the private, personal space. You’ll know if you’re expected to remove your shoes prior to entering a space if you find yourself in a ‘genkan’ upon entering. A genkan is an entryway that is cut in lower than the ground level of the home or room. The lowered section is where shoes are taken off and left, and you’ll often find slippers sitting on the step for you to change into. Shoes should never touch the ground of the ‘raised’ area, and if pigeonholes aren’t offered to store your shoes, place them out of the way of foot traffic if possible, in a manner that makes it easy for you to step back into them upon leaving.

Approaching strangers with casual conversation is less common in Japan compared to some Western cultures. While polite interactions are welcomed, initiating conversations with unfamiliar individuals in public spaces is often avoided. Japanese people value personal space and may find unsolicited conversations intrusive.

Before entering an onsen (hot spring bath), it's crucial to thoroughly wash and rinse the body at shower stations. This ritual ensures cleanliness and hygiene, as communal baths are shared spaces. Adhering to this onsen etiquette is essential for respecting the cultural significance of communal bathing.

Hotel check-in times are typically adhered to strictly in Japan. Even if your room is cleaned and ready, unfortunately it’s very likely you won’t be permitted to check-in earlier than the specified check-in time. This doesn’t mean that arriving early is a complete waste of time however, as many hotels will allow you to leave your luggage in their care until you’re able to check-in so that you can head out and explore the area.

Standing on the left side of an escalator and leaving the right side free allows a smooth flow of foot traffic, unless you’re in Osaka, then stand to the right... It's a widely followed practice, especially in busy urban areas, demonstrating consideration for those in a hurry or those who prefer to climb the stairs. By adhering to this unspoken rule, individuals collectively contribute to the efficiency of public spaces.

It's essential to be aware of priority elevators and seats designated for elderly individuals, pregnant women, people with prams or small children, and passengers with disabilities. While it is perfectly acceptable for anyone to use these facilities, the courtesy lies in promptly vacating these spaces when someone who requires them is present or waiting. This practice fosters a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring that those with specific needs have access to the amenities designed to accommodate them.

Tattoos carry a stigma in Japan, and some public spaces such as hot springs, gyms, and some beaches may have restrictions or outright bans on individuals with visible tattoos. Tattoo culture in Japan has historical roots and as they are traditionally associated with criminal organizations like the Yakuza, they can make people uncomfortable. These days, perceptions are evolving, especially among younger generations, and many establishments are becoming more tolerant. Tattoo friendly hot springs are becoming more common, and many simply ask that you cover them. If you have tattoos, especially large ones, ensure you ask after the establishments tattoo policy before using the facilities.

Laws

If it’s important to do your best to follow Japan’s strict Social etiquette, it’s even more important to obey their laws!

In 2020, a new smoking law prohibiting indoor smoking was passed, and many cities now also prohibit smoking on the streets except in designated smoking areas and rooms. Smoking outside of these designated areas is a fine-able offence.

The legal drinking age is 20 years old. The sale and consumption of alcohol are regulated by this age restriction; however, Japan does not have strict open container laws, and it's common for individuals to consume alcohol in public spaces. Additionally, there are laws against public intoxication, and penalties may be imposed for disorderly behavior resulting from excessive alcohol consumption.

Motorized suitcases are currently classed as “motorised vehicles that can be ridden on roads only with the required safety equipment and a driving licence”.
There have been instances where individuals were charged for riding motorized suitcases without meeting these requirements, In June, a woman in her 30s was referred to prosecutors for driving without a license, after she allegedly rode a three-wheeled suitcase on a sidewalk in Osaka, and major airports are also asking passengers to not ride motorized suitcases on the airport’s premises.

The use of UHF-CB radios (walkie-talkies) which do not meet Japanese specifications (such as those purchased outside Japan), and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) is prohibited. So, if you usually travel with personal safety devices like the Spot, or Garmin InReach, it’s best to leave them at home for this trip.

Have your passport with you at all times. Police have the power to stop any person at any time and ask to see identification, for locals, this can be their Resident Identification Cards, however for foreign tourists, we must present our passports. If you don't have any official identification on you, you could be arrested. This is especially important when traveling with children, as to prevent child trafficking, police tend to utilize their right to check identification more commonly if you have children with you, and should you require medical assistance in the form of ambulance or hospitalization, you will also be required to present your passport.

From April 2024 onwards, Kyoto city has banned tourists from certain residential streets of the Gion District in an attempt to protect the Maiko and Geisha living and working in the area. In 2016, a fine for photographing geisha in Kyoto's Gion district was implemented as a measure to protect their privacy, however despite this regulation, sadly, issues of harassment have persisted, forcing the further restrictions this April. Areas off limits to tourists will be sign posted in both Japanese and English, so please remain vigilant while exploring the area, and keep in mind that trespassing is a fine-able offence.

Although drinking alcohol in public is allowed in Japan, as of October 1st 2024, Tokyo's Shibuya Ward will prohibit nighttime street drinking around Shibuya Station due to an increased rate of public intoxication and resulting crime and public nuisance in the area. The no-drinking hours are from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning.