Social Etiquette and Laws in Japan

What Visitors Should Know

Japan is a country that places great value on social harmony, shared spaces, and consideration for others. As a visitor, doing your best to respect local customs goes a long way — but don’t feel pressured to remember everything perfectly.

Even Japanese people acknowledge that there are many unspoken rules. If you make a mistake, don’t stress — visitors are generally given a lot of grace. The golden rule is simple:

Try not to inconvenience others, and you’ll be just fine.

Everyday Social Etiquette

Blowing Your Nose in Public

Blowing your nose loudly in public is generally considered impolite. It’s more socially acceptable to:

• Discreetly sniffle, or

• Step away to a private space (such as a restroom)

Wearing Masks When Unwell

Wearing a mask when sick is common and widely appreciated in Japan. It’s seen as a sign of consideration for others, particularly in crowded spaces and on public transport. This practice remains common post-COVID.

Eating While Walking

Eating while walking is generally avoided, as it can lead to spills, littering, or blocking foot traffic.

For this reason:

• Street food vendors often provide a standing area beside their stall

• Vending machines frequently have nearby spaces to drink

These areas usually include bins — however, it’s considered rude to dispose of outside rubbish in private bins.

Rubbish & Public Bins

Public rubbish bins are rare in Japan.

The expectation is that you:

• Carry your rubbish with you

• Dispose of it later at your accommodation

• Separate it correctly (burnable, non-burnable, recyclables)

This system is a major reason Japan’s public spaces are so clean.

Walking While Using Your Phone

Walking while texting or staring at your phone is considered inconsiderate, as it can cause collisions and disrupt the flow of foot traffic. It’s best to:

• Step aside before checking your phone

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times

Cafés & Casual Restaurants

In small or busy cafés where you are not seated by staff:

• It’s customary to find and reserve a seat first

• Place a bag or personal item on the table

• Then line up to order

Don’t worry — this is very normal, and theft is rare.

Umbrellas vs Raincoats

In wet weather, umbrellas are preferred over raincoats.

Most stores provide:

• Umbrella stands

• Plastic umbrella sleeves

Carrying a dripping raincoat indoors may be seen as inconsiderate, as it can create slippery floors.

Public Transport Behaviour

Public transport is quiet and orderly.

• Conversations are kept low

• Phone calls are generally avoided

• Notifications are often silenced

This helps maintain a calm environment for everyone.

Shoes Off Indoors

Shoes are removed when entering:

• Homes

• Ryokan (traditional inns)

• Some hotel rooms

You’ll know shoes should be removed if you enter a genkan — a lowered entryway.

Shoes should:

• Be left in the lower area

• Never touch the raised floor

• Be placed neatly, pointing toward the exit if possible

Slippers are often provided.

Talking to Strangers

Casual conversation with strangers is less common than in Australia. While politeness is always welcomed, unsolicited small talk may feel intrusive. Respecting personal space is appreciated.

Onsen (Hot Springs) Etiquette

Before entering an onsen, you must:

• Thoroughly wash and rinse your body at the shower stations

This is essential for hygiene, as baths are shared. Entering without washing is considered very disrespectful.

Hotel Check-in Times

Check-in times in Japan are generally strictly enforced.

Even if your room is ready, early check-in is unlikely. However:

• Most hotels will store your luggage

• You’re free to explore until check-in time

Escalator Etiquette

In most of Japan:

• Stand on the left

• Walk on the right

In Osaka, it’s the opposite — stand on the right.

This unspoken rule helps keep foot traffic moving efficiently.

Priority Seats & Elevators

Priority seating and elevators are intended for:

• Elderly passengers

• Pregnant people

• Those with prams or small children

• People with disabilities

Anyone may use them, but courtesy dictates giving them up immediately when someone who needs them is present.

Tattoos

Tattoos still carry some stigma in Japan due to historical associations with organised crime.

As a result:

• Some onsens, gyms, pools, and beaches restrict visible tattoos

• Many venues now allow tattoos if they are covered

• Tattoo-friendly onsens are increasingly common

If you have tattoos, especially large ones:

• Check policies before entering

• Carry cover-up options just in case

Laws Visitors Must Follow

If it’s important to respect social etiquette, it’s even more important to obey the law.

Smoking Laws

Japan has strict smoking regulations.

• Indoor smoking is banned in most venues

• Many cities prohibit street smoking except in designated areas

• Smoking outside these areas can result in fines

Always look for marked smoking zones.

Alcohol Laws

• Legal drinking age: 20 years old

• Public drinking is generally legal

However:

• Public intoxication and disorderly behaviour can result in penalties

Shibuya Nighttime Drinking Ban

From 1 October 2024, Shibuya Ward has banned nighttime street drinking around Shibuya Station:

• No drinking from 6:00pm to 5:00am

• Introduced due to safety and public nuisance concerns

Motorised Suitcases

Motorised ride-on suitcases are classified as motor vehicles under Japanese law.

They:

• Require a valid driver’s licence

• Must meet safety regulations

There have been arrests for riding them without meeting these requirements, and airports now explicitly prohibit their use on airport premises.

Do not ride motorised suitcases in Japan.

Walkie-Talkies & Emergency Beacons

The following are prohibited if they don’t meet Japanese specifications:

• UHF-CB radios (walkie-talkies bought overseas)

• PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons)

• Devices such as Garmin InReach or SPOT

Leave these devices at home.

Carry Your Passport at All Times

Foreign visitors are legally required to:

• Carry their passport at all times

Police may request identification at any time. Failure to present a passport can result in detention.

This is especially common:

• When travelling with children (anti-trafficking checks)

• When seeking medical care or hospital admission

Kyoto Gion District Restrictions

To protect Maiko and Geisha from harassment:

• Certain residential streets in Kyoto’s Gion District are off-limits to tourists

• Photography of geisha without permission is prohibited

• Trespassing is a fineable offence

Restricted areas are clearly signposted in Japanese and English — please respect all signage.

You don’t need to be perfect — just be considerate.

Japan is incredibly welcoming to visitors who make an effort, and even a small show of respect goes a long way. If you’re ever unsure, observing those around you and following their lead is the safest approach.