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Japanese Etiquette: The Complete Guide for Travelers

Why Etiquette Matters in Japan

Etiquette in Japan isn’t just about rules — it’s woven into centuries of culture. Rooted in Confucian, Buddhist, and Shinto traditions, manners reflect respect, harmony (wa), and awareness of others. Whether dining, riding the train, or visiting a shrine, small gestures show you value the culture you’re experiencing.



Dining Etiquette


Table Manners

  • Always wait until everyone is served before starting.

  • Say いただきます (Itadakimasu / “I humbly receive”) before eating.

  • After the meal, say ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita / “Thank you for the meal”).



Chopsticks: Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

  • Use chopstick rests when available.

  • Hold them properly, midway, not too close to the tips.

Don’t (and why):

  • Sticking upright in rice → Resembles funeral rituals.

  • Passing food chopstick-to-chopstick → Mimics how bones are handled in cremation rites.

  • Pointing with chopsticks → Considered rude and aggressive.



Specific Foods

  • Ramen: Slurping is not only allowed but shows enjoyment.

  • Sushi: Eat in one bite if possible. Nigiri may be eaten by hand; dip lightly in soy sauce (fish side, not rice).

  • Rice: Don’t pour soy sauce directly on rice; it’s considered disrespectful.


Drinking Etiquette

  • Don’t pour your own drink — pour for others, and let them pour for you.

  • When raising glasses: say 乾杯 (Kanpai / “Cheers!”).



Useful Dining Phrases

Japanese

Romaji

English

いただきます

Itadakimasu

I humbly receive (before eating)

ごちそうさまでした

Gochisōsama deshita

Thank you for the meal

お願いします

Onegaishimasu

Please

美味しいです

Oishii desu

It’s delicious



Greetings & Physical Etiquette


  • Bowing (お辞儀, Ojigi): Standard greeting; depth shows respect. Business bows are deeper; casual bows are lighter.

  • Handshakes: Increasingly common with foreigners, but bowing is always safe.

  • Hello & Goodbye:

    • こんにちは (Konnichiwa) → Hello / Good afternoon

    • さようなら (Sayōnara) → Goodbye (formal)

    • じゃあね (Jā ne) → See you (casual)



Etiquette at Shrines & Temples


  1. Purification (手水, Temizu):

    • Rinse left hand, right hand, mouth, then handle again (never drink directly).

  2. Praying:

    • At shrines: Bow twice, clap twice, bow once.

    • At temples: Silent prayer only.

  3. Offerings: Place coins gently in the offering box, don’t throw.




Transport Etiquette


  • Trains/Buses:

    • Be quiet, phones on silent (manner mode).

    • Don’t eat or drink (except on Shinkansen where it’s fine).

    • Women-only cars (レディースカー) during rush hours on some lines.

  • Escalators: Stand on the left in Tokyo/Kanto; right in Osaka/Kansai.

  • Street manners: Avoid walking and eating.



Onsen Etiquette


  • Bathe before entering the communal bath.

  • No swimsuits allowed; only small towels.

  • Tattoos may be restricted — check in advance.

  • Don’t splash or dive. Quiet relaxation is expected.



Etiquette in Japan — FAQs


Q: What to say when leaving a restaurant in Japan?

  • ごちそうさまでした (Gochisōsama deshita) → Thank you for the meal.

Q: What is considered rude in Japan?

  • Sticking chopsticks upright in rice.

  • Talking loudly on trains.

  • Eating while walking.

  • Tipping at restaurants.

Q: Why do Japanese people say Itadakimasu before eating?

  • It expresses gratitude to farmers, cooks, and life itself for the food.

Q: Is slurping rude in Japan?

  • No — slurping noodles (ramen, soba, udon) is normal and shows enjoyment.

Q: Tipping in Japan?

  • Not practiced. Good service is standard and already included.


Key Takeaway: In Japan, etiquette isn’t about memorizing rigid rules — it’s about showing respect, awareness, and humility. Even small efforts (like saying itadakimasu or bowing) will be appreciated and remembered.


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