‘Japanese people are very prideful, and following the rules is a big thing in Japan.’
So says GetYourGuide’s Japan expert – and Tokyo native – Takao Nishina.
But what are the rules?
Takao reveals all here – the unspoken etiquette do’s and don’ts that’ll save you during a visit from being frowned upon and stop locals ‘wondering what’s wrong with you’.
Scroll down to discover how to ride an escalator in Japan, how to cross the road, when to tip, the greeting that will make locals ‘anxious’ and why you need to start practising your bowing.
Silence is golden
Since the pandemic, says Takao, there has been a taxi shortage in Japan, which means most people use public transport to get around.
But, even though the train or metro in Japan might be busy, that doesn’t mean it’s loud.
Quite the opposite, in fact.
GetYourGuide’s Japan expert – and Tokyo native – Takao Nishina says tourists ‘often make the mistake of being very loud on the train’ in Japan. He adds: ‘Keeping noise to a minimum is considered good manners’
Takao Nishina, pictured, tells MailOnline Travel the top etiquette rules in Japan that visitors should abide by
‘People often make the mistake of being very loud on the train,’ explains Takao. ‘It’s quiet on the train and keeping noise to a minimum is considered good manners.
‘So if you’re talking loudly or making phone calls, it’s considered quite rude, and you might even be asked to stop if you’re on the phone.’
Escalator etiquette
It’s a well-known fact that Londoners stand on the right on escalators throughout the Tube [subway], and will freely tut at someone breaking this sacred rule.
But they’ll be making a critical error if they do the same in Tokyo – where it’s commonplace to keep left.
Takao explains: ‘Stations in Tokyo are quite busy, so sometimes I see tourists standing on the right and they find themselves blocking all the commuters and seeing a huge line standing behind them.’
Confusingly, however, Osaka’s rule is to stand on the right – and you probably won’t be told off if you make a mistake in either city thanks to the polite nature of Japanese people.
Takao adds: ‘Unless it’s a very long escalator, people probably won’t say anything, but they will be quietly standing behind you, wondering what’s wrong with you.’
Crossing the road
Takao says there is a high chance ‘you will get a disapproving look’ if you cross at a pedestrian crossing before the signal changes from red to green
Jaywalking is thoroughly frowned upon in Japan – and illegal.
Cross a road on a red signal, says Takao, and ‘you will get a disapproving look’.
Even while standing by a road devoid of traffic.
Takao adds: ‘You don’t see jaywalking on the street, even if the other side of the road is two metres (6.6ft) away, no car is crossing and you don’t see any cars far behind.
‘People wait until that signal changes.’
Don’t tip
While it’s customary to tip waiting staff, and tour guides, in Western culture, Takao recommends saving your pennies when in Japan, where ‘it’s not so common’.
He explains: ‘By giving a tip to people, sometimes they get confused and may even feel offended that they’re getting paid extra for a job they already got paid for, so that’s something that tourists can consider.’
No littering
Littering is an absolute no-no, notes Takao.
Although there aren’t many rubbish bins in public spaces, he recommends carrying empty bottles around until you return to your hotel room or find a bin.
‘If you’re throwing your trash or bottles on the streets you may offend some people,’ he adds.
Bowing culture
The Japanese ‘tend to avoid physical contact’ and bow as a way of greeting each other, says Takao. He adds: ‘If you’re saying hello, it’s a small bow of just the head, but a bow to apologise, show sincerity, major respect, or great appreciation, requires a bow to waist level’ (file image)
In the West, people traditionally greet each other with a handshake or hug.
But the Japanese ‘tend to avoid physical contact’, says Takao, who was ‘very surprised’ to get kissed by locals in Italy.
While ‘a handshake is okay’, a hug or kiss may make the recipient ‘feel very anxious’, he explains.
‘In Japan, you bow,’ he explains. ‘We do bow a lot. You will see many people bowing, many times, to each other when they meet or leave.’
In fact, bowing is such a huge part of Japanese culture that Takao was trained on the rules when he got his first job.
‘If you’re saying hello, it’s a small bow of just the head, but a bow to apologise, show sincerity, major respect, or great appreciation, requires a bow to waist level.’
For Takao’s recommended tours around Japan, visit GetYourGuide’s website.
‘Japanese people are very prideful, and following the rules is a big thing in Japan,’ says Takao
