Japanese Etiquette: 15 Cultural Do's and Don'ts

Japanese culture values consideration for others. These simple do's and don'ts will help you show respect anywhere.

Do

• Bow when greeting and thanking.
• Remove your shoes where required (homes, some restaurants).
• Be quiet on trains and take calls elsewhere.
• Queue neatly and wait your turn.
• Receive business cards and gifts with both hands.
• Say いただきます before eating and ごちそうさま after.

Don't

• Don't tip — it can cause confusion.
• Don't eat while walking in many places.
• Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (a funeral image).
• Don't blow your nose loudly in public.
• Don't be loud or overly physical in greetings.

When unsure, observe what those around you do and follow along — attentiveness itself is appreciated.