30 Faux Pas in Japan - Travel Etiquette In the Land of Faux Pas

Every country has its own norms and customs. Even in Japan, there are certain rules of daily life that are normal for locals, but may seem strange and unfamiliar to tourists.

We have picked out the most important faux pas that you should absolutely avoid if you don't want to stand out unpleasantly in Japan. As a tourist, it's of course less serious if you don't do something the way it's customary in Japan. The residents know that too. However, it is our advice to take the following rules to heart as much as possible, as these are normal behaviors in Japan.

We have divided the faux pas into the categories table manners, public, business/work and other random situations.

If you know of any other faux pas or typical Japanese rules, please feel free to write to us!

Table Manners

The people of Japan take politeness and good manners very seriously when eating. You should look at some rules in order to be taken seriously at a meal in Japan. We have created a post dedicated solely to table manners in Japan. That probably means you should be extra careful at the table!

Public

This is probably the area where you can stand out the most unpleasantly, as you are in the street among a lot of people. Public transport also falls under this topic, where there are also unwritten laws. We have also added some suggestions for interacting with other people.

• Address: A "san" is added to people's names. But not to your own name!
• Greeting: Slight bow with straight back.
• Don't be late for your appointment! Being too early is also not appropriate. If you are late, be sure to let someone know immediately!
• Don't let your feelings out! Stay composed if something annoying happens. Don't get loud, yell or gesticulate.
• Don't point at a person with your finger! If you do, do it with your whole hand.
• Don't blow your nose in public! And if you have to sneeze, it's best to suppress it.
• Don't eat on the street or on public transport.
• Don't eat while walking! Meals are sacred to the Japanese.
• It is strictly forbidden to throw garbage on the ground!
• Wash your hands as often as possible! Especially before and after using the toilet.
• When using a public toilet, use the provided music/noise playback or flush if unpleasant sounds occur. Close the toilet lid after use.
• Don't urinate against a tree or house wall!
• The following faux pas apply to public transport in Japan:
• No shoes on the seat.
• Don't block seats with luggage.
• No loud phone calls and no loud cell phone ringtones.
• Don't push (ahead).
• Carry your backpack in front of you, not on your back (e.g. on trains). Otherwise you're taking up too much space!
• If you use a Japanese taxi: Japanese taxi doors open automatically. So don't try to open them! Also, a tip is usually not given.

Japanese Homes

In case you are invited to a local's home on your trip, there are also rules you should be aware of. This is very important, as it concerns the privacy of the people! This is where you can really step into a lot of faux pas!

• First of all: Take off your shoes! They should then be placed with the tips pointing towards the front door.
• You should wash yourself thoroughly before bathing, as the bathwater is used by the whole family for relaxation and not for cleaning.
• Don't show direct particular interest in an object in the apartment, as this will be seen as a coercion to give a gift.
• If you are invited to a private home, you should bring a small gift:
  • A beautiful packaging is important!
  • The gift should not be too expensive.
  • White is the color of mourning in Japan. Therefore, the gift should not be wrapped in white paper or decorated with white ribbons. White flowers are also taboo!
  • Don't give a quartet, knives or scissors! It's best to bring something typically kitschy.
  • Finally, the gift should be presented with both hands.
• Don't sit down without being asked! Wait until your host allows you to.
• Don't enter a room with tatami mats with house shoes.
• Don't walk through the apartment with toilet slippers. There are special slippers for the WC area and these should stay there. Also, you shouldn't go to the WC with socks and after using the toilet, you should close the lid.
• Wait until your host pours the drink, don't serve yourself!

Business

If you are traveling to Japan on business, you should behave professionally. To convince your business partners of you, the following points should be considered.

• Business cards should be handled carefully: they should be presented and received with both hands. Never write notes on them and don't fold or dirty them.
• If you have a business meeting, be sure to wear a suit and tie. No leisure clothes! As a woman, you don't have to wear a suit and tie, of course. Just your business clothes!
• The greeting should not be too firm a handshake. Otherwise, your counterpart will think that you want to be superior to him.
• In a conversation with your business partner, direct eye contact should be avoided. It is best to look at the nose or forehead.
• You should also never express direct criticism. This is generally not appreciated in Japan!
• Mobile phones are placed openly on the table and silenced during a meeting. Anything else would be impolite!
• After a meeting, you should thank the partner in an email/message within 24 hours for taking the time for the meeting. By the way, this is also appropriate privately. Generally, networking is very important in Japan!

Other Situations

Here you will find some faux pas that could ruin you in random situations! It would certainly not be bad to be informed about this.

• The number "Four" brings bad luck. It should not be pronounced! It is pronounced "shi", but that also means "death".
• The word "No" should better not be used, as this signals direct rejection.
• You should apologize often! So if you think you've done something wrong, it's best to say "Sumimasen". That always fits!
• Touching is rather undesirable in Japan: better no handshakes, hugs or any. Except at a business meeting, as described above.
• If you drink green tea somewhere, you should not add milk or sugar.
• Don't argue! Neither with a local nor with your fellow traveler, because Japanese people don't like open conflicts. You should suppress your personal feelings as best as possible!
• If you are invited to a karaoke bar, you should not decline this invitation under any circumstances! Japanese people love karaoke evenings! German folk songs are welcome there.
• As strange as it may sound, direct compliments should not be given. You can express praise by referring to your own weaknesses. Asking the other person for advice is an ideal example!
• Hot springs or baths are very popular in Japan: These are called "Onsen". You should wash yourself visibly to others before getting into the hot spring. But we have written a separate article about this, which is linked below.