Tourist Traps
These aren’t your usual tourist traps. Many behaviors that we consider normal and typical are actually considered insulting or even illegal in Japan. To avoid the side-eye from the locals, here are 20 things to keep in mind next time you find yourself in unfamiliar territory.
Photo by Nguyễn Thanh Tùng on Pexels
1. Train Etiquette
There are numerous etiquette rules governing transit in Japan, which are needed since the majority of the population relies on it. Not only can you not make phone calls on the train, but talking loudly or playing audible music is considered rude too.
2. Nose Rule
While many of us can’t control our bodily functions, it is actually considered very rude to blow your nose in public. In fact, many locals will consider you disgusting if you do something of that sort. If you really need to clean your nose, find somewhere private.
3. Walking and Eating
Many Japanese look down upon those who walk and eat, as it is considered rushed and impolite. Instead, you are expected to stop and finish your food before continuing to walk. This is probably why many Japanese snacks are impossible to open without scissors.
4. Separate Your Garbage
Japan has very strict rules about garbage disposal, including taking trash out on time and sorting it in your own home.
Garbage mishaps are likely to lead to hefty fines and cold looks from your neighbors.
5. No Shoes Allowed
This is a sanitary rule that Westerners should probably adopt. In Japan, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home, which ensures you aren’t tracking dirt or filth through your house.
6. Drinking Rules
In Japan, forcing or peer-pressuring somebody to drink when they don’t want to is considered strictly illegal. While it’s perfectly valid to stroll around with a glass of beer, it is considered taboo to push it on someone else.
7. No Tipping
While in the West, tipping is considered a way to thank someone for their service; in Japan, it is considered insulting. Most establishments will refuse tips altogether, as tips are seen as degrading.
8. Bathroom Slippers
In Japan, you are expected to have a separate pair of slippers exclusively for the bathroom. Ideally, you will be wearing house slippers within the confines of your home, and you will have to switch them out every time you enter the restroom.
9. Slurping Noodles
In Japan, slurping your noodles is a way to let the server know that you are enjoying them. It is considered polite, so slurping is encouraged. Alternatively, if you eat your noodles quietly, the establishment may feel insulted.
10. No Medicine
While it is common to bring your medicine wherever you travel, in Japan, it’s a difficult feat to accomplish. This is because many over-the-counter medications are considered illegal in Japan, including things as simple as allergy medicine or inhalers.
11. Showering Before Onsen
In the West, it is considered sanitary to rinse off before entering a pool, and Japan has similar rules. You are expected to use soap and shower thoroughly before entering the spring, and many Japanese will consider you unsanitary if you don’t follow the rules.
12. Ice Cream in the Mail Box
This is a weird one, and you’re unlikely to make this mistake, but in Japan, putting ice cream in the mailbox can lead to five years of prison time. So, the next time you’re thinking about pulling a harmless prank, think again.
13. Forbidden Craft Beer
While many Westerners enjoy crafting beer as a hobby, it is actually illegal to make alcoholic beverages in Japan. This is a heavily enforced law and can lead to hefty financial fines and prison time.
14. Counting Change
If the shopkeeper accidentally hands you extra change, it is your duty to return the excess. Those who fail to do this have been arrested in the past, showing you just how serious Japan is about integrity.
15. No Dancing in Night Clubs
You would think nightclubs were made for dancing, but this is a case-by-case scenario. Only nightclubs that exceed 710 square feet are allowed to have dancing, while the others face dancing bans that are bound to put a damper on your evening.
16. Public Trash Cans
It’s a no-brainer that you shouldn’t litter in Japan, but to make it extra difficult for you, it’s actually hard to find trash cans. There are few available in public due to safety reasons, which means you’ll have to hold onto your garbage and dispose of it at home.
17. Tattoo Judgement
Many people who have tattoos are forbidden from visiting Onsen's, and you will likely be judged if your tattoo is revealed. This is because Yakuza members are known for their body ink, making certain individuals harder to accept.
18. Skipping the Line
Everyone hates it when someone skips ahead in line, but usually, there’s not much you can do. However, in Japan, skipping the line is punishable by jail time and fines. The public at large hates the act of skipping and will be very judgmental if you try something.
19. No Smoking
In the West, it’s common to smoke outside and put the cigars out when you go inside. However, in Japan, you are prohibited from smoking on the streets as well.
There are specific smoking areas you can search for, but they’re hard to find.
20. No Foreign Radios
Before bringing your cordless phone or baby monitor over to Japan, note that they have strict technical regulations. This means many visitors may face penalties for bringing in disallowed radio devices. Check twice before you pack for this trip.
