Here is a short, friendly briefing you can copy and send to your guests before they arrive. None of this is about being perfect. Japan is a welcoming place, and small efforts go a long way. Think of these as gentle habits rather than strict rules, and your guests will feel confident from the moment they land.
The one-minute version
If your guests remember only a handful of things, make it these: take your shoes off indoors, keep your voice down on trains, do not tip, and stay on time. Everything else falls into place naturally once these become second nature.
Shoes off indoors
Shoes come off at the entrance (the genkan) of homes, many traditional restaurants, temples, and some clinics. Look for a step up, a row of slippers, or other people's shoes lined up. If slippers are offered, wear them, but slip them off before stepping onto tatami mat flooring. Socks without holes are a small but appreciated detail.
Trains and public transport
- Do keep conversations quiet and set phones to silent (called "manner mode").
- Do line up on the platform markings and let people off before boarding.
- Don't take phone calls on the train. A quick text is fine, a phone conversation is not.
- Do give up priority seats for those who need them.
No tipping
Tipping is not expected anywhere, including restaurants, taxis, and hotels. Trying to leave extra cash can cause genuine confusion, and staff may chase your guests down the street to return it. Great service is simply the standard, and a warm "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu) is all that is needed.
Paying and the cash tray
At many shops and restaurants there is a small tray by the register. Place your cash or card on the tray rather than handing it directly to the cashier. Change will be returned the same way. It is not rude, just the normal rhythm of paying.
Queuing
Japan loves an orderly line. People queue for trains, buses, elevators, taxis, and popular shops without much fuss. Your guests just need to find the end of the line and wait their turn. On escalators, people generally stand to one side to leave a walking lane, though the standing side varies by region, so following the crowd is the safest bet.
Chopstick basics
- Don't stand chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, and don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. Both echo funeral customs.
- Do rest chopsticks on the little holder or across your dish when not eating.
- Don't wave them around or use them to point.
- Slurping noodles is perfectly fine and even a compliment.
Bathing and onsen basics
Public baths and hot springs (onsen) follow one core idea: wash first, soak second. Guests rinse and scrub thoroughly at the seated shower stations before entering the shared bath, which is for relaxing in clean water, not washing. Bathing is done without swimwear, the small towel stays out of the water, and long hair is tied up. Some baths have rules about tattoos, so it is worth checking ahead if that applies to your guests.
Rubbish and eating on the go
Public bins are surprisingly rare, so people often carry their rubbish until they find one or take it home. Eating or drinking while walking is generally avoided; instead, people enjoy their snack standing near the shop or on a bench. Convenience stores and vending machines usually have a bin right beside them for the item you just bought.
Being on time
Punctuality is a quiet form of respect here. Trains leave to the minute, and reservations, tours, and meetups all assume everyone arrives a few minutes early. If your guests are running late, a quick message is the courteous move.
A relaxed final word
No one expects visitors to get everything right, and locals are patient and kind with newcomers making an honest effort. A little awareness, a smile, and a willingness to follow the people around you will carry your guests through almost any situation.
For more ways to prepare your guests, see our arrival checklist, our notes on seniors and accessibility, and answers to common questions on the FAQ page.
General cultural information, last checked 7 September 2026. Customs can vary by region and setting, so treat this as a friendly guide rather than firm rules.