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Japanese culture is renowned for its politeness, respect, and sense of order. Understanding basic etiquette will help you enjoy a smoother and more meaningful travel experience while showing respect for local people and customs.<\/p>\n
Asahi VietLife<\/strong><\/span> has summarized the essential rules you should know before traveling to Japan.<\/p>\n Japan has strict rules regarding waste disposal and recycling.<\/p>\n Do Not Litter:<\/strong> Sort Your Waste Properly:<\/strong> If you accidentally make a mistake, do not worry too much. A gentle bow and the word \u201cSumimasen\u201d<\/strong>, meaning \u201cExcuse me\u201d or \u201cI am sorry,\u201d will usually be understood and appreciated.<\/p>\n A sincere and respectful attitude is more important than performing every custom perfectly.<\/p>\nI. THINGS YOU SHOULD DO \u2013 DO\u2019S<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n \nArea<\/th>\n What You Should Do<\/th>\n Explanation \/ Benefit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Communication<\/strong><\/td>\n Smile and bow politely \u2013 O-jigi.<\/td>\n Bowing is one of the most common and important ways to show respect in Japanese culture.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Dining<\/strong><\/td>\n Say \u201cItadakimasu\u201d before eating and \u201cGochisousama deshita\u201d after the meal.<\/td>\n These expressions show appreciation for the food, the person who prepared it, and those who served the meal.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Indoors<\/strong><\/td>\n Remove your shoes before entering private homes, temples, Ryokan, traditional rooms, or certain restaurants.<\/td>\n This helps keep the indoor space clean and shows respect. Use the indoor slippers provided when appropriate.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Public Transportation<\/strong><\/td>\n Queue properly and follow local instructions when using escalators, elevators, trains, and buses.<\/td>\n This maintains order and prevents inconvenience to other passengers.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Shopping and Business<\/strong><\/td>\n Use both hands when giving or receiving money, cards, documents, or business cards.<\/td>\n This demonstrates respect for the other person and for the item being exchanged.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Temples, Shrines, and Ryokan<\/strong><\/td>\n Follow the instructions provided, such as purification rituals, prayer procedures, or local house rules.<\/td>\n This shows respect for local customs, religious practices, and traditional beliefs.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n II. THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT DO \u2013 DON\u2019TS<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\n \nArea<\/th>\n What You Should Not Do<\/th>\n Important Reason<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Public Transportation and Public Areas<\/strong><\/td>\n Avoid speaking loudly, making phone calls, or eating strong-smelling food on crowded trains and buses.<\/td>\n Loud behavior may disturb other passengers. Public transportation in Japan is generally expected to remain quiet and orderly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Tipping<\/strong><\/td>\n Do not assume that tipping is required.<\/td>\n Tipping is not a standard custom in Japan because good service is normally included in the price.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Dining<\/strong><\/td>\n Do not place chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or pass food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another.<\/td>\n These actions are associated with Japanese funeral rituals and are considered inappropriate at the dining table.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Personal Hygiene<\/strong><\/td>\n Avoid blowing your nose loudly in restaurants, on trains, or in crowded public areas.<\/td>\n This may be considered impolite. If necessary, use a restroom or move away from other people.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Payment<\/strong><\/td>\n Avoid placing money directly into the cashier\u2019s hand when a payment tray is provided.<\/td>\n Place cash or cards on the small tray at the counter, following the usual payment practice in Japan.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Onsen<\/strong><\/td>\n Do not wear swimwear or underwear, and do not enter the bath without washing your body properly.<\/td>\n Guests must wash thoroughly with soap before entering the shared bath. Traditional Onsen are generally used without clothing.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Photography<\/strong><\/td>\n Do not photograph local residents without permission, especially Geisha or Maiko in Kyoto.<\/td>\n This protects personal privacy and helps prevent disruption to local communities.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n III. WASTE DISPOSAL RULES<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nKeep your rubbish with you until you find a suitable waste bin. Public bins may be available near convenience stores, train stations, or vending machine areas, although they are not always easy to find.<\/p>\n
\nWhen disposing of rubbish at convenience stores or other designated locations, follow the labels on the bins.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n \nWaste Category<\/th>\n Examples<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n PET Bottles<\/strong><\/td>\n Clear plastic drink bottles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Cans and Metal Containers<\/strong><\/td>\n Aluminum cans, steel cans, and metal drink containers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n General Waste<\/strong><\/td>\n Food packaging, tissues, paper, and other non-recyclable waste<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n FINAL ADVICE<\/strong><\/h2>\n