No to tipping, Yes to slurping: 10 Japanese etiquettes for tourists

Japan is a country where centuries-old traditions exist harmoniously alongside modern innovation. Gleaming skyscrapers rise beside tranquil shrines, and cutting-edge technology blends effortlessly with age-old politeness. To truly experience Japan, it’s not enough to simply see the sights, one must also understand and appreciate the customs that define its way of life.
In Japan, every action, from how you greet someone to how you eat your noodles, carries meaning. For visitors, embracing these small but significant gestures can turn a simple trip into an authentic cultural experience. Here are 10 important Japanese etiquettes that every tourist should know before setting foot in the country.

Yes, in Japan, tipping is not part of the culture, no matter how exceptional the service. Waiters, taxi drivers, and hotel staff consider good service a matter of pride and professionalism, not something to be rewarded with extra money. Attempting to tip might even cause confusion or embarrassment. If you really appreciate the service, a simple and sincere “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) goes a long way.

While in many western countries, people may find slurping annoying, it is actually good manners in Japan. Whether you’re enjoying ramen, soba, or udon, slurping is seen as a way to show you’re relishing your meal. So, when you find yourself at a bustling ramen bar, don’t hesitate to make some noise, it’s a sign of appreciation to the chef. However, just because slurping is considered a good thing, does not mean one had to do that for every food item. Eat your rice and other dishes quietly, and keep the slurping to noodles, ramens and soups only.

One of the most recognisable Japanese customs is removing shoes before entering homes. The practice stems from both cleanliness and respect. Dirt from the outside world is not meant to be brought indoors, especially into tatami-matted rooms. This rule also applies to ryokans (traditional inns), temples, some restaurants, and even schools. At the entrance, you’ll often find a designated area or a shoe rack, along with indoor slippers.

Chopsticks, or hashi, are more than just utensils in Japan, they are cultural symbols, and with them come many unspoken rules. The most important one: never stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice. This mimics a ritual performed at funerals and is considered deeply disrespectful. Equally taboo is passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another, as this too recalls funeral customs. Also, avoid pointing, waving, or playing with chopsticks.

In Japan, bowing (ojigi) is a gesture of greeting, gratitude, and apology. The angle and duration of the bow convey different meanings, a small nod for casual encounters, a deeper bow for showing respect or apology. Foreign visitors aren’t expected to perfect this art, but making an effort to bow back when greeted goes a long way. It’s a quiet acknowledgment of mutual respect. You’ll often notice that bows are accompanied by minimal eye contact, reflecting humility rather than confrontation.

If you ride Japan’s trains or buses, you’ll notice how peacefully quiet they are. Commuters read, sleep, or simply stare out the window, rarely chatting loudly or making phone calls. In a culture that values consideration for others, maintaining silence in public spaces is a sign of respect. Phones should always be kept on silent mode, and calls should be taken only after getting off.

In Japan, when paying at shops or restaurants, don’t hand cash directly to the cashier, instead, place it on the small tray provided. The cashier will then pick it up, count it, and return your change the same way. Crumpled bills or coins scattered on the counter are considered careless.

Japan’s commitment to order is visible everywhere, especially in queues. Whether it’s boarding a train, waiting for an elevator, or ordering food, everyone patiently stands in line. Even during rush hour in Tokyo’s busiest stations, commuters form neat, silent rows.

Like everywhere else, temples and shrines are among Japan’s most serene and sacred sites. When visiting these sites, treat them as places of worship, not tourist attractions. Bow once at the torii gate before entering a shrine, and avoid walking directly through the centre path, it’s reserved for deities.

One thing that surprises many tourists is the absence of public trash bins in Japan. Yet, the streets remain spotless. This is because locals believe in personal responsibility, everyone carries their trash home or keeps it in a bag until they find proper disposal. This custom dates back to the 1995 Tokyo subway attack, after which most bins were removed for security reasons.