We are open today until 4:00 pm. Call 020 7590 0610
Izakaya, Japan

A Guide to Japanese Etiquette for Travellers

Article content

7 June 2016 by Tim Tan

Japan’s sociotope is governed by a complex web of cultural codes. Suffixes are added depending on hierarchal standing, there’s a right and very wrong way of eating sushi, and even bathing has its own set of rules. However, as a foreigner you’ll find your indiscretions readily forgiven; after all, it takes a lifetime to master each different scenario. But it’s certainly worth bearing a few guidelines in mind and this list, while by no means exhaustive, will show you when to put on the slippers and where to put your chopsticks when you’ve finished.

Eating

With steaming ramen counters, sticky barbecues and indulgent seafood, eating out in Japan is a real treat. And, since the Japanese often entertain in restaurants rather than their own home, you’ll find that eating comes with its own particular guidelines. As if fragile tempura combined with the ever-slippery chopsticks wasn’t enough.

  • Wait for everyone’s order before marking the start of the meal with the phrase ‘itadakimasu’, translating as ‘I humbly receive’.
  • Never leave your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice or pass food from chopstick to chopstick as they both form part of a funeral ritual. Instead, make use of the provided hashi-oki chopstick rests, not leaving them on the table.
  • While it’s considered the status quo to slurp noodles and even glug beer, this discretion doesn’t extend to chewing with your mouth open and the usual Western standards of propriety.
  • If you are dining communally or ‘family style’ make use of the supplied utensils to serve yourself and not your own chopsticks; it’s considered unsanitary.
  • As it once was in the West, it’s often considered rude to eat while walking in public. Convenience stores will often have a snack counter inside.
  • Sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite to appreciate the balance of sashimi fish, sticky rice and wasabi sauce glue.
  • It’s usual to go up and pay rather than waiting for the bill and, remember, that tipping is never expected.


Drinking

A trip to a Japanese izakaya pub is a real highlight with traditional delicacies served in lantern-lit timber interiors. And, as always, as you tuck into your yakitori meat skewers, crisp beers and premium sake, there’s a few things worth bearing in mind. But, whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Japanese whisky, said to rival even our Scottish giants and often served as a highball.

  • As with eating, wait until everyone has been served and a kampai cheers has been sounded.
  • Perhaps most importantly, never pour your own drink. Instead, check on others first and refill their glasses; they’ll be sure to reciprocate.
  • While in Japanese society those more junior in the social and corporate hierarchy will be expected to pour, as a guest, you’ll find yourself impeccably accommodated.
  • If you’ve had sufficient, keep your glass full so as to discourage refills.


Bathing

The country’s onsen baths are one of Japan’s favourite luxuries. Return after a day spent exploring Tokyo’s bustle or walking in the Japanese Alps to a long, muscle-soothing soak. However, while some traditional ryokan inns might feature private offerings, there are a few lines of etiquette that will help you get the most out of this communal experience.

  • Be sure to make use of the sit down showers before taking the plunge. The water is shared after all.
  • Make sure that you’ve rinsed off any soap before entering the main tub.
  • You will be naked and so will everyone else.
  • Rarely you’ll find bathhouses that forbid visible tattoos, due to their historic association with the yakuza. In this case, it’s possible to purchase flesh coloured tattoo cover-ups in advance.


General

Lastly, here are a few final tips to consider.

  • It’s often a breach of etiquette to hand money directly to a cashier; make use of the small tray.
  • Most Japanese do not use first names casually. Instead use last names with the suffix ‘san’ to show respect.
  • Being invited into a Japanese home is considered an honour; remember to take your shoes off and use the slippers provided. You might also like to bring a small gift.
  • Somewhat counter-intuitively, it’s bad form to blow your nose into a handkerchief. The Japanese prefer train sniffles.
  • Bows – hands at the sides for men and clasped together in front for women – are made from the waist with eyes kept down. The more formal the situation, the longer or deeper the bow.

Related offers

Sensoji, Tokyo, Japan

Essential Japan

10-day tailor-made holiday from £3,805 pp incl. flights

Get a taste of all that this spectacular and multi-faceted country has to offer, with private tours of Tokyo, traditional ryokan stays, trips on Japan's 200mph bullet train and visits to world famous temples.

Mt Fuji, Japan

Best of Japan

14-day tailor-made holiday from £6,545 pp incl. flights

With a rail pass and a host of included tours and traditional ryokan stays, this is your chance to experience the best Japan has to offer as you explore the country's hi-tech cities, ancient temples and spectacular national parks.

Temple of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) in Kyoto, Japan

Cultural Highlights of Japan by Rail

16-day tailor-made rail holiday from £6,555 pp incl. flights

This curated rail journey brings you on bullet-train sprints between Japan’s rich past, taking in ancient castle towns and tea ceremonies in Kyoto. You’ll also enjoy private, tailor-made tours everywhere from Tokyo to Hiroshima as you stay in luxury hotels and traditional ryokan inns.

Hakone, Japan

Tokyo, Hakone and the Japanese Alps

16-day tailor-made holiday from £6,705 pp incl. flights

Stepping out from Japan's capital, you'll explore an alpine world of ancient shrines and samurai, ride the mighty bullet train and stay in traditional ryokan inns surrounded by a sublime natural world.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ABTA & ATOL protected