Many tourists offend people in Japan — without realizing it.
Not because they’re rude,
but because some things that feel normal abroad
can feel very uncomfortable here.
In this article, I’ll share 5 common mistakes visitors make in Japan
and how you can easily avoid them
to have a smoother, more respectful experience.
I also talked about this in a short YouTube video,
if you’d like to watch instead.
1. Don’t Point at People
In many countries, pointing at someone while talking is completely normal.
But in Japan, pointing directly at a person can feel rude or even aggressive.
It’s often associated with anger or blaming someone.
If you want to indicate a person or something nearby, try using your whole hand instead of your finger.
This small gesture feels much more polite and friendly in Japan.
2. Don’t Talk on the Phone on Trains
Japanese trains are usually very quiet.
Even if you don’t see a sign, there’s an unspoken rule: no phone calls on trains.
When I was a child, riding trains with my parents or teachers, we were always told to stay quiet.
Because of that, most people in Japan grow up taking this rule for granted.
This habit comes from a strong cultural value: not disturbing others in public spaces.
If you need to take a call, it’s best to wait until you get off the train.
And if you’re watching videos or listening to music, always use headphones.
It’s all about being considerate.
3. Don’t Leave Trash Behind
Japan is often described as a very clean country — but it’s not magic.
Many people are simply very careful about how they handle garbage.
Recently, I watched a news story about the Tamagawa River in Tokyo.
There’s a man who runs a kayak business there, and he picks up huge amounts of trash every single day — left behind by people having barbecues.
Not just plastic bags, but even pots and pans.
This made me really sad.
Local residents are becoming frustrated because their beautiful environment is being damaged by careless behavior.
If you want to enjoy a BBQ or camping in Japan, please:
- Take all your trash with you, or
- Use proper facilities that include cleanup services
There are many BBQ spots in Japan where everything is prepared for you when you pay a fee.
They’re not very expensive and perfect if you’re unsure where to throw away trash.
Let’s keep Japan beautiful together.
4. Don’t Skip the Line
Japanese people take lining up very seriously.
At train stations, ramen shops, convenience stores, and even elevators — people wait patiently in line.
If you skip the line, no one might say anything directly.
But trust me — they will notice.
So always look around before joining a line, and make sure you’re standing in the right place.
5. Don’t Smoke While Walking
In Japan, smoking while walking is generally not allowed.
About 15 years ago, rules were more relaxed.
But today, regulations are much stricter almost everywhere in Japan.
You’ll usually find designated smoking areas on the street or outside restaurants.
If you smoke, please use only those areas.
Some restaurants or cafés still allow smoking indoors, but always check for signs before lighting up.
Final Thoughts
These were 5 DON’Ts to remember when you visit Japan.
Every country has its own rules and values, and Japan’s culture is deeply rooted in respect and harmony.
But don’t worry too much — you don’t have to be perfect.
Honestly, just trying to be respectful already means a lot.
I truly hope you have an amazing time in Japan.
If you have any questions about Japanese culture, daily life, or travel, feel free to leave a comment.
Thank you so much for reading — and I’ll see you in the next post.
About Me
I’m Saki, born and raised in Japan.
I share Japanese culture, daily life, and mindset from my personal experience,
for people who want to understand real Japan beyond the stereotypes.
🌸 Learning Japanese?
If you’re learning Japanese and want to understand how Japanese people really think,
feel free to reach out.
You can send me a message from the form below.
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