Japanese Etiquette: The Essential Guide to Manners in Japan

Shoes off at the door, a bow instead of a handshake, no tipping, and a whole quiet code for the onsen and the shrine. Our guides to Japanese manners — what to do, what never to do, and the ideas of respect and consideration behind them.

Why You Take Your Shoes Off in Japan — and How to Do It Right
Japanese Etiquette

Why You Take Your Shoes Off in Japan — and How to Do It Right

3 min read
 The Bow in Japan: What Ojigi Means and How to Do It
Japanese Etiquette

The Bow in Japan: What Ojigi Means and How to Do It

3 min read
 Onsen Etiquette: How to Enjoy a Japanese Hot Spring
Japanese Etiquette

Onsen Etiquette: How to Enjoy a Japanese Hot Spring

3 min read
 Japanese Dining Etiquette: A Beginner's Guide to Table Manners
Japanese Etiquette

Japanese Dining Etiquette: A Beginner's Guide to Table Manners

3 min read
 Why There's No Tipping in Japan — and What to Do Instead
Japanese Etiquette

Why There's No Tipping in Japan — and What to Do Instead

3 min read
 Why Japanese People Say 'Sumimasen' So Often
Japanese Etiquette

Why Japanese People Say 'Sumimasen' So Often

3 min read
 Why Japanese People Queue So Neatly
Japanese Etiquette

Why Japanese People Queue So Neatly

3 min read
 How to Visit a Japanese Shrine: Purification and Prayer, Step by Step
Japanese Etiquette

How to Visit a Japanese Shrine: Purification and Prayer, Step by Step

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 Temple vs Shrine Etiquette: How to Show Respect at Japan's Sacred Sites
Japanese Etiquette

Temple vs Shrine Etiquette: How to Show Respect at Japan's Sacred Sites

3 min read
 Ryokan Etiquette: Essential Manners for Staying at a Traditional Japanese Inn
Japanese Etiquette

Ryokan Etiquette: Essential Manners for Staying at a Traditional Japanese Inn

3 min read
 Why Japanese Exchange Business Cards With Both Hands: A Guide to Business Meeting Greetings in Japan
Japanese Etiquette

Why Japanese Exchange Business Cards With Both Hands: A Guide to Business Meeting Greetings in Japan

3 min read
 Why Japanese Homes Use Slippers on Wooden Floors — And Special Ones for the Toilet
Japanese Etiquette

Why Japanese Homes Use Slippers on Wooden Floors — And Special Ones for the Toilet

3 min read
 Why Japanese Shop Storefronts Greet You With 'Irasshaimase'
Japanese Etiquette

Why Japanese Shop Storefronts Greet You With 'Irasshaimase'

3 min read
 Why Japanese People Wait at Empty Crosswalks: Understanding Pedestrian Crossing Etiquette in Japan
Japanese Etiquette

Why Japanese People Wait at Empty Crosswalks: Understanding Pedestrian Crossing Etiquette in Japan

3 min read