I watched a tourist unwrap a convenience store sandwich and start eating it while on the Nagoya subway.
Within seconds, I could see the subtle glances from commuters.
Not angry, just aware.
After close to 3 decades of living in Japan, I’ve learned to spot these moments when cultural lines get crossed.
Here’s what surprised me most.
Even some Japanese people break these unwritten rules, especially younger generations or those from different regions.
But when foreigners do it, the reaction is different.
You’re not just breaking a social norm.
You’re confirming that you don’t understand how things work here.
These aren’t arbitrary rules designed to trip up visitors.
They’re deeply ingrained social practices that keep Japanese society running smoothly.
When you follow them, locals often become more helpful and welcoming.
When you don’t, you remain an outsider looking in.
I’ve identified the seven most common mistakes I see tourists make.
These mistakes immediately mark you as unfamiliar with Japanese culture and can affect every interaction you have.
What Mistakes Do Tourists Make in Japan?
- Eating or drinking while walking in public.
- Standing in busy train stations or pathways.
- Wearing outdoor shoes inside homes.
- Leaving tips at restaurants, which might embarrass staff.
- Arriving without reliable mobile internet.
- Not checking train station exits in advance.
- Only booking flights to Narita, ignoring closer options.
These cultural missteps can make visitors seem unfamiliar with Japanese norms.
This can change how locals interact with you.
1) Eating or Drinking While Walking in Public
I often see this mistake, especially near Nagoya Station.
Tourists grab snacks from convenience stores and eat them on the go.
In Japan, people consider eating while walking poor manners because it shows that you prioritize convenience over respect for the space and people around you.
When Japanese people buy food from street vendors or convenience stores, they typically stand near the shop and finish eating before continuing their journey.
It’s not only about politeness.
It’s practical too.
Eating while walking can create mess and requires less attention to your surroundings.
The solution is to stop and enjoy your food.
Find a bench, stand by the vendor, or step into a small eating area.
Some convenience stores have designated spaces for this purpose.
The exception is long-distance trains, where eating and drinking is perfectly acceptable and even expected on longer journeys.
2) Standing in the Middle of Busy Pathways or Train Stations
Japanese people prioritize efficient movement in public spaces, which often surprises visitors.
Train stations in big cities serve millions of passengers each day.
They run smoothly because people follow unspoken rules about moving and where to stand.
Stopping on a busy pathway to check your phone, look at a map, or take photos disrupts the flow.
This can frustrate locals who are trying to catch trains or reach their destinations.
Japanese people are incredibly patient, but blocking pathways is one of the few things that genuinely annoys them.
The solution is always to step aside.
Look for the edges of corridors, designated waiting areas, or spaces near walls where you can pause without blocking foot traffic.
Most major stations have info boards and seating areas for this.
In Nagoya, tourists often stop in the middle of the underground passages between JR and Meitetsu stations, creating bottlenecks during rush hour.
A simple step to the side makes all the difference.
3) Wearing Shoes Inside Homes or Traditional Ryokan
The shoe removal custom goes beyond cleanliness.
It marks the line between the outside world and our private space.
In traditional Japanese thinking, outdoor shoes carry not just dirt but also the spiritual impurity of the outside world.
You’ll encounter this rule in private homes, traditional ryokan, some restaurants, temples, and certain shops.
The genkan (entrance area) serves as the transition zone where you remove your shoes and often put on provided slippers.
The rules can be complex in ryokan, where you might wear slippers in corridors but remove them before entering tatami mat rooms.
Most places that require shoe removal make it obvious with clear boundaries and slipper racks.
When in doubt, look down.
If you see a step up or different flooring material, shoes probably come off.
4) Tipping at Restaurants, Which Can Be Seen as Rude
What catches many visitors off guard is that attempting to tip can genuinely embarrass or confuse service staff.
In Japan, excellent service is considered a professional standard rather than something requiring extra reward.
I’ve witnessed servers chase tourists down the street to return “forgotten” money, not understanding it was intended as a tip.
The concept simply doesn’t exist in Japanese service culture, where quality service is part of the job rather than something deserving additional payment.
This extends beyond restaurants to hotels, taxis, and any service situation.
Instead of tipping, appreciate staff by using polite words.
You can also bow slightly when you thank them.
5) Talking Loudly on Trains or in Public Spaces
The contrast always strikes me on the Nagoya subway.
A train car packed with 200 people, and you can hear a pin drop.
Then tourists board, chatting at normal conversation volume, and every head subtly turns.
Japanese trains operate on an unspoken rule.
Keep your voice down, and set your phone to silent mode.
Phone conversations on trains are particularly frowned upon, even brief ones.
This isn’t about being unfriendly.
It’s about respecting shared space where people are commuting, often tired from work, and deserve peace.
The solution is simple.
Lower your voice to near-whisper levels on trains and in enclosed public spaces.
Save your conversations for when you’re walking outside or in restaurants where talking is expected.
If your phone rings, silence it immediately and wait until you exit the train to call back.
6) Not Following Onsen Etiquette and Bathing Protocols
Onsen (hot spring baths) operate on strict hygiene and social protocols that many tourists completely miss.
The most critical rule is washing thoroughly at the provided stations before entering any communal bath.
You must soap up, rinse completely, and only then enter the water.
Tourists who skip this step or do a quick rinse are introducing dirt, sweat, and soap into water that dozens of people share.
Tattoos present another issue.
Many onsen still prohibit them due to historical associations with organized crime.
Some facilities now allow small tattoos or provide cover-up patches, but you should always check beforehand.
Your small towel should never enter the bath water.
Japanese bathers place it on their head or on the side of the bath.
Dipping it in the communal water is considered unhygienic.
The bathing area is also communal and naked.
Wearing swimwear isn’t modest in Japanese onsen culture.
It’s seen as bringing outside clothing into a cleansing space.
Before visiting any onsen, check their specific rules.
Many now post English guidelines.
When in doubt, observe what regular bathers do and follow their lead.
Just don’t stare too much as they’ll be naked!
7) Trying to Open Taxi Doors Yourself
Japanese taxi doors are automatic.
The driver controls them from inside the vehicle, opening the rear left door when you approach and closing it after you’re seated.
Tourists frequently grab the door handle and pull, not realizing the driver operates it.
This creates an awkward tug-of-war with the automatic mechanism and can damage the door.
The solution is simple.
Stand near the rear left door and wait.
The driver will open it for you.
When you reach your destination, wait for the driver to open it again before exiting.
This applies to nearly all taxis in Japan, not just in major cities.
The automatic door system is standard across the country.
If you’re unsure, watch other passengers or look for the white-gloved driver reaching for the door control before you approach.
Why These Mistakes Matter
Japanese society functions on subtle social cues and shared understanding of appropriate behaviour.
These “mistakes” aren’t just arbitrary rules.
They reflect deeper values about respect, consideration for others, and harmony in shared spaces.
When you follow these social norms, you’ll often notice that locals become more helpful and welcoming.
Japanese people value visitors who try to understand and respect their culture, even if it’s not done perfectly.
The goal isn’t to be invisible or to copy Japanese behavior.
Instead, it’s to show you understand and respect the social setting you’re in.
This awareness can lead to richer cultural experiences.
It also makes your interactions more meaningful during your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally make these mistakes?
Don’t worry as Japanese people are generally very understanding of cultural differences.
A simple apology (sumimasen) and correcting the behaviour is usually sufficient.
Most locals appreciate the effort to learn and adapt.
Are there regional differences in these rules?
The basic principles apply throughout Japan, but enforcement and expectations can vary.
Rural areas may be more forgiving of small mistakes.
In contrast, business districts in big cities often have stricter social rules.
How can I learn more about Japanese etiquette?
Observation is your best teacher.
Watch how locals behave in different situations and follow their lead.
Most Japanese people are happy to help if you politely ask for guidance.
Do these rules apply to all foreigners?
Yes, these social norms apply to everyone in Japan regardless of nationality.
Locals tend to be more patient with visitors who try to understand and follow cultural practices.
What’s the most important rule to remember?
Be aware of how your actions affect others around you.
This principle shapes Japanese social behavior.
It will help you handle new situations well.
