Etiquette in Japan
Everyday customs that visitors and newcomers often find useful in Japan.
- Greeting A slight bow is the standard greeting. Business cards (meishi) are offered and received with both hands, then read, not pocketed at once.
- Dining Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. Say itadakimasu before eating.
- Home Take off your shoes at the genkan (entrance) and use the slippers provided. Toilet slippers are separate.
- Public Keep your voice low on trains and avoid phone calls. Tipping is not expected and may cause confusion.
- Gifts Gifts are wrapped and given and received with both hands. Avoid sets of four, as the word sounds like 'death'.
These are general customs, not rules or legal advice. They differ between regions, generations and families, and they change over time. For visas, residency and legal requirements always use the destination country's official government sources.