Tokyo Etiquette Tips: Blend in Like a Local

The city of Tokyo is clean, safe, and incredibly efficient, even with a population of 14 million people. One reason for this might be that people follow the rules and etiquette. Tokyo is also Japan’s most popular city for foreign tourists, and to help everyone enjoy the experience, the city has posted various etiquette tips for both locals and visitors.

Tokyo Etiquette Tips

Today, you’ll learn some of Tokyo’s most important etiquette dos and don’ts. These tips will help you be an invisible tourist while visiting Tokyo and the rest of Japan.

Trash Left at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo

Sightseeing Etiquette

Keep Your Voice Down

Japan is surprisingly quiet. It’s quiet outside, inside, and just about everywhere. So, try to stay as quiet as you can in public areas. Don’t shout to someone far away, even if you’re outside.

Don’t Litter

Carry a small plastic bag with you for your trash. In Japan, you’re responsible for your garbage, so hold on to it until you find the proper bins.

Trash Bins on the Shinkansen Platform

Be aware that bins by vending machines are only for plastic bottles, cans, and glass bottles. They aren’t for general trash.

Don’t Cut in Line

There are lines for everything: convenience stores, escalators, bathrooms. Always find the line, go to the back, and wait your turn. If you see floor markings, use them to find where to stand in line.

Keep Bathrooms Clean

Trash Bin in Restroom Full of General Trash

Japanese bathrooms are very clean, and it’s better for everyone if we help keep them that way.

• Use trash cans only for bathroom-related waste. Don’t use it for coffee cups, candy wrappers, water bottles, or general trash.
• Always flush used toilet paper. Don’t throw it in the trash can.
• Dry your hands with a personal hand towel, which many Japanese people carry. Don’t shake water everywhere after washing.

Sit Only in Designated Areas

Don’t sit on steps, curbs, or on the ground at sightseeing spots, especially temples and shrines. These are sacred places and it’s considered disrespectful to sit on the steps, or lean against rocks and railings.

Tourists Sitting on Steps at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto

Use benches if available. If there aren’t any, it likely means you shouldn’t sit there.

Only Smoke in Designated Areas

Designated Smoking Area in Tokyo

There is no smoking, or vaping, in public spaces like streets, sidewalks, and parks. Look for designated smoking areas, which are available throughout the city, including in hotels and restaurants.

Be Respectful With Photography

Respect the no photography signs, especially in temples and shrines. Don’t photograph altars or take close-up pictures of people without asking permission. Photos of crowds are fine, but avoid targeting someone directly.

Transportation Etiquette

Line Up Properly

Always stand in a single file line while waiting for buses, trains, or subways. Don’t form clumps or groups, and don’t let others cut in front. If you’re joining friends that are already in line, and there are others lined up behind them, it’s good manners to go to the back of the line.

When waiting for a train, stand on either side of the doors and leave the middle space clear so passengers can exit first. Wait patiently for everyone to exit and then board.

Respect Priority Seats

Priority Seating on a Local Train in Tokyo, Japan

Priority seats are for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and parents with small children. They’re usually marked clearly with signs or different colored seat fabric. Even if no one is using them, you shouldn’t sit there unless you qualify.

Be Quiet on Trains

Trains are often very quiet. Commuters often use this time to relax between work and home. Some even take a short nap, or practice meditation. Trains are also silent so blind passengers can hear the announcements of stations and what side to exit the train.

Photo of a Tokyo Metro Manners Poster

It’s considered good manners to keep voices and conversations to a low volume.

Make Room

Even if a train or bus looks full, move inward to make space. Carry backpacks in front or store them on the shelves. Don’t take luggage on local, city buses. It’s better to use a luggage forwarding service.

Don’t Block People on Trains Manners Poster

Watch your body position so you’re not blocking someone from exiting with your arm or bag. The doors on subways and local trains open on either side, so be ready to move if needed.

Don’t Sit on the Floor

Never sit on the floor of a train or subway. It’s a tripping hazard and unsafe, especially for children.

No Eating or Drinking

Eating and drinking on trains and subways in Tokyo is not allowed. Even if there isn’t a sign, this rule still applies.

Don’t Make Phone Calls

Put your phone on silent mode while on any form of public transportation in Japan. Don’t make or take phone calls while on public transportation.

Use vibration alerts or a smartwatch if you need notifications.

Taxi Tips

The back door on the passenger side of a taxi opens automatically. Don’t open it yourself. Let the taxi driver open it for you. If you’re a group of four and want someone to sit in the front, ask the driver first.

Also, don’t tip taxi drivers, it’s not necessary, or customary, in Japan.

Accommodations Etiquette

Respect Check-in and Check-out Times

Hotels in Japan often have strict check-in and check-out policies. Check the times in advance, and if you arrive early, ask if they can hold your luggage. Most hotels will store your bags before check-in and after check-out.

Be Quiet in the Hotel

Hotels are quiet spaces. Keep your voice down in hallways and rooms, as sound travels easily.

Avoid Strong Odors

Avoid bringing strong-smelling foods, incense, or perfumes into your hotel room. These odors are hard to remove and may cause issues for current and future guest.

Handle Trash Properly

Hotel trash cans are small. If yours is full, don’t just leave the bag outside your door. Call the front desk and ask how to dispose of it. They may ask you to put it outside, but only after you’ve notified them.

Care for Tatami Mats

Tatami Mat Room in Japan

If your room has tatami mats:

• Don’t wear shoes or slippers.
• Don’t drag luggage.
• Use the space that the hotel provides for placing your bags.

Restaurant Etiquette

Don’t Bring Outside Food or Drinks

If you have a water bottle or tea with you, keep it in your bag and don’t place it on the restaurant table.

Don’t Tip

Tipping is not expected in Japan. Most restaurants charge a small fee called otoshi, which is a mandatory appetizer served with your drink order. This acts as a service charge and cannot be refused. If you’re unsure, ask the restaurant about it before being seated.

Be On Time for Reservations

In Japan, if you’re not early, you’re late. If you have a restaurant reservation, don’t show up late. And don’t cancel at the last minute. If you know you can’t make it, let the restaurant know as far in advance as possible. They may have already prepared ingredients for your meal.

Final Thoughts

We hope these Tokyo etiquette tips will help you blend in like a local and have an amazing time in Japan.