What Are the Etiquette Rules for Kyoto Tourists?

Kyoto is a beautiful place to visit, but the local residents are starting to get a little frustrated by some Kyoto tourists.

Etiquette Rules for Kyoto Tourists

Kyoto’s beauty, culture, and history offer a unique experience. Following these simple etiquette guidelines will enhance your visit and help you be an invisible Kyoto tourist.

Transportation

Line up

When you’re waiting for public transportation, like subways, buses, or trains, think about how your actions affect others. Forming a single-file line instead of clustering helps everyone see where the line starts and ends. This simple organization helps everyone board smoothly.

Passengers Waiting for Train at Kyoto Station

Also, respect others by not cutting in line. As you approach a train or bus, take a moment to see where the line is instead of rushing to the door without considering those who’ve been waiting patiently.

No Luggage on Buses

City buses aren’t built for luggage. Use Kyoto Station’s luggage forwarding services instead. Drop off your bags and enjoy sightseeing without the hassle. Your belongings will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive.

Priority Seats

When you’re on buses and trains, remember priority seats are reserved for those who need them. These seats are reserved for pregnant women, people with young kids, the elderly, or disabled passengers.

Priority Seats on Subway in Kyoto

It’s unlikely that anyone will ask for the seat, or even accept it, if you get up and offer it to them. So, it’s best to not sit in these seats at all if you’re not eligible.

Make Room

When the doors open, make room for other passengers to get on and off. On buses, drivers often announce in Japanese to move forward.

Make Room for Other Passengers

Even if you think the bus is full, or you don’t understand, it’s considerate to move and make room for more people to get on.

Taxis

Remember that the back door opens, and closes, automatically on the side of the sidewalk. All passengers should enter and exit the taxi through the door the taxi driver opens.

Taxi Stand at Hamamatsu Station

Don’t go around the taxi and use the back door on the driver’s side.

After paying, wait for the driver to open your door. Don’t open the door yourself.

Restaurants

No Outside Food or Drinks

Restaurants in Japan don’t allow customers to consume outside food or drinks. You’re expected to consume only what you order at the restaurant.

Okonomiyaki Restaurant

This includes a water bottle. It’s respectful to keep water bottles in your bag until you leave the restaurant. You can always ask the restaurant for water if you need some.

Tipping

Japan doesn’t have a tipping culture, and there is no system in place for handling tips. When you receive great service, and you often will, a sincere thank you means the most. Try saying Arigato or use the Kyoto dialect and say Okini.

Reservations

Canceling restaurant reservations at the last minute is not advisable. Many places accept reservations months in advance, counting on your commitment.

If your plans change, cancel early. In Kyoto, small restaurants buy fresh ingredients based on reservations, so no-shows cause waste.

Garbage

Littering

Kyoto’s beauty and cleanliness is impressive, and keeping it that way matters. Yes, littering is illegal and fines exist, but keeping the streets clean is part of the local culture. Kyoto, and Japan, are great because the locals respect each other and their surroundings.

Trash Cans

Public trash cans are rare, so you’ll often have to carry your trash. A smart move is to visit a convenience store, buy something, and pay the small fee for a plastic bag.

Shawn with a Plastic Bag from the Konbini

Then, use it as your personal trash bag throughout the day. When you get back to your hotel or find a train station bin, you can dispose of your trash properly.

Public Restrooms

In public restrooms, trash cans in stalls are for bathroom waste only. They’re not for food wrappers, Starbucks cups, or other general trash.

Also, you shouldn’t throw toilet paper in the trash can. Always flush used toilet paper. Even though it’s common to not flush toilet paper in other Asian countries, this is not the case in Japan. The locals ask that you flush your used toilet paper in order to keep the bathrooms clean.

Smoking

Kyoto takes smoking seriously, with strict rules in place. You can’t smoke or vape in most public outdoor areas. Apart from Japan taking secondhand smoke seriously, the city also wants to protect its historic wooden structures from fire risks.

Smoking Area in Japan

Stick to designated smoking areas when you want to smoke or vape. There are many located around the city, including at popular sights, hotels, and restaurants. If you’re unsure where to smoke, just ask someone nearby. They’ll appreciate your consideration and point you in the right direction.

Sightseeing

Line Up

When buying tickets at tourist attractions, stand in line and don’t cut in front of people.

Respect Sacred Spaces

Many temples, shrines, and historic areas have centuries-old wooden structures. It’s important to keep from touching or leaning on them.

Sign Asking Kyoto Tourists to Not Touch Houses

Some of these sites aren’t just historical landmarks, but also people’s homes. It’s important to treat them with respect and understand their significance beyond just being backdrops for photographs. Also, don’t carve into anything, whether it be torii gates, bamboo, temple structures, or private homes.

Quiet Please

When visiting residential areas like Gion, keep noise levels low. The narrow alleys amplify sound, and loud conversations disturb the people living there. Also, don’t block roads—many streets, even in tourist-heavy areas, are functioning roads with cars and mopeds. Don’t stand in the middle of the street taking photos.

Photography

When you’re out taking photos, remember to respect the rules of each location. Some spots have No Photography signs, and it’s essential to follow them. Temples and shrines often don’t allow pictures of their altars. In places like Gion, private homes prefer not to be photographed by tourists.

No Photography Sign in Gion

If you want to photograph people, always ask first. While you may find people dressed in kimono exciting, it’s best to get their permission before snapping a picture. This rule also applies to those cute daycare carts full of kids. Even if they’re adorable, don’t snap photos without asking first.

Geisha Etiquette

When you visit Gion, respect the geisha you might see. They’re skilled artists, often rushing to work at banquets and events. Stopping them for photos can overwhelm them with crowds, making it difficult for them to get to their events.

Maiko Dancing at a Private Event

Never touch the geisha or their kimono. Sadly, some tourists in Kyoto have thrown things at them to get their attention. Obviously, this is unacceptable behavior. Their kimono are expensive and culturally significant. Touching them without permission is disrespectful.

If you’re lucky enough to spot a geisha, enjoy the moment and let her continue on her way undisturbed. If you want a photo, take it from a respectful distance.

Removing Shoes

At some sightseeing spots, you’ll need to take off your shoes before entering. If a place has tatami flooring, you will definitely have to take off your shoes. Tatami mats are delicate, and even indoor slippers can harm them.

Some people have asked us about using shoe covers, but that’s neither typical in Japan nor an acceptable alternative.

Final Thoughts

As Kyoto tourists, we can all help preserve the city’s rich culture and beauty. Kyoto is remarkable, and respecting it leads to an unforgettable journey.