Tips for Daily Life, Manners, and Communication
Japan is a fascinating country with a unique culture and traditions, and its society has customs and manners that may be unfamiliar to foreigners.
To enrich your life in Japan and your interactions with Japanese people, understanding these elements is essential.
This article will explain the basic habits of daily life in Japan, manners in public places and when interacting with others, characteristics of Japanese communication, and useful information for foreign travelers.
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Basic Habits in Japanese Daily Life
Japanese daily life is rooted in unique habits cultivated over many years.
Understanding and respecting these habits is the first step towards smoothly integrating into Japanese society.
Here, we will focus on three habits that may be particularly unfamiliar to foreigners: taking off shoes at the entrance, taking a bath, and dining etiquette.
Taking Off Shoes at the Entrance
In Japanese homes and many facilities, it is customary to remove shoes before entering indoors.
There are three main reasons for this habit: maintaining cleanliness, humidity control, and showing respect for others.
Firstly, maintaining cleanliness is very important.
Shoes worn outdoors are covered in dirt and dust, and bringing them indoors is undesirable in Japanese living environments.
In particular, traditional tatami flooring is easily soiled and damaged, so removing shoes reduces these risks.
Tatami has historically been used not only as flooring but also as a place to sit, eat, and lay out bedding, making cleanliness particularly important.
Additionally, Japan’s rainy season is highly humid, and moisture attached to shoes can cause mold and mildew.
Removing shoes is also an effective measure against such humidity.
Secondly, the act of taking off shoes carries a meaning of showing respect for others.
Removing shoes when entering someone’s home or a traditional place is considered a sign of respecting the other person’s space.
While it is not as strict as it used to be, entering with shoes on may still be considered rude.
The place to take off your shoes is generally called the “genkan”, which is the space between the outdoors and the indoors.
The genkan is often slightly lower than the indoor floor, clearly indicating where shoes should be removed.
If you are unsure, observe whether other people are taking off their shoes or if there is a shoe rack.
If you are still unsure, the most reliable way is to ask your host.
After taking off your shoes, it is customary to arrange them neatly.
Especially when visiting someone’s home, it is considered good manners to turn the toes of your shoes towards the exit of the genkan and arrange them carefully without facing away from your host.
Sometimes, you may put your removed shoes in a provided shoe rack or cabinet.
Indoors, slippers are often provided, so you should change into them.
In tatami rooms, it is common to remove slippers as well and spend time in socks or barefoot.
Also, there may be separate slippers for the toilet, so be careful not to wear them into other rooms.
How to Take a Bath
In Japan, taking a bath is not just about washing the body but is also a habit aimed at relaxation and warming up.
There are different manners for home baths (furo, or “ofuro” in polite form) and public bathing facilities such as onsen (hot springs) and sento (public bathhouses).
The home bath (ofuro) features a deep bathtub, and the main purpose is to soak in the hot water to warm the body.
Since the bathwater is generally shared by the family, it is very important to wash your body thoroughly before entering the tub.
The bathroom has a washing area with a stool, bucket, and shower, so wash your body there, rinse off all soap and shampoo completely, and then enter the bathtub.
It is a breach of etiquette to wash your body or use soap in the bathtub, so never do that.
If you have long hair, tie it up so that it does not get into the water.
After bathing, dry your body before returning to the changing room.
If other family members will use the bath, it is common to put the lid on the tub to keep the water warm.
At public bathing facilities such as onsen (hot springs) and sento (public bathhouses), there are even more detailed manners.
First, take off your shoes in the changing room and store your clothes in a provided locker or basket.
Many facilities have separate bathrooms for men and women.
Once inside the bathroom, first wash your body thoroughly at a washing station.
Use the shower or a bucket to scoop water and pour it over yourself to rinse.
Be careful not to splash soap or shampoo suds on others.
After washing, rinse your body well and enter the bathtub.
Soak quietly in the tub and avoid swimming or making noise.
It is also bad manners to put your towel in the water or let your hair get wet.
It is common to place a small towel on your head or on the edge of the tub.
Some onsen may prohibit people with tattoos from entering, so it is necessary to check in advance.
After bathing, dry your body with the provided towel and return to the changing room to get dressed.
Make sure to dry yourself well before leaving the bathroom so as not to wet the changing room floor.
Dining Etiquette
Japanese dining etiquette is based on ways to enjoy the food deliciously and to show consideration for those dining with you.
Before a meal, say “itadakimasu” to express gratitude.
After the meal, it is polite to say “gochisousama deshita“.
There are many rules regarding the use of chopsticks.
It is impolite to point chopsticks at someone, to stab food with them, or to move dishes with them.
Also, when placing chopsticks on a dish, it is basic to place them horizontally; sticking them upright in rice resembles a ritual at Buddhist funerals and is considered very rude.
If you want to rest your chopsticks during a meal, place them on a chopstick rest if available, or on the edge of your plate.
When sharing food, use the opposite end of your chopsticks or use serving chopsticks if provided.
Passing food directly from your chopsticks to someone else’s is also to be avoided as it is reminiscent of picking up bones during a funeral.
It is generally avoided to make noise while eating, but slurping noodles is considered a sign that you are enjoying the meal and is acceptable.
It is common to lift bowls of soup to your mouth to drink.
For soups with large ingredients, a spoon may be provided.
When pouring drinks, if you notice someone’s glass is empty, it is polite to offer to pour for them.
It is common for others to pour drinks for you.
When someone is pouring for you, it is polite to hold your glass slightly tilted towards them.
At the dining table, avoid resting your elbows on the table or talking with food in your mouth.
It is also considered good to eat as much of the food served as possible.
If there is something you cannot eat, it is best to inform your host in advance or leave it quietly.
Basic Manners in Japanese Public Places and Interactions
In Japanese society, there are many unspoken rules regarding behavior in public places and how to interact with others. Observing these manners is crucial for smooth social interaction. Here, we will explain basic manners from three perspectives: behavior on trains, bowing, and language.
Behavior on Trains
Japanese trains are a public transportation system used by many people, and consideration from each passenger is required for a comfortable journey.
First, it is basic to remain quiet inside the train car.
Talking loudly or speaking on the phone can be disruptive to other passengers.
If you need to make a call, it is preferable to move to the deck between cars.
Also, when listening to music or watching videos, be sure to use headphones and ensure that the sound does not leak out.
Eating and drinking inside the train car should generally be avoided.
In particular, strong-smelling or noisy foods can bother those around you.
On long-distance trains such as the Shinkansen (bullet train), light meals at your seat are acceptable, but even then, be mindful of those around you.
When sitting, avoid placing your luggage on the seat next to you or stretching out your legs to take up space.
Even if seats are available, try to place your luggage on the overhead rack or at your feet.
Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and people with infants.
You can sit in them if they are empty, but be sure to offer your seat immediately if someone who needs it appears.
When boarding and alighting, cooperate for a smooth flow.
When the train arrives, give priority to those getting off first, and then line up to board.
It is bad manners to push your way in or cut in line.
On the station platform, wait inside the yellow lines and be careful not to get too close to moving trains.
Inside the station, move with the flow of pedestrians and follow signs such as arrows.
On escalators, it is common to stand on one side if you are not in a hurry and leave the other side open for people who want to walk (in Tokyo, people tend to stand on the left, while in Osaka, they stand on the right).
Bowing
Bowing is a basic gesture in Japanese society used to express greetings, respect, apologies, and gratitude.
The meaning varies depending on the angle and duration of the bow.
Generally, a bow is performed by bending from the waist, keeping your back straight.
The position of the hands is often naturally down at the sides for men and clasped in front of the body for women.
There are mainly three types of bows: “eshaku“, “keirei“, and “saikeirei“.
- Eshaku :
A slight bow of about 15 degrees, used for casual greetings or when passing by someone in a hallway. - Keirei :
A bow of about 30 degrees, used for greetings in business situations or towards superiors. - Saikeirei:
The deepest bow, ranging from 45 to 70 degrees, used to express deep gratitude or apologies.
When bowing, it is polite to look at the other person’s eyes before lowering your head, maintain the lowered position, and slowly raise your body.
It is also considered important to coordinate your breathing with the bow, with the idea of “rei san soku” : inhaling when lowering your head, exhaling while lowered, and inhaling again when raising your body.
Strict etiquette is not always expected of foreigners, but the feeling of showing respect to the other person is important.
Even a slight nod can leave a friendly impression.
If someone offers a handshake, it is fine to accept, but some people may also add a slight bow at the same time.
Language
Japanese has polite forms of speech (keigo) that are used differently depending on the person you are talking to and the situation.
Using keigo appropriately is very important for showing respect to others.
Keigo is broadly divided into three types: “teineigo“, “sonkeigo“, and “kenjougo“.
- Teineigo:
Polite language used by adding suffixes such as “desu” and “masu” to the end of words.
It is used when speaking to someone for the first time or someone you are not very close to. - Sonkeigo:
Respectful language used to elevate the actions or state of someone you should show respect to, such as superiors or customers.
For example, the word “iku” becomes “irassharu” or “oide ni naru” in sonkeigo. - Kenjougo:
Humble language used to lower the actions or state of yourself or your in-group to show respect to the other person.
For example, the word “iku” becomes “mairu” or “ukagau” in kenjougo.
Also, adding honorifics such as “san” , “sama” , “senpai“, or “sensei” to someone’s name or title is important for showing respect.
- San:
The most common honorific, used to show respect to someone regardless of age or gender. - Sama:
A more polite honorific than “san,” used for customers, superiors, or people you respect. - Senpai:
Used for someone older or more experienced than you in school or at work. - Sensei:
Used for teachers, doctors, lawyers, artists, and others with specialized knowledge or skills. - Chan:
Often used with affection for close female friends or children. - Kun:
Often used for close male friends or younger people.
Mastering these keigo and honorifics requires some study, but it is important to first aim to use polite language.
Characteristics of Japanese Communication
Japanese communication tends to avoid direct expressions and emphasizes reading the atmosphere.
Japan has a strong collectivist culture and tends to value group harmony over individual opinions.
Therefore, directly asserting one’s opinion or directly criticizing someone may be avoided.
Instead, indirect phrasing and ambiguous expressions are often used, with the expectation that the other person will understand the intended meaning.
The phrase “kuuki wo yomu” (to read the air) is a very important keyword for understanding Japanese communication.
It refers to the ability to sense the atmosphere and situation, the other person’s feelings, and to understand unspoken intentions and take appropriate action.
People who can “read the air” are valued as being able to build smooth relationships with those around them and emphasize cooperation.
Conversely, people who cannot “read the air” are described as “KY” (short for “kuuki yomenai,” unable to read the air) and may feel out of place.
For example, when wanting to refuse something, instead of directly saying “no,” someone might use ambiguous expressions such as “chotto muzukashii desu” (it’s a little difficult) or “kentou shimasu” (I will consider it).
This is a consideration to avoid making the other person feel uncomfortable.
The receiver needs to sense the intention behind these words and understand that the other person is declining.
Non-verbal communication is also very important.
Facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice, and gestures can convey more information than words. For example, if someone verbally agrees but their facial expression is cloudy or they are avoiding eye contact, they may not truly be convinced.
Silence can also have important meaning in Japanese communication.
Silence can indicate respect for the other person, agreement or understanding, or that someone is deep in thought.
It may be difficult for foreigners to understand these indirect communication styles and the concept of “reading the air,” but it is important to consciously observe and get used to them to build smooth interpersonal relationships in Japanese society.
Useful Information for Foreign Travelers
For foreign travelers visiting Japan, knowing how to use Japan’s transportation system and emergency contact information is very important for a safe and comfortable trip.
How to Use Japanese Transportation
Japan’s public transportation system is highly developed, with railways (trains, Shinkansen), buses, and taxis being the main means of transportation.
- Railways:
Japan’s railway network is very extensive, providing access not only to urban areas but also to regional cities. In particular, the Shinkansen is very convenient for high-speed travel between major cities.- Purchasing Tickets: Tickets can be purchased at station ticket machines or ticket windows.
- IC Cards: IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be charged in advance and used to ride trains and buses by simply touching them to the ticket gates, eliminating the need to buy tickets each time.
They can also be used at many convenience stores and vending machines. - Japan Rail Pass: For foreign tourists traveling extensively within Japan, the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited rides on JR local and Shinkansen lines (excluding some), is a cost-effective option for a certain period.
There are conditions for purchase, so it is necessary to check in advance. - Station Signage: Inside stations and on platforms, route names, destinations, and transfer information are clearly displayed.
- Riding Etiquette: As mentioned earlier, be quiet on the train, avoid eating and drinking, and give priority seats to those who need them.
- Buses:
Buses are also an important means of transportation in urban and regional cities.- Boarding Method: There are two main systems: boarding at the front and paying upfront, or boarding at the rear and paying upon alighting.
IC cards can often be used. - Alighting Method: When the bus stop you want to get off at is approaching, press the stop button inside the bus to notify the driver.
- Boarding Method: There are two main systems: boarding at the front and paying upfront, or boarding at the rear and paying upon alighting.
- Taxis:
Japanese taxis are clean and offer good service, but fares are relatively high.- How to Ride: You can get a taxi from a taxi stand at a station or in the city, or you can call one by phone or use a ride-hailing app.
- Payment: Payment is usually in cash, but credit cards and IC cards may also be accepted.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Ride-hailing apps such as JapanTaxi and Uber are also available.
- Other:
Renting a bicycle to explore the city is also recommended. For long-distance travel, ferries and domestic flights are also available.
Emergency Contact Information in Japan
It is very important to know the emergency contact information in case of an emergency during your stay in Japan.
- Fire/Ambulance:
In case of fire or medical emergency, call 119. - Police:
In case of an incident or accident, call 110. - Japan Coast Guard:
In case of an accident or incident at sea, call 118.
These emergency numbers can be called free of charge from all phones, including public phones.
In an emergency, remain calm and clearly convey your location, the situation, and the assistance you need.
There are also English-speaking operators available.
Even outside of emergencies, it is good to remember the following numbers for consultation if you have any problems:
- #7119: Non-emergency medical consultation
- #9110: Non-emergency police consultation
- 03-3503-8484: National Police Agency English Hotline (weekdays)
- 03-5774-0992: TELL (Tokyo English Lifeline)
- 0570-000-911: Japan Helpline
Embrace Harmony and Enrich Your Experience in Japan
Japanese society is built upon unique customs, manners, and communication styles.
Understanding and respecting these elements will make your life or trip to Japan more comfortable and fulfilling.
As explained in this article, even a simple act like taking off your shoes at the entrance has deep meanings of consideration for cleanliness and respect for others. Similarly, the way to take a bath and dining etiquette have cultural backgrounds cultivated over many years.
Understanding manners in public places, how to interact with others, and the characteristics of indirect Japanese communication is essential for smoothly integrating into Japanese society.
For foreign travelers, Japan’s public transportation system is very convenient, but knowing how to use it and its etiquette will allow for more comfortable travel.
Also, having knowledge of emergency contact information in case of an unforeseen event is very important for a safe trip.
When experiencing Japanese society, it is important to actively observe, learn, and try to adapt. By deepening your understanding of different cultures and embracing Japan’s spirit of valuing harmony, you are sure to have wonderful experiences and create lasting memories.
