Japanese Etiquette Guide for Foreigners (2025)
Japan has clear social rules. You won’t always be expected to follow them perfectly as a foreigner, but knowing them helps you avoid awkward situations and shows respect. Here’s what actually matters day-to-day. Public Spaces On Trains and Subways Silence your phone — calls on trains are considered rude Don’t eat on local trains — shinkansen and long-distance trains are fine Give up priority seats — marked seats near doors for elderly, pregnant, and disabled passengers Don’t stand in doorways blocking exit Keep voices low — trains are generally quiet No strong perfume or food smells — considerate of others in enclosed spaces On Escalators In Tokyo: stand on the left, walk on the right In Osaka: the opposite — stand on the right, walk on the left Never block the walking side Shoes Off Remove shoes when entering: ...