These cultural taboos in Japan surprised me. Here’s what to avoid on your trip.

I’m the type of traveler who goes into every trip with a hardcore ‘do no harm’ mentality. The thing is that ‘no harm’ doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere in the world. Behaviors that are completely normal for Americans can be super offensive in other cultures, like Japan. 

I had no idea how many common behaviors in the U.S. could be perceived as extremely rude in Japan when I embarked on my adventure there. 

Luckily, I quickly picked up on the ways to respect the local customs and avoid catching any side eye. 

Get ahead of the game before your trip by learning these big Japanese taboos that you likely wouldn’t think twice about in your home country.  

Use the tray instead of handing payment directly to a salesperson. 

In Japan, it’s a big no-no to hand people cash or a credit card directly into their hand. Alternatively, you’re expected to place your money on a tray at the counter. Any change will also be placed onto the tray for you to collect. 

I was slightly shocked the first few times I tried to pay a Japanese salesperson only to have a little tray shoved forcefully in my direction. However, it’s an easy rule to follow once you get out of the habit of handing over your money hand-to-hand. 

Reasoning: 

• Japanese culture is big on personal space and using the tray eliminates any unnecessary touching when passing cash. 
• Plus, it makes it easier for the cashier to count and pick up the money, making it great for efficiency as well. 

Silence is preferred on public transportation in Japan.  

I’m convinced that there is no quieter place on the planet than Japanese public transportation. 

As a native to New York whose prior metro experiences were noisy at best, I was baffled by the complete and utter silence on trains in Japan. 

You should follow suit as a visitor and try to be silent when you’re riding on the metro, even when you’re traveling with friends. If you must talk while you’re on the train, keep it to a whisper. 

Loud conversations in enclosed spaces is a major annoyance to Japanese locals and you’re bound to get a few dirty looks if you’re being too boisterous.

Reasoning: 

• Japan is a collectivist culture, meaning that they place importance on the well-being of the community rather than one’s individual wants. That’s why people are very conscious of how their behavior is affecting those around them, including the noise they make. 
• Being silent in a tight space like the train ensures that everyone around feels comfortable and unbothered. 

Do not eat or drink while you’re walking. 

It’s extremely frowned upon to walk around and eat food or drink in Japan. Street food and snacks on the go are very common throughout the country, but you must find a spot to pause and eat your treats before continuing. 

You’ll even pass ‘no eating and walking’ signs as you stroll through Japanese markets like Nishiki Market in Kyoto and Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This rule is taken very seriously in Japan, so always stop to munch your food or take a sip of a drink. 

Reasoning: 

• Japan is a very clean country and there’s a higher chance of spilling or dropping crumbs if you’re wandering and eating at the same time. 
• Secondly, food itself is central to Japanese culture and the act of eating is something that’s meant to be fully appreciated. You can’t give your utmost attention to the dining experience when you’re walking around and chowing down all at once. 
• It’s poor manners because someone worked hard to prepare the delicacy, so you should take a moment to relish it. This perception sprouted during World War II when there wasn’t much available to eat, so food became regarded as a precious commodity [source].  

Refrain from taking photos or wearing shoes inside temples and castles.

While the exterior of a Japanese temple is perfect for photography, cameras are completely prohibited inside. The breathtaking shrines within these structures are highly sacred and only meant for direct eye contact.

Before entering, you’ll come across signs and sometimes even guards instructing you to put your camera/phone away and take off your shoes. You won’t be allowed inside without following these rules and will likely incur some bad karma if you try to snap a secret shot. 

Reasoning: 

• Visitors must take off their shoes before entering Japanese temples or shrines because after walking around all day, they’re considered too dirty for the holy space (which makes a lot of sense if you think about it!).
• Photos aren’t allowed inside the temples because the loud click of a camera is disturbing to worshippers and seen as disrespectful to the deities.

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Traveling Japan solo was a beautiful learning experience for me and I walked away with a much deeper understanding of the cultural norms. I found that being willing to understand and respect Japanese customs improved my journey tenfold, too. 

While it’s important to be mindful of the local taboos as a visitor in a foreign land, don’t let inexperience scare you away. People are always willing to answer questions and help out if you’re unsure about the rules in Japan. So, get out there, be courteous, and enjoy Japan.