# 10 Tips to Avoid Social Blunders in Japan > Bows, chopsticks, shoes and queues: we gathered 10 rules of conduct in Japan that will save a traveler from awkward situations. Learn them before your trip. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/10-sovetov-kak-yzbezhat-sotsyalnkh-promakhov-v-yaponyy/ - Language: en - Published: 2025-04-13 - Categories: Culture, Leisure, Tours, Japan, Food & Drinks, Relaxation --- For everyone planning a visit to Japan, a team of experts in Tokyo has put together a handy list of things not to do. To avoid the kind of social-media storm stirred up by Patrick Schwarzenegger, son of the action hero and former California governor Arnold, when he posted an Instagram video (since deleted) in which he tickles the ear of an unsuspecting visitor with a twig, take a look at our helpful tips below. ## 1. Do not cross the road where you are not supposed to Many Japanese drivers follow the rules strictly and will honk disapprovingly, even from a great distance, if they see someone crossing the road anywhere other than a marked pedestrian crossing. ## 2. Smokers can be fined for lighting up on the street While there are no laws against smoking in bars, restaurants or any private venues, paradoxically it is out in the open air that trouble can arise. Smokers should not even think about lighting up on the street, since many Japanese cities, including Tokyo and Osaka, have ordinances that ban outdoor smoking except in specially designated "smoking corners." Breaking this ban is punishable by a fine of up to 50,000 yen (around 400 dollars). ## 3. Do not litter While plenty of other countries might turn a blind eye to a plastic bag or a cigarette butt decorating their streets, Japan has a zero-tolerance policy toward street litter. Expect disapproving looks and/or stunned expressions if a candy wrapper is discarded in anything less than the proper manner. In any case, there really is no excuse, since public trash bins are widespread across all of Japan's major cities. ## 4. Throw your trash in the right bin And anyone who tosses waste into a designated container needs to make sure they are doing it right. At the very least, trash is separated into "burnable" and "non-burnable," since Japan disposes of most of its waste by incineration. Even fast-food outlets insist on sorting rubbish into plastic, paper and so on. ## 5. Do not point at people Again, this is fairly universal, but it is considered rude to point directly at someone, whether with a finger, chopsticks or a foot. If you must indicate someone, do it with a gesture of the hand while keeping any extended finger in check. ## 6. Cutting in line is very rude From trains to escalators, in Japan you will see crowds of people lined up in an orderly queue. Jumping the queue is a strict taboo, especially on trains, where boarding passengers stand aside to let those getting off exit before they step on themselves. The subway and commuter trains in big cities can get seriously crowded, particularly during the morning rush hour, but the manners still hold. On the flip side, though, it is not customary to hold the door for anyone who might be following behind you. ## 7. Silence is valued on trains Conversations are hushed, and most people do not talk at all. Putting on makeup, sleeping, texting and playing (quiet) games on a mobile phone are all acceptable pastimes on board, but silence is prized across Japan's vast rail network. And by the way, never eat or drink on a train. ## 8. Take off your shoes at the door in someone's home You should wear clean, appropriate socks without holes, which goes without saying if you are over the age of 12. Japanese people usually say "O-jama shimasu!" ("sorry to disturb you") when entering someone's home, and they most often bring a small gift called o-miyage for their hosts. ## 9. There is no need to tip at restaurants or in taxis Service providers here will not accept it. Service is almost always included, and there are stories of diligent restaurant staff chasing foreign visitors down the street to return their "forgotten" change. Likewise, taxi drivers, most of whom wear immaculate uniforms, hats and white gloves, give back exact change and refuse any tips. One more thing worth noting about taxis: they are fitted with automatic doors operated by the driver, and you should not open or close them by hand. ## 10. No swimsuits in onsen, go bare instead Many Japanese people find it downright strange to see someone in trunks or a bikini in a hot spring. Bathers should remember to wash and rinse off thoroughly before entering the water, whether at a public bathhouse or in someone's home. Japanese people are used to sharing the hot water, so the real cleaning happens before you soak in the bath. But while less clothing is the general rule when bathing, tattoos should be covered up in onsen and public gyms. They are often associated with the yakuza, the Japanese mafia.