10 Surprising Japanese Customs You Need to Know!

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1. Removing Shoes

In Japan, it is customary to remove shoes at the entrance (genkan) when entering a home to keep the interior clean. People often switch to slippers or go barefoot or in socks, especially in tatami rooms. Many households provide dedicated slippers for the toilet or bathroom. This practice extends to traditional ryokan (inns), some restaurants, schools, and dojos. Shoes are neatly arranged at the entrance, and guest slippers are often provided for visitors.

Bowing is a fundamental Japanese gesture used for greetings, expressing gratitude, apologizing, or showing respect. The depth and duration of the bow vary depending on the situation and relationship, ranging from a slight nod (15 degrees) to a deep bow (45 degrees or more). In business settings, deep bows are common during introductions or apologies, while casual bows are used among friends. Bowing is a key non-verbal way to convey harmony and respect.

Obon, typically held from August 13–16 (or July in some regions), is a time to honor deceased ancestors. Families gather, visit graves, and offer food at altars. Some regions light welcoming fires (mukaebi) to guide spirits home and sending-off fires (okuribi) to bid them farewell. Ohigan, observed in spring (March) and autumn (September), involves grave visits and memorial services, often with offerings like ohagi or botamochi (sweet rice dumplings) to honor ancestors.

Oseibo (year-end) and Ochugen (mid-summer, around July) are customs of giving gifts to express gratitude to people such as relatives, bosses, or business associates. Common gifts include food items (ham, beer, seaweed, fruit) or household goods like detergent. Department stores and online shops set up dedicated sections for these gifts, which are wrapped with noshi paper labeled “Oseibo” or “Ochugen” and the recipient’s name. This gift-giving is a key part of Japan’s reciprocity culture.

Bringing homemade bento (lunch boxes) to school or work is a widespread practice. Bentos are carefully prepared with attention to nutrition, balance, and aesthetics, often featuring colorful arrangements. “Kyaraben” (character bento) with designs resembling anime characters or animals are popular, especially for children. Bento boxes are functional, with dividers or thermal features. High-quality ready-made bentos are also sold at convenience stores and supermarkets, reflecting a strong lunch culture.

Sento are public bathhouses where locals gather to bathe in large communal tubs or use saunas. Onsen are hot spring facilities, often in tourist or resort areas, used for relaxation and health (toji, or therapeutic bathing). Bathing etiquette requires washing thoroughly before entering the shared tub. Tattoos may restrict entry due to cultural associations. Sento serve as community hubs, while onsen are popular for their natural mineral waters and scenic settings.

Visiting shrines and temples is a regular part of life, tied to events like Hatsumode (New Year’s shrine visit), Shichigosan (celebrating children’s growth), yakudoshi (warding off bad luck), or omiyamairi (praying for a newborn’s health). The ritual involves purifying hands and mouth at a chozuya (water basin), ringing a bell, offering coins, and praying. People often buy omamori (amulets) or write wishes on ema (wooden plaques). Hatsumode, in particular, is a major event with food stalls and crowds.

Japanese has a complex system of honorific language (keigo), including polite (teineigo), respectful (sonkeigo), and humble (kenjogo) forms, used to show respect or humility based on the social context. For example, polite forms like “desu” and “masu” are standard with strangers or superiors, while respectful and humble forms (e.g., “ossharu” for “say” or “haiken suru” for “see”) are used in formal or business settings. Keigo reflects Japan’s emphasis on respect and social harmony.

Japan has a detailed garbage sorting system, with categories like burnable, non-burnable, plastic, cans/bottles, PET bottles, and paper. Each municipality has specific rules, often requiring transparent or semi-transparent bags for collection. Sorting schedules are outlined in calendars distributed to residents, specifying pickup days and categories. This practice reflects Japan’s strong commitment to recycling and environmental consciousness.

On trains and buses, passengers are expected to maintain a quiet environment, with phone calls prohibited and earphones required to avoid sound leakage. Priority seats are reserved for the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities. Passengers line up orderly at designated platform markers, and boarding is disciplined even during rush hours. Women-only cars are available on some lines, and announcements for delays are detailed and polite, reflecting a culture of order and consideration.