When you start living in Japan, you might sometimes wonder,
“Is it okay to do this?” or “Would this be rude?”
In this article, we introduce 10 “everyday manners” that are good to know to feel at ease while living in Japan.
By reading this, many of your daily worries will be eased!


1. Take off your shoes indoors
In Japan, you must remove your shoes before entering homes, some offices, schools, and clinics. Wear indoor slippers if provided.

2. Sort and dispose of trash properly
Garbage must be separated (burnable, non-burnable, plastic, bottles, cans). Rules vary by city. Check local guides.

3. Greetings are important
Saying "Good morning," "Hello," or "Thank you for your hard work" builds trust in daily life and at work.

4. Be punctual
Being on time is very important. Arriving 5–10 minutes early is preferred. Always inform others if you'll be late.

5. Keep quiet in public places
On trains, buses, and in hospitals, stay quiet. Set your phone to silent and avoid phone calls.

6. Practice good table manners
Say “Itadakimasu” before meals and “Gochisousama” after. Avoid loud eating, except when slurping noodles.

7. Keep shared spaces clean
Clean up after yourself in public places like toilets, restaurants, and buses.

8. Stand in line and wait your turn
Always line up in order — at stores, stations, or bus stops. Don’t cut in line.

9. No tipping required
Tipping is not common in Japan. Pay only the bill — giving tips may cause confusion.

10. Avoid causing trouble for others
Always be considerate of those around you. Japanese culture values peaceful coexistence.

You don’t need to learn all Japanese manners perfectly,
but knowing the basics will help you live with peace of mind.
If you are ever unsure about something, please feel free to consult AJ Human Capital♪