Planning a trip to Japan? With its neon lights and delicious cuisine, it's no surprise that Japan is such a popular place to travel. However, before going, it's also important to understand the local etiquette and to learn a few Japanese phrases to make your trip go even smoother. What you don't want to do? Well, any of the five major no-nos on this list, which includes defaulting to English in conversations and talking loudly on public transit.
Don't Immediately Speak English
Just as you might feel bewildered if a foreigner were to suddenly speak their mother tongue to you—a language you don't understand—right from the get-go, it can also throw off Japanese locals as well. Even if you can't speak Japanese, the key is to at least attempt it, even if it sounds unnatural to your ears. A simple sumimasen ("excuse me") may even be enough in some cases. Put yourself into the locals' shoes; you probably wouldn't like having strangers assume you speak English if you didn't understand a lick of it, either.
Talking Loudly
Refrain from talking loudly when you're in restaurants, buses, trains, elevators, and other enclosed spaces. As you'll quickly realize once you arrive in Japan, locals are relatively quiet and typically speak at a lower volume than foreigners. Even if you're used to having conversations with friends or answering phone calls on public transit, locals won't appreciate the noise, and announcements will frequently remind riders to keep the volume down. Be respectful, and follow the local etiquette.
Blocking the Train Doors
Another thing to remember when taking public transit is to not block the doors. If it's too crowded, step off the train to give riders more space to exit the train, then climb back on afterward. If you stand still and refuse to move out of the way, locals will have to go around you, and may even miss their stop. Similarly, when waiting for the next train, line up correctly, and wait until everyone has gotten off before getting on. Don't stand directly in front of the doors—you'll block the people trying to exit.
Filming in Streets, Restaurants, and Stores
Everywhere in Japan is breathtaking. But even if you might want to capture it all on film, it's considered disrespectful to locals to just point your camera and shoot. Some people may not want to be filmed, so it's best to refrain from recording while you walk. In certain restaurants, stores, izakayas, and other establishments, a "no filming or photos" rule may even be enforced, so always remember to respect it.
Eating While Walking or in Transportation
Another thing you should avoid doing while walking and taking public transportation? Eating or drinking. If you're buying street food, find a spot near the stall where you can munch on your snack without getting in people's way, and don't walk while snacking. Japanese locals consider the latter messy and rude. When you're finished, throw your trash out in the garbage bins—don't litter just because it's hard to find one (and it will be hard to find one sometimes). Make sure to also never snack or sip while on the train, as you may spill things or get your food everywhere. In some stores, you may also be required to put your drink in a holder near the front, so you don't consume it while browsing.
