JAPAN'S UNSPOKEN RULES 🙊 | 16 You Need to Know Before Traveling! 

What rule surprised you the most!? And you do know any others I didn't mention in this video? Let me know down below!!! ☺

I’m American, but it will always baffle me how some Americans will get absolutely furious that they can’t tip in Japan and many other countries. Like why are you mad that the waiters get paid an actual good wage and you don’t have to pay their salary basically? The tipping culture in the USA is absolutely ridiculous and it needs to go away.

I thought of a few: on the train, do NOT talk on your phone. I am convinced that texting was invented in Japan because train passengers do need to contact others, but they're not allowed (well, you know) to actually talk on their phones while on a train. Also don't put on makeup, brush your hair, spray perfume, etc on a train. You can do that in the restroom I guess, but not at your seat. Also, if you speak Japanese at all, people will not say "no" or contradict you. For example, if you ask, "Does this train go to Kyoto?" they won't say, "No, that's the wrong train." However, if you said, "I'm trying to get to Kyoto and I'm not sure which train..." Then they'd say, "Oh, it's that one over there."

I've never been to Japan, but I taught English to lots of Japanese students at a Berlitz school when I was young, and it was a chore to get them to say negative statements beginning with "no." In one exercise, I'd hold up a red pen and ask "Is the pen black?" with the expected answer of "No, the pen is not black, the pen is red" but instead they'd try to talk around it, usually with something like "Um... maybe the pen is red." They were clearly very uncomfortable with the idea of contradicting me directly.

An addition: have the word “sumimasen” (“excuse me”) at the front of your lips all the time. Or: “Oh, sumimasen.” I traveled to Japan on business about six times over a two-year period, and I knew I was going to mess up in my behavior occasionally to the Japanese standards; and I found that my saying “sumimasen” was a quick way to recover grace from the people around you. Or then consider adding “gomen nasai” if you need to add an apology.

Here's something I've often seen in the US that drives me bonkers. We put up with it here, but if you try to pull this in Japan, get ready for some stink eye. It's parents who give their small kids a phone or tablet and let them watch videos, listen to music, or play games in restaurants. The point is, that sh*t is LOUD and incredibly annoying. If you or your kids have a device that is making noise, USE EARBUDS. On a train, on a bus, in a restaurant, in any public place--it's rude if others can hear it. In America, restaurants are pretty loud anyway, so we can usually tune it out, but in Japan it'll come across as beyond rude.

My biggest shock when I moved to Tokyo in 1999 was the sheer rigidness of refusing to not put a pickle on the burger at McDonald's. I'm half Japanese so not my first time there, but first time living there and I actually said to the person 'what if I am allergic and you putting the pickle on my burger contaminates it and I die??'. She literally pulled out the BINDER and showed me where it said that the pickle had to be put on. GOT IT. hahahhhaah

just spent a month in Japan and everyone is so respectful. It was culture shock coming back to US

When in Japan three years ago, I learned that pedestrians always obey walk lights even in very small towns. I was in a town so small that it had only one stop light and witnessed a pedestrian waiting for the light to change even though there was no traffic in either direction for at least a 1/2 mile. Conform and blend in.

Japanese society seems quite respectful (lining up in an orderly fashion, keeping quiet on public transport). Most of the rest of the world can learn a thing or two from the Japanese.

There are so many videos about things not to do in Japan. More videos about rules, social norms, how to eat, how not to eat, even rules about social etiquette when catching a train, using an elevator or handling cash. All these videos could discourage people from visiting Japan. It is a case of information overload and inconsistent content quality. Having visited Japan a number of times, I find that some videos create the false impression that tourists are unwelcome in Japan. Allison makes a genuine effort to explain some things you would probably encounter daily. None of the rules surprised me. Of course there are many other social norms that could be the topic of more videos. A few I would mention are elevator etiquette and the lift captain ( yes it's a thing ), leaving a clear table after eating at a cafe and being aware of women only spaces like certain train carriages etc. I hope Allison does a part 2 of this video.😀😀😀

I'm living in Japan long term, but my brother is getting ready to visit for the first time -- this video was a great reminder of things that might surprise him that I forgot about/got used to, so thank you! The socks one is a big one that I don't think people talk about enough!

Fantastic advice. I have lived here since 1989, and really appreciate your video. I hope everyone who visits here watches this before arriving.

7:23 "if you litter I will personally find you and yell at you", this made me thumbs up the video right away!! 😂

When I was in Tokyo I would sometimes forget about the reversed pedestrian traffic flow and gravitate to the right side of the side walk. The onslought of people trying to go opposite of me quickly reminded me to move back to the left side.

You will usually have to take your shoes off in change rooms as well. And a lot of stores will give you a cover to put on your head so that you don’t get makeup on the clothing item you are trying on (like sweaters etc).

I feel on the taxi door one. I've moved to Japan from the US 7 months ago and there was one time where I shut the door without even thinking by accident. It was after I shut the door that I was like "Oh crap, I shouldn't have done that". For those of us in the US, opening and closing taxi doors ourselves is second nature.

Sometimes I think it's very sad that some of these things have to be said out loud at all. That's partially why I love Japan so much. Just don't bother anyone with your business! No matter if that means to be mindful while talking or walking or whatever... just respect the space and peace of the people around you. Sadly this seems very hard. This Video really reminded me how much more of a culture shock it was to come back from Japan to my home country ._.

I am moving to Japan in November! I accepted an English teaching job and I am super stoked!

We just came back from our trip to Japan. I accidentally opened the driver's side of the taxi cab we got into. It was so embarrassing but the cabbie was super nice and chuckled. My husband accidentally got us all into the "women's only" train. Thankfully it was towards the end of rush hour. By the time we figured it out, there was only 1 stop left so he just dropped his head in shame. He'll never live that one down!

When travelling in Japan it is just a case of be courteous and aware of others, this is sadly a rule / way of life that is lost in a lot of places in the west. I will be in Japan in a weeks time with my wife for our 30th wedding anniversary, it will be my third visit but my wife's first time visiting the country and I am looking forward to showing her the sights. Love the videos Allison, you are a great source of Japanese information and you are highly entertaining. Oh...nothing surprises me anymore in Japan.

This is so helpful!! Thank you! I'll be traveling to Japan in about 4 weeks so this is perfect timing.

You're so awesome. My wife and I have been watching your videos for a few months now leading up to our big trip in April for Sakura season and I feel a lot better prepared (and excited!) thanks to videos like this. Your editing is also really entertaining 😊 The rule that surprised me the most is the taxi handles. That seems so easy to accidently do, so thanks for the emphasis on it.

When aren't there problems with American tourists? Many think they are the hub of the world and everything must revolve around them. Many Americans are uncomfortable with their behavior, loud and often disrespectful. You can completely confuse an American tourist if you answer his question with a counter-question as to whether he can repeat his question in understandable English. The reaction and the looks, just priceless. A colleague of mine is particularly good at it, with a really serious face. I then escape to my company car because I often have to laugh out loud. Before I visit any country, I find out about local customs. Then you should be able to speak and understand certain idioms, polite phrases, in their language. This is required by decency, respect and courtesy. Above all, you should exercise restraint and not attract negative attention. One should not forget that in Japan itself, many locals speak little or no English. Even young people only have a rudimentary command of English. Even if it surprises you, a not insignificant part of the Japanese population is skeptical about foreigners and sometimes makes no secret of their rejection. It can happen that the word "Gaijin" is thrown at you. Even racism towards foreigners is fortunately rare, but it does happen. To this day, Japan has found it difficult to open up to the world, fearing the negative impact on their culture. Although they are not entirely wrong about that. You should always keep in mind that you are only a guest in this country.

The most informative video about traveling to Japan for people in a hurry. I'm headed there this week!

I am visiting for the first time in a couple of weeks and I am bringing my 10-year-old daughter with me. Your videos have been invaluable in my prep, so thank you for all these videos 😁

This was very informative, and touched on things I wasn’t aware of. Great video.

Thanks for the tips! ❤️

Thank you for the very informative video!!

I just came back and I don't know if this is a tip or not but just going around Tokyo (walking at least 6 to 8 miles a day), besides getting good walking shoes I noticed that it isn't easy to find places to sit at least what I found in malls/public places that are not parks etc. My tip for my friends is really not to go cheap and you literally should "pay" to sit down in places if that makes sense? I found more success buying small cafe foods and sitting in those places taking interval rests then trying to actively find a place to sit in public lol

Thanks for another great video! I didn’t know the taxis have automatic doors. How cool! The 17th rule (sort of)- you will be greeted when you enter any store, business, hotel, restaurant… and you’re not expected to say anything in return. That’s a tough one for me. I keep wanting to respond, or say hello, or thank you.

Excellent tips. I remembered some of them but had forgotten others. Thanks!👍

Thank you for sharing some off the rules in Japan 😊

Thanks! We are headed there next month so these are super helpful.

Absolutely loved every minute

This was absolutely fantastic and so useful. As a Londoner who is about to travel there and stay for three months, this has been so useful. Nicely done.

Really enjoyed your video

Thank you, these are great points!

What great advice. Thank you!

God bless ya, you are so real honestly. Love it. Love your clock and CPU in the back ❤

This a great "refresher" for me. I actually lived in Japan for 10 years before moving back to the U.S. 20 years ago for a career change. I'm visiting next month and this video was a nice little reminder. Thanks!

Thank you, this was informative, we're going next week.

Thank you for this video. Hope to bump into you when i am back in Tokyo last week of March for the sakura.

I visited Japan back in 2018 and went around various parts of the country. I think you mentioned some great tips, some I feel would be clear to anyone visiting and others are good to know before going as you wouldn't know like the taxi doors, rare to find a public bin etc I found on whole the people of Japan to be very warm and welcoming and always respectable of others around them. I love how any worker in a public facing role like a department store or on a train, they always bow before leaving the shop floor or moving onto the next carriage. I would love to see more of this happening in the Uk. Great video!

good tips! Thank you

For me a lot of stuff comes natural tbh. Even if someone can't remember all of it I think rule nr 16 will help you the most in daily life 😊

Such good tips, thank you! Going to Japan in November so this has been helpful 🫶🏻

Thanx;) great insight to unwritten rules in Japan.

My husband and I lived in Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo for 3 years and I agree with your 16 unspoken rules. Thanks for sharing!

Love your videos Allison 💖❤️.

1.) People reserved seats on restaurants 2.) train manners- be quiet on trains, yield seats for elderly and pregnant people 3.) Don’t draw too much attention on you by talking too loud 4.) Don’t be rude to people 5. If you cough or sneeze just cover your mouth 6.) Remove shoes on Japanese house or temples and some restaurants or historical places 7.) Bring socks with you in public cuz u never know 8.) Don’t tip in Japan 9.) Don’t eat or drink while walking in public 10.) Put your money on the tray don’t hand it to them directly unless they don’t have a tray 11.) Bring cash Japan uses cash a lot 12.) Don’t touch taxi doors 13.) Carry garbage with you because there’s no garbage cans in Japan 12.) Be careful about taking photos 13.) Menu are difficult to read and don’t ask for complicated dish 14.) Japan loves lines 15.) Stand on the left line of the escalator 16.) be aware

thanks for sharing the 16 rules, I enjoyed it , just subscribed

im a dutch going to japan next month , thank you for all your tips .. they are very clearly explained and helpfull ❤

First time commenting. Such an on point video; I can tell you really know how to survive in this culture lol I think the tipping rule is relaxed in some places. I used to work at an American restaurant and a lot of foreign costumers(except the ones who looked like they lived in Japan for long) tipped me. I was so happy they liked my service but do know that tipping is not a thing here!

I’ll be watching all of these! Thank you! I’m glad you mention the princess Kaguya movie because I was a little turned off by the style, so I’ll give it a shot!

As someone from a Slavic family, I don't understand how someone can walk into the house with their street shoes. We always have a pair of slippers for everyone, just because outdoor shoes are dirty and we don't want to make the house dirty. Same goes usually for the rest outdoor clothes but it's more flexible than shoes.

Thank you, so glad you mentioned the taxi doors.

Always appreciate an Allison day!! Thanks for this vid and especially the tip about payment in eateries!! Restaurants always bring anxiety in not knowing where to pay, when, blablabla hahaha!

Great video! Thanks for the taxi rule! I would totally try to open it myself….😅

Love how all of these are considering others

I think what has thrown me off the most in my visits to Tokyo has been the bicyclists on the sidewalks, it seems like they just weave through everyone and trying the "walk on the left" doesn't always pan out like I hope lol

People can eat on the shinkansen since food is also served and it is a long distance train. However, people do not eat on any other train, especiall NOT on a city train.

Be kind and it's all going to work for you! Great stuff as always Allison. I watched till the end and even translated everything for my mom ( she likes you a lot even though she doesn't understand english at all) Stay safe ! Do more videos like this one. It's really helpful and interesting.

I was in the Mont Bell store in Hiroshima and wanted to try on some hiking pants. I was terribly embarrassed because I didn't leave my shoes OUTSIDE the change room. I knew to take them off, but I though I could do it inside the booth. I spent the next 5 minutes bowing and apologising :) Japanese are beautiful people and if you're courteous and respectful I'm sure they'll forgive the occasional faux pas from tourists. I absolutely love their orderly nature - especially on the trains and escalators.

I would LOVE to have the 1 hour video about unspoken rules for people living there 😍 (... Omg maybe I have to work on my priorities after this comment 😅)

Saying "arigato kozaimas" instead of just "arigato" to someone i do not know is more polite 😊

One no one mentioned but I found on my trip: no shoes in changing rooms! I was very embarrassed and didn’t make that mistake again 😭😂

Your new camera is great!

I've heard about the washcloth thing but failed to believe it to be true until you confirmed. thank you!

Thank you!

will travelling to Tokyo for the first time, good vid!

I was surprised by the auto taxi doors, that would definitely catch me off guard. Thanks for the list, I like to be prepared when entering a different culture.

I know it wasn't intented, but this video made me ponder reincarnation, because some of Japan's unspoken rules totally match what I full-on would like as "public courtesy rules" here in the US! Maybe I was Japanese in a past life?!?!🤔

Not a problem I had, but once I gave my seat to an older lady on the train and she was so cute and so grateful it honestly made my day. 10/10 would give up my train seat in Japan again.

Going to Japan in December for 12 months for a working holiday so this vid helps alot!

The thing that annoys me the most is that you have to carry your trash around. But usually there are small trash cans in front of Lawsons / Family Mart / 7-11 where you can discreetly throw it away. And normally, at least in large cities, you are never more than maybe 2 blocks from a convenience store.

To slurp or not to slurp when eating noodles? Love the videos, btw. They’re so helpful!

Epic timing with this video, thanks Allison!! I arrived in Tokyo 2 nights ago. First time visiting, so appreciate the tips! Also, I totally see what you mean about American tourists. They do kinda stand out.. 🥲 Also also, I have mad respect for you for living in Japan 🙌🏻

studying for a trip and EVERY thing you mentioned? I've read many times. I say that as a compliment as your advice is dead-on. :)

I lived in Japan 4 years forking for the Navy in Yokosuka and lived in Yokohama. Your list is right on mostly, I will state that the Yokohama COSTCO deli where you get the American style pizza was the exception to the restaurant seating convention. Definitely a free for all!! Great video.

I’m shocked that my friend who’s been to Japan twice, still has an issue with tipping. We went to an Izakaya, and it was run by a Japanese family. I usually don’t tip (at Japanese establishments), and he looks at me and says “We aren’t in Japan. You tip here.” Like, yes, at other restaurants. I asked the wait staff if we should, and had to confirm it by asking again, they said “The quality of the food and service is included in the overall price. So…no tip, please.”

4:36 👋 Best tip ever

Thank you

So many of these things are just really good societal rules to reduce the spread of illness. It’s like: 1.Yes! Take your shoes off in peoples houses! 2. The taxi door opens on it’s own? Fabulous! 3. Putting the money in the dish instead of handing it directly to the cashier? Good idea! 4. Wear a mask when you’re sick even when it’s not the height of Covid times? Yes!

Thank you.

Oh haiiii 4K! lol Thank you for putting these rules out there! I usually don't talk to anyone when I ride the local transit system here in the US so that's one thing I have down haha! Hopefully folks take some notes!! :3

Thank you for the sharing, the video is good altought I think it might be less cut up and a bit slow. I sense nervousness, you can relax a bit you're doing great 😉

Very good and practical advices. About giving the tip, I think we don't feel insulted if you tip us, but perplexed for it is not what we do.

Congrats again on graduating soon! :)

Allison: Eating or drinking while walking is rude OSAKANS: Ha! Watch me! 😂😂

🎉y.. Useful!

Very helpful I will be going in a month for 3 months.

Excellent, spot on.

The reason why it is hard to find litter bins in public places in Japan is because they had to be removed, following the horrible incident in mid '90s in central Tokyo metro stations. Prior to that, it was easy to find a litter bin in public places.

Just sitting at the airport gate to Tokio. Luckily I'm basically doing (almost) all of these already so it won't be a problem haha :D thank you!

Ty Allison some people forgot the rules ❤

I’ve watched one of these videos before about rules in Japan. It’s definitely helpful to know this and when me and my Philippine fiancé get married we are planning a trip to visit Japan. So in traveling to the Philippines through Japan I’ve made the mistake just actually not knowing I had my small gimbal video camera, just excited about being in Japan. This was at Haneda airport I was talking to myself and recording motioned the camera on two sales women standing outside of a store holding samples I think. Thankfully they both had friendly laughs. I say hi and went on about my way, but I’m realizing how much this could have sparked offense. I’m not one who takes joy in causing someone discomfort so I’ll be more careful. Anyways. Thank you for this video! Although also an American I’m one who does like order and quiescence and like to be considerate so I may not have too many problems.

Just got back from Japan but the one thing I found very difficult was waiting at traffic lights for up to 2 minutes even when traffic just simply wasn’t coming. I did my best, but often I was rushing between places due to a packed schedule, so I fear I may have been rude and breached what seemed to be a social norm many times…

Thankyou

Wow!! So much has changed since the 70s. I lived in Kansai (Osaka and Kobe) and I saw a lot of small items being tossed on the ground: cigarette packages, film canisters & boxes. As for entering and exiting the train it was every man/women for themselves. I actually remember someone running to catch another train with her head down. She crashed smack into my abdomen, spun around and then continued on. The foreigners often remarked about how the Japanese can queue up in places like bakeries. Didn't know about socks in temples.