Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost and second-largest island, renowned for its pristine wilderness, world-class powder snow, and vibrant seasonal beauty. From the lavender-carpeted fields of Furano to the UNESCO-listed Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido offers Japan's most dramatic natural landscapes alongside excellent seafood and dairy cuisine.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Remove shoes when entering ryokans, traditional homes, and any space with tatami mat flooring — indoor slippers are provided at the entrance
Bowing is the standard greeting — a slight forward nod is sufficient for most situations as a visitor
Speak quietly in trains, temples, and shared public spaces; mobile phones should be silenced on public transport
Queuing is strictly observed at bus stops, train platforms, and convenience stores — never skip a queue
Cash is widely preferred over cards at smaller restaurants, market stalls, and traditional businesses
Slurping noodles (ramen, soba) is considered polite in Japan — it signals enjoyment and cools the noodles
Take the offered hand towel (oshibori) at restaurants — use it to clean your hands, then fold and place aside
Do not tip — it is not customary in Japan and can cause confusion or mild offence
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Bow slightly when greeting shopkeepers, hotel staff, or strangers
- Say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama deshita' after a meal
- Carry a small amount of cash at all times — many rural and traditional businesses are cash-only
- Use both hands when receiving a business card, gift, or important item
- Separate rubbish according to the visible sorting categories at any public bin
- Purchase an IC card (Kitaca or Suica) at Sapporo Station for paperless transport payments
- Acknowledge staff greetings in shops with a nod — 'irasshaimase' (welcome) is called when you enter
Don't
- Do not tip at restaurants, hotels, or for any service — it is not expected or appropriate
- Do not wear shoes indoors at ryokans, traditional guesthouses, or when stepping onto tatami
- Do not blow your nose in public — excuse yourself to a private space
- Do not eat or drink while walking in the street (except at festival food stalls)
- Do not speak loudly on mobile phones on trains or in quiet public spaces
- Do not stick chopsticks upright in a rice bowl — this is associated with funeral rites
- Do not pass food directly chopstick-to-chopstick — place it on a plate first
- Do not cut in queues under any circumstances
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry (to get attention or apologise)
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you very much (formal)
Onegaishimasu
Please (requesting something)
Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
Kore wa ikura desu ka?
How much does this cost?
Toire wa doko desu ka?
Where is the toilet?
Koko ni itte kudasai
Please take me here (show address to taxi driver)
Okaikei onegaishimasu
The bill please
Itadakimasu
Said before eating (I gratefully receive this)
Oishii desu
It is delicious
Mite iru dake desu
Just looking (in a shop)
Chotto matte kudasai
Please wait a moment
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Hokkaido.
Overview: Hokkaido's religious landscape blends Shinto (the indigenous Japanese tradition) and Buddhism, with a unique additional dimension — the indigenous Ainu spiritual tradition, which is animistic and centred on the concept of kamuy (spirits inhabiting all natural things). The island's major religious sites are primarily Shinto shrines.
Shinto: Shinto is the native Japanese religion — a nature-based tradition venerating kami (spirits) inhabiting natural features. Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu) in Sapporo's Maruyama Park is the island's principal Shinto shrine, enshrining the gods of Hokkaido's development. Shrine visits follow a simple etiquette: bow at the gate, rinse hands at the water basin, bow twice, clap twice, bow once more at the main hall.
Buddhism: Buddhism arrived in Japan from the Asian continent and has coexisted with Shinto for over 1,500 years. Many Japanese observe both traditions — Shinto for births and festivals, Buddhism for funerals and memorial rites. Hokkaido's Buddhist temples are less architecturally prominent than those in Kyoto or Nara but are widespread.
Ainu Spirituality: The Ainu people are Hokkaido's indigenous people with a distinct animistic spiritual tradition centred on kamuy (divine spirits) inhabiting bears, salmon, owls, and natural features. The Upopoy National Ainu Museum (Shiraoi, opened 2020) near Noboribetsu is the primary centre for Ainu culture, history, and spiritual traditions. Deeply respectful of nature, Ainu spiritual practices continue within the contemporary Ainu community.
Visitor Notes: Visitors of all faiths are welcome at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Follow the posted etiquette at each site. Photography is generally permitted in outdoor shrine areas; the inner sanctuary may be restricted. There is no expectation to participate in religious rituals.