Open Travel Guide
Culture in Tokyo

Tokyo Culture & Customs Guide 2026

Understand the customs, etiquette, and traditions that shape daily life in Tokyo.

Tokyo is Japan's capital and one of the world's most dynamic megacities, where ancient temples and shrines coexist alongside gleaming skyscrapers and neon-lit streets. As the cultural, economic, and political heart of Japan, Tokyo offers an unmatched blend of tradition and state-of-the-art modernity across its diverse 23 special wards and surrounding cities.

Do's and don'ts

Quick guide to local norms.

Do

  • Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases.
  • Respect religious and historic sites.
  • Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
  • Ask permission before photographing individuals.

Don't

  • Raise your voice in public — it's considered rude.
  • Touch people on the head or point with your feet in religious settings.
  • Refuse hospitality without a polite explanation.
  • Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.