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.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Bowing is the standard greeting in Japan; a slight nod or 15-degree bow is fine for casual encounters with visitors.
Business cards (meishi) are exchanged with both hands and a slight bow; take a moment to look at the card before putting it away rather than pocketing it immediately.
Shoes are removed before entering homes, ryokan, many restaurants with tatami seating, and some temples.
Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can be considered awkward; exceptional service is the professional standard rather than something requiring extra payment.
Trains and subways are kept quiet: phone calls are avoided and conversation is kept low, especially in priority seating areas.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Bow when greeting, thanking, or apologizing.
- Carry cash, since many small shops, izakayas, and older establishments do not accept cards.
- Queue in orderly lines, particularly on train platform markers.
- Use both hands when giving or receiving items such as business cards, gifts, or payment trays.
Don't
- Don't tip at restaurants, hotels, taxis, or for any other service.
- Don't eat while walking through crowded streets; step aside to finish food or drinks.
- Don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, since this echoes a funeral ritual.
- Don't speak loudly or take phone calls on trains and subways.
- Don't blow your nose in public; stepping aside or using a restroom is preferred.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Dining
- Say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama deshita' after. Slurping noodles is acceptable and even seen as a compliment to the chef. Pouring your own drink is avoided in group settings; pour for others and let them pour for you.
- Onsen
- Wash and rinse thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the communal bath. Swimsuits are not worn in traditional onsen. Many establishments restrict guests with visible tattoos, so checking the venue's policy in advance is recommended.
- Gift Giving
- Gifts are presented and received with both hands. Wrapping is expected and valued as much as the gift itself. Gifts are typically opened later rather than in front of the giver, and a small return gift (okaeshi) is customary.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Arigatou gozaimasu
Thank you
Sumimasen
Excuse me / Sorry
Konnichiwa
Hello
Eigo o hanasemasu ka?
Do you speak English?
Oishii
Delicious
Ikura desu ka?
How much is it?
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Tokyo.
Overview: Shinto and Buddhism coexist in Japan without conflict, and many Japanese people practice elements of both without identifying exclusively with either. Shinto shrines (jinja) are dedicated to kami (spirits), while Buddhist temples (tera) are dedicated to Buddhist worship and ancestor memorials.
Shrine Etiquette: Purify hands and mouth at the temizuya water basin before approaching the main hall, then bow twice, clap twice, offer a silent prayer, and bow once more.
Temple Etiquette: Light incense if available and waft the smoke toward oneself, remove shoes when entering inner sanctuaries, and keep voices low.
Major Festivals:
- Hatsumode (New Year shrine visit, January 1-3)
- Hanami (cherry blossom viewing, late March-early April)
- Sanja Matsuri (Asakusa, third weekend of May)
- Obon (festival honoring ancestors, mid-August)