Preparing to travel to Japan can seem intimidating. In the bustle of getting an airline ticket, packing your baggage, and ordering your Japan Rail Pass, it can be easy to overlook certain aspects of your impending visit. As a result, many visitors to the country make a number of mistakes that can cause serious damage to the relationships between them and those they visit.

When you visit a host household in Japan, you may be given a set of guidelines to follow. Whether or not this is the case for you, you should know that there are rules of Japanese etiquette that all visitors to Japan are expected to follow. This guide will provide context and actionable advice for the most important aspects to remember.

Footwear Etiquette

Japanese norms prohibiting wearing shoes while in certain indoor areas are fairly widely known. There are also some common-sense guidelines to follow — if you see tatami mats on the floor, you should remove your shoes, for example. But what exactly is proper etiquette regarding footwear when visiting a Japanese home?

While many restaurants, stores, and other facilities allow shoes indoors, you should remove your shoes when entering a person’s private home. Even if you are dressed in Japanese business attire, it is proper etiquette to remove your shoes when entering a person’s home.

You shouldn’t kick off your footwear as you might when you get home from a busy day; instead, take them off gracefully. If your host has communal slippers available, use them. If you have concerns about cleanliness, keep in mind that Japanese culture places a high value on hygiene. Communal slippers are typically cleaned frequently.

You will likely spot the rest of the household’s shoes in the “genkan” — a traditional Japanese entryway area. You’ll want to place your shoes neatly alongside the others.

Japanese Genkan

In most Japanese residences and old-fashioned businesses, people place their shoes in the entryway of the building. This area, as noted above, is called the “genkan.” This small area can vary in size, though it is usually proportional to the living area; larger homes can have relatively large genkans, while those in apartments sometimes barely have enough space to hold the household’s footwear. It is generally lower than the rest of the house, though this is not always the case.

Regardless of the specifics, this area is intended to be a clean and orderly place to change footwear and avoid bringing dirt into the living area. Representing the gateway between the outside world and the intimacy of domestic life, the genkan can tell you a lot about the home. It is often elaborately decorated with flowers or ornaments to give visitors a glimpse into the affluence and style of the household.

Entering a traditional Japanese vestibule is an elaborate process. With a traditional genkan, visitors are expected to stand on the concrete floor outside (called a tataki) and wait for a response from someone inside to answer them. Visitors should aspire to look their best, avoiding unprofessional dress and showing off tattoos, as tattoos have highly negative connotations in Japanese culture. They are then greeted and invited to enter from the decorative entranceway (the yoritsuki). Then the visitor can remove their shoes and leave them in this area. Only then can they put on communal slippers (if available) and enter.

Most modern Japanese households have relaxed these strict rules, though removing your shoes is still mandatory.

Omiyage and Temiyage

Take a look at practically any Japanese airport, train station, or tourist shop, and you’ll inevitably spot some pre-wrapped gifts. These are commonly snacks or treats, though other small gifts — like candles, soaps, cosmetics, or small items of clothing — aren’t uncommon. These gifts are a part of Japanese culture known as “omiyage” or “temiyage,” depending on the context:

• The term “omiyage” is commonly translated as “souvenir” or “gift,” but the kanji can be translated more directly to “earth (土) product (産)” or “local delivery.” These gifts are intended as souvenirs for travelers to bring back home to family, friends, and coworkers to demonstrate one’s thoughtfulness to other people in their life.
• The term “temiyage” is very similar in meaning, though it includes the kanji for “hand” (手). This is because temiyage are “handed” from guests to those they are visiting. This gift represents thankfulness for what a person has done for you or for what you expect them to do for you. Tourists from outside the country who are visiting a Japanese home will typically give the homeowners temiyage as a sign of thanks.

An omiyage is a gift, but note that there are cultural expectations surrounding it. While a souvenir may be bought for oneself, an omiyage is always purchased for others. Further, while bringing home a souvenir for friends and family may be considered a pleasant surprise in other cultures, Japanese people are generally expected to bring omiyage to their loved ones and professional connections. Failing to do so is a major faux pas; indeed, there is a stigma about showing up to a home empty-handed.

Omiyage and Temiyage Etiquette

You should know that, generally, visitors are not expected to follow omiyage and temiyage customs perfectly. As noted by Japanese culture writer Makiko Itoh:

“The first thing you should know is that you are absolutely not obligated to enter the Japanese gift-giving mire … This is often derisively called the ‘gaijin exception’ and quite a few people (mainly long-term expatriates in Japan or immigrants) dislike it, but … if it gets you out of a rather bothersome, not to mention expensive, social situation, why not use it?”

However, if you want to present yourself as an erudite, prepared, and thoughtful traveler (and perhaps pleasantly surprise those you are visiting), you may want to brush up on the following omiyage/temiyage etiquette tips:

• Read up on the rules of gift-giving in Japan to avoid omiyage that may be considered rude. Did you know that gifts with the numbers 4 or 9 are considered to be in bad taste? Or that gifts of combs, clocks, scissors, and knives can convey malicious intent? Such cultural interpretations are often based on literal translations of kanji or on symbolic representations.
• Don’t buy something from the same area that the home is located in; these gifts are meant to be from distant places.
• Ensure the gift is wrapped in order to stay consistent with tradition. As noted above, most readymade omiyage comes pre-wrapped, so these can be a convenient option.
• You can wait until you are indoors before you give the omiyage or temiyage to the recipient. However, if you’ll be giving flowers, it’s common courtesy to present them outdoors — just be sure to avoid white flowers, as those are used primarily for funerals.
• If you’ll be giving a gift to an individual, present it to them in private. Give it to them with both hands in order to convey respect. It’s common for the recipient to refuse the gift at first, but you are expected to insist that they take it.
• If you’ll be giving gifts to a group of people, present the gifts nicely in a communal location so that people can choose their desired item.
• Don’t self-aggrandize. Stating “You’re going to love this!” or “This is the perfect gift for you!” is typically considered rude. Instead, be self-effacing; de-emphasize the worth of the gift. As noted in “Communicating Across Cultures” by Stella Ting-Toomey, “Self-effacement is a necessary part of Japanese politeness rituals.”

Meal Etiquette

Before looking too deeply into meal etiquette, it’s important to remember that each family may have its own specific rules when it comes to mealtime. The general expectations below will likely be consistent with your host’s expectations, but understand that the household may have more relaxed views on meal etiquette. Practicing proper table manners in Japan is important if you want to make a good impression. To avoid offending others or attracting unwanted attention to yourself, follow these Japanese meal etiquette tips:

• The host traditionally makes the toast at the beginning of the meal. If you are an honored guest, it is good form to make a toast after the host. You can also choose to do so at the end of the meal.
• Before eating, you’ll be offered an oshibori — a hot, wet towel used to clean your hands. Be sure to do this before handling any food. You should not use this towel on your face or after eating.
• Traditional Japanese dining involves sitting on a tatami mat on your heels, with your legs tucked under your body. This can be uncomfortable, but you should only adjust your sitting position after you’ve been given permission to relax.
• If you are the honored guest, you will be seated at the middle of the table, on the side farthest from the door.
• Prior to eating or drinking anything, you’re expected to say “itadakimasu,” which translates to “I will humbly receive (this meal).” You’ll then want to wait for your host to begin eating before you do.
• Try to pace your drinking and eating by following the cues of others at the table. Be sure to try everything you are offered, as neglecting to do so can be a sign of disrespect. Avoid leaving anything on your plate.
• After you’re finished eating, you’ll say “gochiso sama deshita,” which translates to “it was a feast!” as a sign of thanks. Be sure to offer to help with the dishes!

This is a basic primer on meal etiquette, but know that there are many intricacies when it comes to specifics. There are lengthy guides on the intricacies of chopstick usage. In particular, Japanese tea ceremonies are rigidly structured, involving many traditional steps to follow.

But you shouldn’t lose sleep over a desire to learn everything there is to know about Japanese etiquette. Don’t expect to get everything right on your first attempt. The host household will notice and appreciate your effort, which can go a long way toward earning their friendship and respect.

General Japanese Etiquette

Removing your shoes at the genkan, presenting an appropriate gift, and being respectful during meals is a great way to make a good first impression, but there is more to learn before you’re ready to visit a Japanese home. In addition to the above guidelines, there are some miscellaneous general home etiquette tips to follow during key situations:

• Greeting Your Host: It’s integral that you arrive on time. Being late is a major social faux pas; in fact, some argue that Japan is obsessed with punctuality. When you arrive, greet your host and say “ojamashimasu.” This translates to “excuse me for disturbing you.” Remember that self-effacement is a cornerstone to politeness in Japanese culture. This sentiment demonstrates that you are aware of and thankful for the effort the host has gone through to welcome you into their home.
• In Living Areas: Until you learn where the household prefers to sit, remain standing until you are told where to sit. Failing to do so could result in you taking someone else’s favorite chair, which could be considered disrespectful. Always strive to show respect, and don’t overstay your welcome.
• Phone and Laptop Use: While mobile high-speed internet is affordable and accessible in Japan, try to remain attentive to members of the household. Playing with mobile devices for an extended period of time may be construed as disrespectful. Avoid distracting yourself and try to engage with others.

Be Mindful of Any Other Home Etiquette Protocols: Each household is unique. Your host may set specific rules — whether expressly stated or implied — that you should endeavor to follow. If you are told that alcohol or loud music are not permitted, for example, be sure to adhere to that rule. If family members generally clear the communal living area at a certain time at night, follow suit.