Weird rules in Japan

Weird Rules in Japan

During my time living in Japan, I experienced quite a few cultural shocks — some surprising, others just interesting to learn about. Japan has many unique social rules and customs that can feel very different if you come from the West. To help you get ready and avoid any awkward moments, I’ve put together a list of important things to keep in mind while you are in Japan. These tips come from my own experiences and will give you a better idea of what to expect when exploring this fascinating country.

Escalator side

In a lot of countries, there aren’t really any rules when it comes to using escalators. But in Japan, things are a bit different. People always stand on one side, leaving the other side clear for those who are in a hurry and want to walk.

But here’s the catch, which side you stand on actually depends on where you are. In Tokyo and most of eastern Japan, people stand on the left. In Osaka and the surrounding areas, they stand on the right. So yeah, it can get a little confusing!

If the escalator’s packed, you can always take the stairs. Just watch out, especially in metro stations, the stairs often have arrows showing which side to go up or down. Going the wrong way might get you some annoyed looks, so it’s best to follow the flow.

Markers on platform

Coming from the Netherlands, where public transport can sometimes feel a bit chaotic and people are not always strict about lining up, I was really impressed by how organized Japanese train platforms are.

In Japan, the platforms have clear markings that show exactly where each train door will stop. There are numbers for the cars and shapes like circles or triangles that help everyone line up in the right spot. It might sound a bit over the top, but honestly, it makes boarding so much smoother and faster. No pushing, no confusion, just a calm, orderly flow.

What is cool is that some platforms even have different markings for local trains versus express trains, so you know exactly where to wait depending on your train type. And if you are traveling during rush hour, watch out for the pink signs. Those mark the women only cars, which are there for safety and comfort during busy times.

I found this super helpful as a foreigner because all you have to do is match the numbers or shapes on the platform with the signs on your train, and you are in the right place. It is a simple system, but it really shows how much attention Japan pays to keeping public transport smooth and respectful for everyone.

Eating while walking

One of Japan’s most well known unwritten rules is “no eating while walking.” It is not a law, but it is generally seen as impolite. This idea comes from a cultural focus on cleanliness, respect for public spaces, and the belief that food should be enjoyed mindfully, not while you are on the go.

Even though it is not illegal, eating while walking might still earn you some disapproving looks from locals. It is more about social expectations than strict rules.

That said, there are plenty of exceptions. During festivals, in tourist areas, or near food stalls and convenience stores, it is much more accepted. In these cases, people often stand nearby to eat before continuing on.

So if you want a quick snack, it is best to stop and eat near where you bought it. That is what most locals do, and it shows respect for the space and the food.

Drinking, on the other hand, is totally fine. You will often see people walking around with bottled tea, water, or canned coffee, and no one will think twice about it.

Escalator side

In the US, tipping is expected for almost every service as a way to show respect, gratitude, and to help workers earn a decent wage. But in Japan, it’s the complete opposite. Tipping is generally not expected and can even be seen as rude.

Japanese culture believes that good service is included in the set price of goods and services. Unlike in the US, servers and staff receive a proper wage, so tips are not part of their income. If you try to tip, it might not even reach the worker; instead, the company usually keeps it.

If you want to show appreciation in Japan, a better way is to offer a small gift, write a thank-you note, give positive reviews, or simply clean up after yourself. These gestures are much more valued.

No PDA

Something I’ve definitely learned from being in a relationship with a Japanese person is that dating in Japan can be… well, a bit tricky. Especially when it comes to showing affection in public.

Public displays of affection(PDA) are just not a big thing here. It’s way less common than in a lot of Western countries, and people generally don’t expect to see couples openly kissing or hugging around town.

If you’re in a big city like Tokyo, you might catch couples holding hands or even sneaking a quick kiss here and there. But head out to smaller towns or rural areas, and you’ll probably get some serious disapproving looks if you get too touchy-feely.

Holding hands is usually okay in some spots, but kissing and anything more than that? That’s almost always saved for private moments. So yeah, if you’re used to being all over your partner in public, just know it’s a bit different here, and it takes some getting used to.

Rule 6

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Rule 7

Rule 8

Rule 9

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