When traveling abroad, one of the biggest concerns is unknowingly causing problems due to cultural differences. In recent years, Japan has been experiencing issues related to overtourism, with some tourists unintentionally causing disruptions.
With a record number of visitors coming to Japan, certain tourist hotspots have seen rising frustrations among locals. In some cases, small misunderstandings have escalated into bigger issues, even leading to unpleasant experiences for both tourists and residents alike.
If you’re spending time and money to visit Japan, you want to create great memories—not run into trouble. To help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it’s important to be aware of certain behaviors that could lead to problems.
In this article, we’ll cover the key things to avoid while traveling in Japan.
Etiquette for Visiting Temples and Shrines in Japan
Japan is home to numerous religious sites, including Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, many of which are open to visitors. Some, like Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto—famous for its countless red torii gates—are especially popular among tourists.
Recently, incidents involving tourists behaving inappropriately at these sacred sites have sparked controversy in Japan. One notable case involved visitors dancing on shrine grounds and mishandling objects within the premises. A video of tourists dancing at a shrine went viral on social media and even made national news, highlighting the severity of the issue.
As a result of such incidents, some shrines, including those in Tsushima, have restricted access, allowing only worshippers to enter.
While temples and shrines welcome visitors, they are, first and foremost, places of worship. Locals visit these sites for religious practices and ceremonies, making it crucial for travelers to show proper respect. To ensure a positive experience for both yourself and the local community, always be mindful of your behavior and avoid any actions that may be considered disrespectful.
Public Transportation Rules & Etiquette in Japan
In Japan, many people rely on trains for their daily commute, especially when traveling to work. During peak hours, typically between 7 AM and 9 AM, trains become extremely crowded, and passengers tend to be more stressed than usual. Loud conversations or disruptive behavior during this time are generally unwelcome. If you prefer a more comfortable and relaxed journey, it’s best to avoid commuting hours whenever possible.
Additionally, since there is a constant flow of passengers getting on and off, large suitcases can become an obstacle inside the train. While it depends on how crowded the train is, I strongly recommend avoiding bringing bulky luggage on board during rush hour. If the train isn’t crowded, it’s usually not an issue.
Another growing concern in Japan is the filming and live-streaming of videos on trains and buses. Some railway companies, such as Tokyo Metro, have already banned unauthorized recording and streaming inside trains. Moreover, there have been increasing cases of streamers getting into conflicts with passengers while filming. To avoid trouble and respect the privacy of others, it’s highly advisable to refrain from recording or live-streaming on public transportation.
What You Need to Know About Filming and Live Streaming in Japan
Here, “filming” refers to recording videos for platforms like YouTube. One of the biggest issues in recent years has been live streaming. There have been multiple incidents where tourists live-streamed inside trains, leading to police intervention or conflicts with passengers—some of which have even made the news.
As mentioned earlier, filming or live streaming on public transportation can easily lead to trouble with other passengers, so it is strongly discouraged.
When it comes to restaurants and other dining establishments, recording videos or live streaming generally requires permission from the restaurant staff. The reason is simple: other customers may feel uncomfortable being filmed without their consent. No one wants their private conversations or meals unknowingly broadcasted online. In some cases, such filming can even harm the reputation of the restaurant.
If you plan to film or livestream in a restaurant, always ask for permission first. The staff may have specific guidelines regarding the appropriate time and location for filming. Failing to get permission could lead to serious disputes, so it’s essential to be mindful of this before recording.
Smoking Rules in Japan
In recent years, Japan has implemented much stricter smoking regulations. For example, smoking is strictly prohibited inside train stations except in designated smoking areas. Additionally, an increasing number of parks, such as those in Yokohama, have become entirely smoke-free, meaning you cannot smoke even in outdoor park spaces.
In Tokyo, smoking on the streets is illegal, and violators caught smoking outside designated smoking areas may be fined. This street smoking ban is expanding across Japan, so it is highly discouraged to smoke in public spaces.
Temples and shrines also enforce strict smoking restrictions. Unless a designated smoking area is provided, smoking is prohibited, even outdoors. Many of these sites are protected cultural properties, and smoking in unauthorized areas can cause serious problems.
If you smoke in Japan, always look for a designated smoking area first. This will help you avoid fines and ensure that you are following local rules.
When Problems Arise, Avoid Insisting on English Communication
One of the common issues linked to overtourism in Japan is the language barrier between non-Japanese-speaking travelers and Japanese people who don’t speak English. Unfortunately, not everyone in Japan is fluent in English, and insisting on speaking English during a conflict can sometimes make the situation worse.
In recent years, some tourists have assumed that if they keep speaking English, the other person will eventually give up and let the issue slide due to the language barrier. However, this has led to a growing misunderstanding—that many travelers create problems and then avoid responsibility by refusing to communicate in Japanese. Because of this, continuing to speak only in English during a dispute may leave a negative impression.
To handle these situations more smoothly, it’s best to use a translation app on your smartphone. If the person you’re speaking with doesn’t understand English, try using a web-based translator like DeepL to convey your message in Japanese. This can help prevent misunderstandings and de-escalate the situation. (Google Translate is not always accurate and may lead to further confusion, so DeepL is a better option.)
Many people in Japan warmly welcome travelers. However, with the rise of overtourism, some locals have become increasingly frustrated with visitors who do not follow the rules.
That being said, as long as you act respectfully and follow local customs, you are unlikely to encounter any issues and can fully enjoy your trip to Japan. To help ensure a smooth and pleasant experience, we encourage you to read this article and keep these tips in mind while traveling.