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Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Japan

7 rules found

Local customsEveryday mannersCountry-wide guidance · Japan

Japan: In business meetings, exchange cards with both hands and leave the seat of honour to guests

Do

  • The visitor or more junior person offers a card first, with both hands
  • Read the card you receive and keep it on the table during the meeting
  • Wait for your host to seat you; the seat furthest from the door is the seat of honour
  • Arrive five to ten minutes early
  • At after-work drinks, pour for others, and ask before you pour
  • If you don't drink, toast with a soft drink; no explanation needed

Don’t

  • Don't write on a card in front of its owner or stuff it straight into a pocket
  • Don't bow while shaking hands; let your Japanese counterpart lead with a handshake or a bow
  • Don't sit down before you are shown to a seat

Slips here rarely affect the deal itself, but handling cards carelessly or taking the seat of honour comes across as poor manners. A bow of about 15 degrees for everyday greetings and about 30 degrees when seeing someone off is enough; deeper bows are for apologies or deep thanks, and visitors needn't imitate them.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Explera: Japanese business etiquette for MICE delegates

Local customsEveryday mannersCountry-wide guidance · Japan

Staying at a ryokan: no slippers on tatami, keep to meal times, mind the curfew

Do

  • Take off even your indoor slippers before stepping onto tatami
  • Leave luggage at the entrance or the designated spot
  • Eat dinner and breakfast at the times the inn sets, and call ahead if you will be late
  • Note the curfew and ask before going out late
  • Put valuables in the room safe
  • Ask the inn whether you may go out in the inn's yukata

Don’t

  • Don't drag a suitcase across the tatami
  • Don't put personal belongings in the tokonoma alcove
  • Don't take the inn's yukata, towels or other items home
  • Don't strip or wash the bedding yourself

Ryokan dinners are served at set times, so arriving late may mean missing the meal; most ryokan have a curfew, and coming back after it may leave you locked out.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Japan Ryokan Association: Staying at a ryokan

Local customsRestaurants & barsCountry-wide guidance · Japan

Izakaya: wait for the toast before drinking, and order at least one dish each

Do

  • When seated, ask whether there is a time limit (e.g. for all-you-can-drink plans)
  • Wait until everyone's drinks arrive and someone calls "kanpai" before your first sip
  • Order according to group size: at least one dish per person
  • Check the smoking sign at the door: some places have smoking seats, others are fully non-smoking
  • Confirm how to pay: usually one person settles the whole bill at the end; standing bars often take payment as you order

Don’t

  • Don't start drinking before the toast
  • Don't occupy a table for a long time while ordering almost nothing
  • Don't smoke in non-smoking areas or seats

Drinking before the toast or taking up a table without ordering comes across as not knowing the rules and inconveniences your companions and the shop; smoking in a non-smoking area will be stopped by staff and may lead to complaints or penalties.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: LetsGoJP: Izakaya etiquette

Local customsTemples & religious sitesCountry-wide guidance · Japan

Temple visits: join your hands and bow, no clapping; fan out incense

Do

  • Bow once at the main gate before entering
  • Step over the threshold rather than on it
  • Join your hands and bow quietly before the Buddha
  • Light the incense, wave out the flame with your hand, then place it in the burner
  • Take off your shoes when asked inside halls; wear shoes that slip off easily
  • Check signs such as 撮影禁止 (no photography) before taking photos

Don’t

  • Do not step on the threshold of the gate or hall
  • Do not clap as you would at a shrine
  • Do not blow out the incense flame
  • Do not take photos inside the main hall where it is prohibited

These are customs, not rules: nothing happens if you get them wrong, but following them shows respect. Taking photos in a no-photo area will be stopped by staff.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: photoru: How to Visit a Temple

Local customsTemples & religious sitesCountry-wide guidance · Japan

Shrine visits: two bows, two claps, one bow

Do

  • Bow once when you pass through the torii, both coming and going
  • Walk along the sides of the approach; the center is left for the deity
  • At the purification fountain, wash your left hand, then your right, then rinse your mouth
  • At the offering box, ring the bell and make your offering to announce your visit
  • Pray with two bows, two claps, and one bow
  • Where the shrine posts its own instructions, follow them

Don’t

  • Do not walk down the middle of the approach
  • Do not touch the ladle with your lips when rinsing
  • Do not photograph or film in front of the main hall
  • Do not bring drones into the shrine grounds

These are customs, not rules: nothing happens if you get them wrong, but following them shows respect. Bans on photos and drones depend on each shrine's rules.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Two Bows and Two Claps – the Ins and Outs of Shinto Shrines

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · Japan

There is no tipping in Japan

Do

  • Say thank you with 'arigatō gozaimashita'

Don’t

  • Pressing loose change on staff

Japan is a no-tipping country and bills usually include service; if you press a tip on staff, some will politely refuse.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: Japanese table manners

Local customsRestaurants & barsPlace-specific guidance · Japan

An izakaya's otoshi is a cover charge

Do

  • Accept the otoshi as an appetiser

Don’t

  • Arguing with staff about it or asking for it to be taken back

There is no penalty: before you order at an izakaya, a small dish of otoshi always arrives. It doubles as the cover charge and cannot be chosen or swapped.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: drinking in Japan

Site-specific notes 226

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Sensō-ji

  • Don't swagger down the centre of the approach (the centre is the gods' path — worshippers walk at the sides)
  • don't eat while walking (eating at fixed spots has been encouraged on Nakamise in recent years)
  • don't shove cameras in the faces of monks or worshippers.

Dōtonbori

  • Don't block shop entrances for long
  • don't waste food (the spirit of 'mottainai')
  • don't shove your camera in the faces of kitchens or diners.

Nara Park

  • Never feed the deer human food (swallowing plastic bags can kill them)
  • don't chase or ride deer or pull their antlers
  • don't be loud in temples
  • don't touch the lanterns in Kasuga Taisha's corridors.

Himeji Castle

  • Don't run or lean on railings in the keep
  • don't touch the white walls (to protect the plaster)
  • don't fire flashes at other people.

Mount Fuji

  • Never do a 'bullet climb' (climbing through the night straight to the summit without staying in a hut — restricted by regulations since 2025)
  • don't leave the trails
  • don't litter or make noise and disturb others' rest.

Furano

  • Stepping into the flower fields for photos is strictly forbidden (the growers detest it)
  • don't pick flowers
  • don't smoke or litter on the farms.

Otaru Canal

  • Be careful taking photos by the canal railings — paths ice over in winter
  • don't be loud around the warehouses
  • don't touch unpriced crafts.

Shuri Castle

  • Don't touch the woodwork or lacquer being restored
  • don't be loud in the main hall
  • treat the subject of war history (the Battle of Okinawa) with solemnity.

Itsukushima Shrine

  • Don't climb the Great Torii
  • don't frighten or feed the deer
  • don't eat or drink in the shrine halls
  • be solemn about the atomic-bomb history (in Hiroshima city) — no joking around.

Shirakawa-gō

  • Drones are strictly banned (no flying over the village)
  • don't be loud or linger in front of homes taking photos
  • in winter don't enter areas that haven't been cleared of snow (dangerous).

Shibuya Crossing

  • Never stop in the middle of the crossing to pose and block the flow (very dangerous and resented)
  • don't litter on the streets
  • don't be loud or drunk and disorderly.
Show 214 more

Kawagoe 'Little Edo'

  • Taboos: eating while walking and dropping litter (finish your food in front of the shop or take it with you), and making noise in residential areas.

Shirakawa-gō Light-Up

  • Taboos: a 'just turn up and see' attitude (security has been tightened in recent years, and everyone without a ticket is turned back), roadside parking, and unlicensed taxis touting for fares.

Ine Funaya boathouses

  • Taboos: flying drones low over homes, swimming without permission, and touching moored fishing boats.

Amanohashidate

  • Taboos: monopolising the best spot at the viewpoints for long, and picnicking on the sandbar and leaving rubbish.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

  • Taboos: standing in the middle of the approach for ages for photos, and horseplay — on rainy or misty days bring your own rain gear and don't complain loudly.

Chichibugahama Beach

  • Taboos: lying down for reflection shots and blocking others' spots, and occupying the car park for long.

Meiji Jingū

  • Don't walk down the centre of the approach or make noise
  • don't eat while walking
  • during weddings and Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, don't step into shots or crowd around.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

  • Taboos: chasing monkeys for close-ups, and blocking their paths. Remember: they're wild animals, not actors.

Blue Pond, Biei

  • Taboos: walking through farmland for photos (much of the land around the pond is private farmland), and occupying parking spaces for long.

Kouri Island: Heart Rock

  • Taboos: leaving rubbish on the beach, making noise at utaki, and photographing ritual sites out of curiosity.

Oirase Stream

  • Taboos: playing music loudly, and standing in front of waterfalls for ages for photos and blocking the path.

Adachi Museum of Art

  • Taboos: talking loudly on the phone in front of the viewing windows, and letting children bang on the glass. The gardens are carefully tended by gardeners every morning — look at them with respect.

Shimonada Station

  • Taboos: standing on the tracks for photos, and eating, drinking and leaving litter on the platform.

Mishaka Pond

  • Taboos: trampling pondside vegetation to photograph the reflection, and making noise in the car park.

Kashiwajima

  • Taboos: making noise, fishing and leaving rubbish on the harbour breakwaters, and being loud at night (fishing villages keep early hours).

Tokyo Tower

  • Those afraid of heights should know their limits on the glass floor (Top Deck)
  • don't be loud or push in the lifts
  • don't fire flashes at others.

Takachiho Gorge

  • Taboos: being loud in the gorge, and eating or drinking in shrine grounds.

Tomonoura

  • Taboos: walking side by side and blocking the narrow stone lanes, and making noise.

Nyūtō Onsen

  • Taboos: being loud in the open-air baths, swimming in the water, and taking shampoo into the outdoor pools.

Tamaki Shrine

  • Taboos: climbing in flip-flops or short skirts, staying on the mountain after dark, and treating it as a sensational 'power spot' and making a fuss.

Geibikei Gorge

  • Taboos: talking loudly on the phone on the boat, and feeding the waterbirds.

Oze

  • Taboos: going into the mountains in jeans or flip-flops, playing music loudly, and picking alpine plants (illegal).

Yakushima

  • Taboos: underestimating the route's difficulty, still being on the mountain after dark, and littering.

Akihabara Electric Town

  • The most important rule: never follow the 'maids' or 'hosts' touting on the street — concept cafés have mushroomed in recent years, touting disputes are frequent, and following them can easily land you with an exorbitant bill. Don't photograph staff or merchandise in shops without permission (most second-hand and figure shops ban photos)
  • figures in display cases are for looking, not handling
  • no eating, drinking or shouting in arcades
  • keep a quiet distance when queuing to pay or collect tickets. Also, Akihabara is an office district, and weekday lunchtimes are extremely busy — don't stop in the middle of Chūō-dōri and block the way.

Kiyomizu-dera

  • Don't jump on the stage or lean on the railings for risky selfies
  • don't eat while walking (eating at fixed spots is encouraged around Sannenzaka)
  • don't clatter loudly on the stone paths in geta or flip-flops and disturb residents.

Yokohama Chinatown

  • When worshipping at the Kantei-byō and Mazu temple, don't be loud, take selfies with your back to the deities or point at them
  • don't blow out incense that's still burning. During the Lunar New Year lion-dance 'cai qing', don't reach out to touch the lion's head or cut across the procession. As for food, dim sum is best 'eaten hot', and takeaway is fine, but don't eat inside the temple halls. Most businesses in the district are run by Chinese residents — haggle moderately and don't drive prices down aggressively
  • ask shopkeepers before taking photos, especially of kitchens and household shrines. Put rubbish in the sorting bins, and don't sit on the ground under the gates or in the temple squares and block the way.

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

  • Red Brick Park is open, but don't trample flower beds on the lawns or fly drones (much of Minato Mirai is restricted)
  • after the lights come on, don't fire strong flashes at the buildings and spoil others' photos. Crowds are huge at the Christmas market, Oktoberfest and other events — don't cut in or hog space in front of stalls
  • drink in moderation, don't be loud and don't leave glasses lying around (most carry a deposit, so return them). During exhibitions and performances in No. 1, don't arrive late or eat inside. The plaza is paved with historic brick and stone, so don't run in spiked shoes or high heels and damage the paving — or yourself.

Great Buddha of Kamakura

  • In the temple grounds, don't laugh loudly or eat while walking
  • in front of the Buddha, avoid flippant poses such as peace signs (older locals care about this)
  • during the interior visit don't push or use your phone on the narrow stairs. In cherry-blossom season there's a famous cherry tree in front of the Buddha — don't shake the trunk to 'make it rain petals' or break branches. If you're with children, hold their hands and don't let them run around the Buddha's pedestal. Also: Kōtoku-in's grounds aren't large and tour groups are numerous, so don't linger on the narrow approach and block others.

Hase-dera, Kamakura

  • The biggest taboos in hydrangea season are picking flowers or leaves and stepping into the beds for photos — staff will stop you without hesitation. In the Benten Cave don't be loud or touch the rock walls and statues
  • the cave is slippery, so don't wear high heels. Don't photograph the principal image with flash in the Kannon Hall (photography is mostly banned — check the signs). Beyond the lookout's railings is a steep slope, so don't climb over for a shot. At peak times such as New Year's Eve and hatsumōde, don't stop in the middle of the approach for selfies. Also: eat only in designated areas such as Kaikōan — no eating while walking, and don't feed leftovers to the koi.

Enoshima

  • In the shrine grounds, don't eat while walking or make noise
  • in the Iwaya Caves, don't run or fool around, or carelessly discard your candle (risk of burns and fire). On the rocky shore, don't climb in flip-flops or take photos with your back to the waves (rip currents and freak waves are real dangers). There are many cats on the island — don't pick them up against their will or feed them human food. When the beaches are open in summer, swim only in designated areas and never after drinking. The Enoden line runs through residential areas: when taking photos at stations, don't block the way or step onto the tracks (Kamakura-Kōkōmae station is a cautionary tale).

Ameyoko, Ueno

  • The worst taboo at Ameyoko is 'eating while walking' — the shitamachi may be down-to-earth, but eating or smoking while walking is still considered rude (smoke in designated smoking areas). Calling out is business: don't mock the shop assistants' patter, and don't take close-ups of a stall and then turn and leave (buy something or ask first if you want photos). At the year-end peak don't push or cut in
  • free samples are the shops' goodwill, so don't 'eat without buying' at shop after shop. In recent years there have been 'closing-down sale' pitches aimed at tourists (in fact the sale is every day) and aggressive touting — if pestered, refuse clearly and don't follow them into the shop.

Ōdōri Park, Sapporo

  • The flower beds (late April to mid-October) are lovingly tended by volunteers and companies — trampling them, picking flowers or letting pets in is strictly forbidden
  • during the summer flower-bed competition, don't step into the beds for photos. During the Snow Festival don't climb snow statues or hog spots in front of them and block the way
  • when viewing illuminations at night, don't fire flashes at other people. Drink within your limits at the beer gardens — don't be loud late into the night or sleep it off on the lawn overnight. Don't hang out washing or pile up luggage around benches and fountains for long
  • take your rubbish with you or sort it — Hokkaido people detest litter.

Tokyo Disney Resort

  • The park's cardinal sins: cutting in line (including pushing in on the pretext of 'finding my friends'), being loud or giving spoilers during shows, and stepping over the barriers during parades. Full-body cosplay is banned outside the Halloween period
  • selfie sticks and tripods are restricted (banned in some areas — check the signs). 'Standby Passes' (timed tickets) for popular restaurants and shops are one per person — don't transfer or resell them. Smoke only in designated smoking areas
  • re-entry is not allowed in principle (your ticket is void once you leave), so don't count on getting back in. Also: there's no free Wi-Fi in the parks, so don't rely on on-site internet to grab tickets — get a Japanese SIM or roaming in advance.

Universal Studios Japan

  • The park's cardinal sins: cutting in line, saving places ('my friend's up ahead' will get you removed from the queue) and sneaky filming on rides. On busy days Super Nintendo World requires an 'area timed-entry ticket' (from the app) — don't try to force your way in without one
  • queue for the wristband interactive games and don't hog the devices. Halloween costumes have strict rules (no gory or violent make-up, no face coverings, no imitation uniforms, etc.), and violators will be asked to leave. Re-entry is not allowed in principle
  • resold tickets and QR tickets from unofficial channels will be voided, so don't be tempted by cheap touts. Smoke only in designated areas
  • there are plenty of bins in the park, so don't drop litter as you go.

Mount Kōya (Kōyasan)

  • Within the sacred precinct, the worst taboos are noise, laughter and horseplay, especially around the mausoleum at Okunoin. Don't point at or pass comment on the mausoleum or gravestones
  • don't eat while walking on the approach or in the halls. Shukubō are places of practice: no late-night noise, and don't bring in alcohol, meat or fish (some shukubō ban alcohol)
  • fit in with the temple's schedule for morning prayers and meals. In winter the mountain roads ice over, so never climb up to worship in flip-flops or sandals.

Kinkaku-ji

  • Climbing over the railings for close-up photos is strictly forbidden
  • don't touch the buildings
  • don't eat, drink or smoke in the garden.

Kumano Nachi Taisha

  • Climbing the rock face of the falls or going into the water is strictly forbidden — the water around the falls is fast-flowing and the area is sacred. Don't make noise or play music on the old Daimon-zaka path, disturbing the peace of worship. Don't touch the shrine's sacred objects or pile things on the offering boxes. There are hundreds of steep stone steps — know your limits, and don't climb over railings for photos. Don't eat while walking in the shrine grounds, and be sure to take your rubbish with you.

Kumamoto Castle

  • The worst taboo is climbing the 'musha-gaeshi' stone walls — the curve, gentle at the bottom and steep at the top, looks climbable but is extremely dangerous and damages the monument. Don't poke your head over the restoration hoardings or throw things inside. Don't give loud commentary or run in the keep's exhibition rooms. Don't leave cherry-blossom picnic rubbish in the castle grounds. Drones are banned over the castle, so don't attempt aerial photography.

Nagoya Castle

  • Eating and drinking are strictly forbidden in the Honmaru Palace — fire and stains are the greatest dangers to wooden buildings. Don't touch or lean on the panel paintings and railings, and don't be loud inside the palace. The castle and its surroundings are a protected cultural-property area where drones are banned. Don't carve or scribble on the stone walls and gates. Don't try in any way to enter the closed keep — there is surveillance both inside and outside the hoardings.

Hanamikōji, Gion

  • Chasing, cornering or touching maiko and geiko is strictly forbidden — tugging at their kimono is not only rude but may break the law. The ban on entering or photographing private lanes is an iron rule, and multilingual warning signs are posted at lane entrances. Don't be loud, eat while walking or drop litter. Don't treat the district as a photo studio and occupy the street for long. Remember: what's in your viewfinder is someone else's work and life.

Nishiki Market

  • The worst taboos are eating while walking and dropping skewers and litter — the focus of recent friction between old shops and visitors. Don't touch fish or produce and then not buy
  • don't stop in the middle of aisles only 3–5 m wide and block the way, or open umbrellas sideways. Don't comment loudly on shopkeepers or their goods or haggle over prices. Some shops expressly refuse photography — respect the signs at the shop front and don't be the rude traveller who 'raises the camera and shoots'.

Dazaifu Tenmangū

  • Don't carve or scribble on the sacred oxen, stone lanterns or ema, and don't climb shrine buildings or trees. Hang ema in the designated ema hall, not on branches or railings. Take off your hat when praying as a sign of respect, and don't cover your face with sunglasses or a mask. Don't hog the best spot in front of the worship hall for photos and get in others' way. At New Year and in exam season the crowds are huge, so don't push or jump the queue.

Glover Garden

  • Flash photography is banned in most of the Western houses, so watch for the signs at each building's entrance. Don't lean on century-old wooden railings for risky poses, and don't run or fool around on the slopes and stone steps (very slippery in rain). The garden is a cultural-property area, so no smoking or littering. During special events such as the winter illuminations, don't climb over barriers for photos.

Sakurajima

  • Entering restricted areas around the crater is strictly forbidden
  • during eruptions, don't linger downwind, and avoid breathing in ash. Don't carve, scribble or drop litter on the lava fields and observation decks. Drones need a permit as required, and airspace around the volcano is often restricted. Ferry and bus services are affected by the weather, so don't cut it fine with the last service — leave plenty of time to get back.

Yufuin Onsen

  • The worst taboos are getting in without washing first, and scrubbing, swimming or diving in the bath. Don't bathe after drinking — hot springs speed up circulation, and soaking while drunk is very dangerous. Don't be loud in ryokan corridors or the large baths, disturbing others' rest. Tattoos are restricted at some public baths, so respect the rules and choose a private bath rather than forcing your way in and causing a dispute. Yunotsubo Kaidō is very crowded, so don't eat while walking and drop litter.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival

  • Taboos: never argue with others over spots, smoke in no-smoking areas or leave rubbish on the riverbank
  • don't take up public walkways with tripods for photos
  • walking against the flow or pushing on the way home is considered very rude. Old Edoites value 'not causing trouble for others', and leaving quietly and in order earns the most respect.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

  • Don't carve on or lean against the torii
  • don't linger in the middle of the approach and block the flow
  • don't feed or frighten the shrine's cats.

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

  • Taboos: talking loudly or laughing during the 'Shiragiku' memorial launch is seen as deeply disrespectful
  • ignoring the staggered-departure guidance and littering cause resentment
  • treating the fireworks as just a 'fireworks show' and messing about, ignoring its memorial meaning, will strike locals as frivolous. Locals value most a viewing attitude of 'quiet prayer'.

Ōmagari National Fireworks Competition

  • Taboos: chatting loudly or wandering around and blocking others' view during competition launches
  • mocking the craftsmen's work
  • entering restricted areas to take photos. Ōmagari people are proud of being 'the fireworks town', and visitors who belittle the competition and only care about selfies and noise are considered ill-mannered. Leaving in an orderly way at the end is basic etiquette.

Yodogawa Fireworks

  • Taboos: being loud in residential areas late at night
  • spreading out and resting across seats on trains and inconveniencing others
  • dropping rubbish in the riverside parks (there are usage restrictions the next day, and litter adds to the clean-up). In 2026, because of expressway construction, parts of the riverbed on the Umeda side are closed to viewing — forcing your way in is an absolute taboo.

Atami Marine Fireworks

  • Taboos: playing music loudly on the beach over the roar of the fireworks
  • taking the yukata and towels provided by your ryokan
  • sneaking into the paid viewing area at Shinsui Park without a ticket. Atami people are hospitable but value restraint — drunken trouble and late-night noise in the hot-spring streets are most resented. Watching near the breakwaters when waves are high in typhoon season is also dangerous.

Miyajima Underwater Fireworks

  • Taboos: horsing around or climbing in the shrine grounds and in front of the Great Torii
  • feeding or frightening the deer
  • wandering on the seabed exposed at low tide (dangerous and disrespectful)
  • lingering on Miyajima after the fireworks, missing the last ferry and causing trouble for staff. There are very few bins on the island, so 'take all your rubbish with you' is an iron rule.

Tsuchiura National Fireworks Competition

  • Taboos: chatting loudly or wandering around in the paid sajiki areas
  • forcing your way into restricted areas such as Gakuen Bridge
  • parking in residential areas and causing locals trouble. On the day, large commercial facilities around Gakuen Bridge (such as AEON Mall Tsuchiura) close entirely because they lie in the danger zone, and anyone mistaking their car parks for viewing spots will be moved on.

Lake Suwa Festival Fireworks

  • Taboos: laughing and being loud during the requiem fireworks
  • throwing rubbish into the lake or leaving it in the lakeside parks
  • honking or making noise late at night in residential areas (most of the lakeshore is residential). During Obon, locals most abhor anything that 'desecrates the ancestral spirits' — staying solemn and tidy is the best way to respect your hosts.

Tenjin Matsuri dedication fireworks

  • Taboos: treating the offering fireworks as an ordinary fireworks show and messing about, with no respect for the rites
  • making noise or littering in the Tenmangū grounds
  • dressing too revealingly or behaving badly (the festival is a sacred rite)
  • making noise in the residential areas around Tenmangū on the way home. Locals often say 'Tenjin-san no omatsuri ya' ('it's Tenjin's festival') — reverence is basic.

Ise Jingū Hōnō National Fireworks Festival

  • Taboos: showing no respect for the offering's nature and being loud and rowdy
  • littering on the Miyagawa riverside (the Miyagawa is Ise's mother river)
  • worshipping at Ise Jingū inappropriately dressed and rushing straight on to the fireworks. What locals dislike most are visitors who 'treat Ise as just a backdrop for fireworks' — worship first, then watch, is the proper Ise way.

Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

  • Taboos: touching the washi surface of the lanterns, misreading or misspelling 'Nebuta', and passing off flip-flops or sandals as haneto costume
  • never cut across the course when the procession is passing — that's a safety red line.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

  • Carving on the bamboo stems is strictly forbidden (heavy fines, and a criminal offence)
  • don't break bamboo or dig up shoots
  • don't occupy the path for long with tripods in the grove.

Akita Kantō Matsuri

  • Taboos: dismissive names such as 'lantern poles', touching the gohei at the top, and shouting during a performance and breaking the rhythm — the greatest disrespect to the performers.

Sendai Tanabata Matsuri

  • Taboos: saying 'they all look the same', damaging the streamers, and smoking under the decorations (fire safety is an iron rule).

Kyoto Gion Matsuri

  • Taboos: treating the Gion Matsuri as just a 'float parade', being rude or rowdy in front of mikoshi and floats, and asking 'which one is the most famous?' (equality among neighbourhoods is an iron rule).

Osaka Tenjin Matsuri

  • Taboos: messing about or being disrespectful during the rites, and saying 'I only came for the fireworks'
  • missing the annual boat procession is considered a pity.

Tokushima Awa Odori

  • Taboos: calling Awa Odori 'just dancing any old way', cutting in during a performance, and joining a formal ren in flip-flops (proper wear is tabi and zōri).

Kōchi Yosakoi Festival

  • Taboos: saying it's 'much the same as Awa Odori' (Kōchi people will earnestly point out that their origins are completely different), and blocking cameras or the way during performances.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

  • Taboos: women touching the kakiyama floats (traditionally the bearers are men), calling it 'just a palanquin race', and blocking the way during the nagare runs.

Gujō Odori

  • Taboos: entering the circle in shoes (you should wear geta), only watching while taking up a good spot (you'll be warmly invited in), and stopping halfway in the circle and blocking those behind.

Goshogawara Tachineputa

  • Taboos: calling it 'Aomori Nebuta' (locals will earnestly correct you: 'that's Tachineputa'), cutting across the towing teams during the parade, and climbing the lantern platforms.

Osaka Castle

  • Follow the no-photography rules in parts of the keep
  • don't climb the stone walls (dangerous and illegal)
  • don't play loud music in the park and disturb others.

Naha Great Tug-of-War

  • Do not rush into the rope area once the tug has started
  • do not scramble and grab at the rope
  • do not cross the roadway at will

Aoi Matsuri

  • Do not rush into the procession
  • do not step into the route to take photos
  • do not use flash

Jidai Matsuri

  • Do not step into the procession route
  • do not stand in the middle of the road to take photos
  • do not touch the participants' costumes or props

Sanja Matsuri

  • Do not rush into the procession or block a mikoshi's path
  • do not touch or climb on the mikoshi uninvited
  • do not poke selfie sticks into the procession
  • do not block the Nakamise walkway

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

  • Do not enter the route or stand on the inside of corners
  • do not push and shove at corners
  • do not touch a moving danjiri

Nagasaki Kunchi

  • Do not enter the performance area
  • do not use flash during performances
  • do not be noisy within the shrine grounds

Takayama Festival

  • Do not step into the float route
  • do not touch the floats
  • do not use flash on the performances
  • do not stand in the way of the procession

Sapporo Snow Festival

  • Do not climb the snow or ice sculptures
  • do not enter fenced-off areas
  • do not stop and block the walkways

Megane Bridge

  • Riding a bicycle onto the bridge
  • climbing the embankments
  • prying stones loose

Taketomi Island

  • Entering private gardens or fields
  • riding a bicycle recklessly along the white-sand lanes
  • taking coral or star sand away

Mojiko Retro

  • Touching exhibits inside historic buildings
  • riding a bicycle recklessly among pedestrians on the promenade
  • cutting in line

Yanagawa River Cruise

  • Standing up or leaning out of the boat
  • touching the boatman's pole
  • entering private gardens without permission

Huis Ten Bosch

  • Trampling the flower beds
  • throwing litter into the canals

Oboke Gorge

  • Crossing the guardrails on footpaths and cliff edges
  • throwing litter into the river

Shimanto River

  • Running or gathering on the submersible bridges
  • going onto the bridges when the water is high
  • swimming in the river
  • entering private fields or gardens without permission

Yamato Museum

  • Touching exhibits or models
  • climbing the outdoor exhibits

Motonosumi Shrine

  • Blocking the path while taking photos
  • climbing the torii gates
  • climbing the cliffside railings

Tsunoshima Bridge

  • Stopping on the bridge at random to take photos
  • leaving litter at the viewing platforms or on the beaches

Takeda Castle

  • Climbing the stone walls
  • entering restricted areas
  • leaving rubbish on the mountain

Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku

  • Putting a bitten kushikatsu back into the shared sauce
  • following strangers into shops at night
  • staying at Billiken for a long time

Kuromon Market

  • Stopping in the middle of the aisle and blocking the way
  • haggling loudly or making noise inside shops
  • cutting in line
  • dropping litter

Fushimi Sake District

  • Getting rowdy after drinking
  • touching equipment in brewing areas
  • underage drinking
  • leaning out of the boats
  • driving after drinking

Nanzen-ji

  • Stepping onto the gravel of the Hojo garden
  • making noise in the Buddha hall
  • talking loudly while worshipping

Sado Island

  • Touching exhibits in the tunnels
  • entering working areas of fishing ports
  • feeding wild birds
  • photographing or filming noh performances where it is not allowed

Gero Onsen

  • Putting your towel in the bath water
  • dipping shoes or socks in a foot bath

Atsuta Shrine

  • Walking down the centre of the approach
  • raising your voice in the grounds

Inuyama Castle

  • Stopping on the narrow corridor to take photos and blocking the way
  • pushing on the steep stairs

Kurobe Gorge

  • Crossing the safety line on platforms
  • leaning out of the carriage windows
  • leaving the trail for dangerous riverbanks

Chichibu

  • Crowding the float routes
  • making noise at shrines
  • disturbing homes along the pilgrimage route

Kairakuen Garden

  • Blocking paths while taking photographs
  • shaking or breaking plum branches
  • leaving picnic rubbish in the plum grove

Sankeien Garden

  • Entering buildings that are closed
  • eating or drinking inside the buildings
  • making noise by the ponds or on the lawns

Mount Takao

  • Leaving the hiking trails
  • feeding the wild monkeys
  • talking loudly inside the temple
  • littering

Shinjuku Gyoen

  • No drinking or noisy behaviour
  • do not pick flowers or break branches
  • no ball games or other vigorous activities on the lawns

Shirakami-Sanchi

  • Do not enter the core zone without a permit
  • do not pick or take away mountain plants or animals
  • do not head deep into the forest alone

Lake Towada

  • Do not pick plants
  • do not disturb wildlife
  • do not leave the paths without permission

Ouchi-juku

  • Entering private homes without permission
  • lingering under the eaves and blocking the way
  • making loud noise in the street

Mount Asahidake

  • Leaving the trails
  • approaching fumaroles
  • pushing on to the summit when the weather turns

Lake Mashu

  • Climbing over observation deck railings
  • going down to the lakeshore
  • littering around the lake

Niseko

  • Entering closed areas without permission
  • dipping towels into the hot spring bath

Kabira Bay

  • Swimming in the bay
  • touching or stepping on coral
  • entering pearl cultivation areas without permission

Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)

  • Approaching the pier or landing without permission
  • crossing fences or entering dangerous building areas
  • wearing high heels or other unstable shoes on the island
  • bringing pets
  • using an umbrella on the island

Kurokawa Onsen

  • Wearing swimwear or jewelry in the baths
  • taking photos in the baths
  • talking loudly in the baths

Shikoku Pilgrimage

  • Hurrying the people ahead of you
  • refusing osettai
  • playing around with pilgrim clothing or the kongozue staff
  • making loud noise on mountain paths and village roads
  • entering private fields or homes without permission

Kochi Castle and Katsurahama

  • Touching exhibits or building parts
  • swimming in the sea at Katsurahama
  • approaching the surf line or dangerous parts of breakwaters

Naruto Whirlpools

  • Climbing over railings
  • leaning out over the side of the boat or the edge of the walkway
  • making loud noise

Kotohira-gu

  • Running on the approach
  • making noise in the precincts

Ritsurin Garden

  • Stepping onto lawns or into off-limits areas by the ponds
  • picking flowers or breaking branches
  • standing up, leaning out, or making noise on boats
  • feeding the koi on your own

Matsuyama Castle

  • Running or pushing inside the wooden keep
  • touching exhibits or parts of the building

Dogo Onsen

  • Putting your towel in the bath water
  • taking photos inside the baths
  • swimming or making noise in the baths
  • talking loudly in the rest rooms

Hagi Castle Town

  • Entering homes or gardens that are not open to the public
  • touching earthen walls, namako walls or building parts
  • raising your voice at memorial sites

Onomichi

  • Shouting or running around in temple grounds
  • touching Buddhist statues or building parts
  • running on the hillside steps
  • raising your voice in residential lanes
  • chasing or startling the cats

Matsue Castle

  • Running or pushing inside the wooden keep
  • making noise within shrine grounds

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

  • Entering private homes or storehouse courtyards that are not open to the public
  • lingering noisily in front of homes or photographing their interiors
  • standing up, leaning out over the water or making noise on the boat
  • touching exhibits
  • shining strong lights at buildings or passersby

Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle

  • Stepping onto lawns or into restricted areas by the ponds
  • picking flowers or breaking branches
  • entering historic buildings when they are closed
  • touching exhibits
  • carving or scribbling on stone walls or buildings

Kinosaki Onsen

  • Talking loudly when entering or leaving inns and baths
  • dipping towels in the bath water
  • swimming or running in the baths
  • bathing right after drinking alcohol, after a heavy meal or when unwell

Arima Onsen

  • Dipping towels in the bath water
  • swimming, running or making loud noise in the baths
  • bathing right after drinking alcohol or a heavy meal
  • assuming every bath admits tattooed bathers

Kitano Ijinkan & Kobe Harbor Area

  • Entering buildings that are still private homes
  • making noise at the Earthquake Memorial Park or climbing on the damaged structures
  • blocking the seaside promenade

Kumano Kodo

  • Making noise within shrine and temple grounds
  • touching sacred objects, Buddha statues or ritual implements
  • entering areas not open to the public
  • littering or picking plants on the trails and in the forests
  • leaving marked routes

Kasuga Taisha

  • Making loud noise
  • touching sacred objects, sacred trees, lanterns or other fixtures
  • entering the Kasugayama Primeval Forest, which is closed to the public
  • chasing or startling the deer, or feeding them anything other than permitted food

Horyu-ji

  • Shouting or running about
  • touching statues or building components
  • taking photos in halls and treasure areas where photography is prohibited
  • smoking, or eating and drinking noisily in the grounds

Sanjusangen-do

  • Taking photos or video inside the hall
  • walking barefoot outside the designated areas
  • touching the statues or railings
  • lingering in front of the statues and blocking the passage

Byodo-in (Uji)

  • Leaving the group on your own
  • touching the Buddha statue or the walls
  • using flash
  • talking loudly near people at prayer

Ginkaku-ji

  • Stepping onto the moss or into the white-sand garden
  • touching the buildings or the sand formations
  • making noise where worshippers pray
  • leaving the path or climbing for a better shot

Izu Peninsula

  • Approaching rocks with rough waves or climbing over guardrails
  • shaking cherry branches
  • entering private gardens to take photos
  • collecting rock specimens in the geopark

Zenkō-ji

  • Taking photos in no-photography areas
  • making noise or pushing in the Kaidan Meguri
  • knocking on the statue of Binzuru-sonja

Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku

  • Do not enter private homes uninvited
  • do not make loud noise
  • do not point your camera into residents' doors and windows

Kamikochi

  • Do not pick plants or catch animals
  • do not leave the trails
  • do not make noise in the sacred area

Ueno Park

  • Breaking off cherry branches or shaking the trees
  • occupying large areas for long periods
  • littering in the park

Hitachi Seaside Park

  • Stepping into the flower fields for photos
  • picking flowers
  • cycling on footpaths
  • barbecuing outside the designated areas

Tsurugaoka Hachimangū

  • Walking down the centre of the approach
  • touching cultural artefacts and buildings
  • taking photos where photography is prohibited
  • being loud in the precinct

Tokyo Skytree

  • Occupying a window spot on the decks for a long time
  • getting in other people's way while taking photos
  • ignoring the venue's rules and staff directions

Zaō Snow Monsters (Juhyō)

  • Leaving the path to enter the juhyō field
  • climbing or touching the juhyō
  • entering areas closed in winter (such as around Okama) on your own
  • bringing skis or snowboards into the viewing area to slide

Kakunodate Samurai Residences

  • Entering private residences or peering into their inner gardens
  • leaning on or scratching the black board fences and earthen walls
  • breaking cherry branches or shaking the trees

Ginzan Onsen

  • Driving an ordinary vehicle into the hot-spring street
  • entering private inn areas to take photos
  • making noise in the street or in the bath

Matsushima

  • Touching Buddhist statues and artefacts
  • climbing over railings or onto rock faces
  • horseplay on boats or bridges

Lake Akan and Ainu Culture

  • Collecting or taking marimo from the lake
  • treating farmed or imitation marimo sold in shops as wild ones
  • interrupting performances
  • treating Ainu residents and their culture as a curiosity
  • making noise in the bath

Ryoan-ji Temple

  • Do not enter the white gravel of the rock garden, step on the moss or climb the earthen walls
  • do not give loud explanations in the abbot's quarters or occupy a seat for long taking selfies
  • do not crowd around or talk to monks in training and disturb them

Tokyo National Museum

  • As a rule, photography is prohibited in special-exhibition galleries — do not try your luck with surreptitious photos
  • do not touch display cases, and do not make phone calls or eat and drink in the galleries
  • do not linger taking photos in the galleries after the closing announcement

Otaki Castle

  • Do not climb historic remains or enter closed areas. Keep quiet at the temple and graves, and follow posted notices.

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga-jo)

  • Red lines: do not climb stone walls or moat railings
  • do not touch museum exhibits. Taboos: do not make noise, play around or pose exaggeratedly at graves and memorials
  • do not recount the Byakkotai story as sensational detail. Good manners: follow the museum route in order and hold rails on slippery stone steps after rain. Common pitfalls: (1) assuming the red-tiled keep is the late-Edo original — it is a 1965 reconstruction reroofed red in 2011
  • (2) treating Hijikata Toshizo as the castle's defender — he was a former-shogunate figure passing through the Aizu front northward, who finally died at Hakodate.

Sunpu Castle Park

  • Red lines: do not enter excavation fences or climb stone walls
  • do not touch exhibits. Taboos: do not make noise or enter non-public tea houses in the garden
  • do not occupy lawn picnic spots for long periods blocking others' passage. Good manners: keep to paths and hold rails on slippery stone steps after rain. Common pitfalls: (1) expecting a keep to tour — this is a tower-base excavation site with reconstructed gate and turret
  • (2) treating "Sunpu" and "Shizuoka" as two castles — Sunpu is Shizuoka's old name, and the site is in central modern Shizuoka City.

Odawara Castle

  • Red lines: do not climb stone walls or moat railings
  • do not touch museum exhibits. Taboos: do not talk loudly or enter non-public areas inside the keep
  • do not shake or break cherry branches in blossom season. Good manners: keep to paths and hold rails on slippery stone steps after rain. Common pitfalls: (1) assuming the present keep is the Hojo original — it is a 1960 reconstruction in Edo style
  • (2) taking "Ichiya Castle" (One-Night Castle) literally as built in one night — it was Hideyoshi's siege castle on Mount Ishigaki, the name being a later popular name, with construction time per local explanations.

Fukuchiyama Castle

  • Red lines: do not climb stone walls
  • do not touch museum exhibits. Taboos: do not talk loudly or enter non-public areas inside the keep
  • do not treat reused gravestones as novelty photo props. Good manners: wear suitable shoes for the slope and follow the museum route in order. Common pitfalls: (1) assuming the present keep is Mitsuhide's original — it is a 1986 reconstruction, and most exhibits concern the Edo Fukuchiyama domain, with relatively little on Mitsuhide
  • (2) treating "Mitsuhide's good governance" as a national consensus — it is Fukuchiyama's local commemorative image, while assessments of the Honnoji Incident remain contested.

Arioka Castle Ruins

  • Red lines: do not climb stone walls or moat banks
  • do not remove relics. Taboos: do not make noise or enter non-public areas in the park
  • do not recount the imprisonment legend as exact torture details. Good manners: keep to paths and hold rails on slippery stone steps after rain. Common pitfalls: (1) treating "Arioka Castle" and "Itami Castle" as two castles — they are alternate names for the same castle
  • (2) expecting a keep to tour — this is a ruins park.

Sekigahara Battlefield

  • Red lines: do not climb monuments or camp-site markers
  • do not remove relics. Taboos: do not make noise or play around at graves and memorials
  • do not turn "defection" into abusive moral judgement of individuals. Good manners: follow the map in order
  • wear sports shoes for hilltop camps. Common pitfalls: (1) expecting one large park — this is a small town of scattered sites needing half a day or more
  • (2) seeing only the decisive-site monument and missing the formations from Sasao and Matsuo heights.

Ueda Castle

  • Red lines: do not climb stone walls or turret railings
  • do not touch museum exhibits. Taboos: do not make noise or enter non-public areas in the shrine grounds
  • do not shake or break cherry branches in blossom season. Good manners: keep to paths and hold rails on slippery stone steps after rain. Common pitfalls: (1) assuming the surviving turrets are Sengoku originals: the west turret remains in its Edo-period position, the original north and south turrets were moved away and later returned, and the east turret gate was rebuilt in 1994
  • (2) confusing Sanada-maru in Osaka with Ueda Castle — they are different places.

Gassan-Toda Castle Ruins

  • Red lines: do not climb or dig stone walls and baileys
  • do not remove relics. Taboos: do not make noise or litter on trails
  • do not state legendary Amago-restoration results as exact battle figures. Good manners: wear hiking shoes, walk carefully after rain, carry litter down. Common pitfalls: (1) expecting a keep — this is a mountain ruin, so allow hiking time
  • (2) reading "Gassan" (Moon Mountain) as a moon-viewing spot — it is the castle mountain's elegant name, so follow the official trail map.

Yoshida-Koriyama Castle Ruins

  • Red lines: do not climb or dig earthworks and stone walls
  • do not remove relics. Taboos: do not make noise or pose exaggeratedly at the grave
  • do not play loud music on trails. Good manners: wear hiking shoes, walk carefully after rain, carry litter down. Common pitfalls: (1) expecting a keep — this is a mountain ruin
  • (2) treating the "three arrows" as Motonari's verbatim testament — it is a later legendary formulation.

Kasugayama Castle Ruins

  • Red lines: do not climb or dig earthworks and dry moats
  • do not remove relics. Taboos: do not make noise or enter non-public areas in shrine and temple grounds
  • do not litter on trails. Good manners: wear hiking or sports shoes, walk carefully after rain, descend if conditions worsen. Common pitfalls: (1) expecting a keep to tour — this is a mountain ruin requiring fitness and time
  • (2) reading "walkable from Kasugayama Station" as flat ground — it is a hike, so bring water in summer.

Mikatagahara Battlefield

  • Red lines: do not enter restricted museum areas or touch exhibits
  • do not make noise at graves or memorials. Taboos: do not make noise or linger photographing in front of houses in residential historic spots
  • do not state legendary night-raid kill counts as exact facts. Good manners: follow signs in order
  • mind hats and belongings in plateau wind. Common pitfalls: (1) expecting one large park — the spots are scattered, so allow travel time
  • (2) mistaking Hamamatsu Castle for the battlefield itself — the field is on the northern plateau, the castle was the retreat point.

Kawanakajima Battlefield

  • Red lines: do not climb statues or monuments
  • do not make noise before shrine halls. Taboos: do not present the legendary duel as fact
  • do not use flash in the museum where signs prohibit it. Good manners: visit the museum first, then the field, to grasp the formations. Common pitfalls: (1) photographing only the statues and missing the museum's distinction among the five battles
  • (2) imagining Kawanakajima as an island — it is a plain between two rivers.

Nagashino Castle Ruins and Shitaragahara

  • Red lines: do not climb earthworks, moat banks or restored fences
  • do not remove soil, stones or pottery fragments. Taboos: do not talk loudly or touch exhibits in museums
  • do not cross barriers during arquebus demonstrations. Good manners: keep to paths and walk carefully after rain. Common pitfalls: (1) expecting a castle keep — this is a ruins park of earthworks
  • (2) underestimating rural distances and sparse bus times — check return times in advance.

Okehazama Battlefield Park

  • Red lines: do not climb or deface monuments or statues
  • do not make noise at graves. Taboos: do not treat the memorial park as a playground
  • do not block processions to take photos. Good manners: speak quietly and read signs before photographing. Common pitfalls for visitors: (1) expecting a vast open battlefield — it is a small urban park
  • (2) confusing the two traditionally identified Okehazama sites — follow on-site signs.

Tomioka Silk Mill

  • Red lines: in World Heritage buildings, do not touch machinery or cocoon-warehouse timbers, and do not enter closed areas. Taboos: no photography where forbidden in halls, and do not carve brick walls. Good manners: follow indicated routes, visit quietly, and respect the historical account of women workers. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) expecting a working factory and live silkworm reeling — it is now a site museum with limited live displays
  • (2) seeing only the main mill and missing the East and West Cocoon Warehouse National Treasure buildings and the visitor centre.

Kusatsu Onsen

  • Red lines: shower fully before bathing, do not wear swimwear in baths (except rented private baths), do not soak towels in the water, and do not photograph inside baths. Taboos: after drinking, or with tattoos, follow each bath's rules — some baths refuse tattoos, so confirm in advance and do not force entry — and tie up long hair. Good manners: bathe quietly, limit bathing time, and drink water afterwards. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) soaking long in strongly acidic water and irritating skin — first-timers should bathe briefly and repeatedly
  • (2) expecting free public baths to be fully equipped spa facilities — they have only simple changing areas and no lockers, so do not bring valuables.

Yutoku Inari Shrine (Kashima)

  • Red lines: do not make loud noise before the main hall or enter closed areas. Taboos: do not carve torii gates or tie strings to them, and do not touch sacred objects or fox-statue offerings. Good manners: wash hands and rinse the mouth before worship, and follow the usual shrine rite of two bows, two claps and one bow, as posted on site. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) mocking foxes in photos as if they were the deity itself — foxes are Inari's messengers and deserve respect
  • (2) seeing only the main hall without realising the inner shrine's thousand torii require a mountain climb, and going in sandals.

Yoshinogari Historical Park

  • Red lines: do not dig in the protected ruins or remove soil, stones or artefacts. Taboos: no smoking or open flame inside reconstructed buildings, and do not climb earthworks or wooden palisades. Good manners: follow marked routes and instructors during experiences. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) presenting reconstructed buildings in photos as “original Yayoi buildings,” when they are modern hypothetical reconstructions
  • (2) using only the east entrance and missing the west playground area, or exiting at the wrong gate and walking extra distance.

Akiyoshido Cave and Akiyoshidai Plateau

  • Red lines: do not touch stalactites or stalagmites in the cave, and do not leave paved paths. Taboos: no flash photography where forbidden in the cave, and no picking or fires on plateau grassland. Good manners: cave floors are wet and slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and walk quietly. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) entering the cave in summer in only short sleeves — at 17°C it feels cool
  • (2) visiting after the spring controlled grass burn (山焼き) without checking official notices, when the grassland is blackened.

Kintaikyo Bridge (Iwakuni)

  • Red lines: no cycling, running or shaking railings on the wooden bridge. Taboos: do not block foot traffic by lingering long for photos on the deck, and do not climb the arch timbers. Good manners: keep right on arch slopes and give way to elderly visitors and pushchairs. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) assuming a pushchair can be pushed over the arches — the slopes are steep and pushchairs cannot be pushed up
  • (2) not checking closure information after typhoons or heavy rain and arriving to find it closed.

Mount Daisen (Hoki Fuji)

  • Red lines: never enter the closed Kengamine area, and do not leave designated climbing routes. Taboos: no noise in temple and shrine grounds, and do not touch old building members. Good manners: check weather and register your plan at the trailhead, and carry rubbish out. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) equating “summiting Daisen” with Kengamine and straying into the closed area
  • (2) climbing the full stone steps and gravel paths in ordinary trainers, damaging knees on descent.

Tottori Sand Dunes

  • Red lines: in the protected area, do not dig up plants or collect dune sand and stones in violation of rules. Taboos: do not deliberately trample dense wind-ripple areas to stage photos, and do not enter closed areas. Good manners: wear sand-proof glasses in strong wind and carry rubbish out. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) climbing sand in sandals or slippers — the surface burns feet in summer and the wind bites in winter
  • (2) assuming all activities run all day, when paragliding, camels and others depend on weather and opening hours.

Hikone Castle

  • Red lines: do not push or go against the flow on the keep's steep stairs. Taboos: no photography where forbidden in the museum, and do not touch armour, screens or other exhibits. Good manners: remove shoes on entering the keep and follow the flow of visitors. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) wearing sandals on the keep's steep stairs, making ascent and descent very awkward
  • (2) seeing only the keep and missing Genkyuen's seasonal views and the museum.

Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple (Otsu)

  • Red lines: do not enter halls in use for practice or make noise. Taboos: no photography where forbidden inside halls, and do not touch Buddhas or flame facilities. Good manners: the three precincts involve long walks, so plan within your strength and carry rubbish out. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) assuming Enryaku-ji is inside Kyoto City and going to the wrong trailhead — the temple site is in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
  • (2) visiting only Todo without realising Saito and Yokawa need separate bus rides and over half a day.

Eiheiji Temple

  • Red lines: keep silence in this training monastery
  • do not enter monks' halls, kitchens or other practice areas, and do not disturb unsui practice. Taboos: no photography where forbidden inside halls, do not touch Buddhas or ritual implements, and do not wear slippers or shorts while chatting loudly. Good manners: remove shoes on entering halls, follow the indicated route, and silence phones. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) treating Eiheiji as an ordinary attraction, lecturing loudly or chasing trainee monks to photograph them
  • (2) demanding to join the morning service or zazen without a reservation.

Tojinbo Cliffs

  • Red lines: there are no guardrails or handrails at the cliff edge — do not cross warnings or lean out over the edge for photos. Taboos: do not risk the waterside in strong wind, rain or heavy seas, and do not throw objects into the sea. Good manners: wear non-slip shoes and follow on-site announcements and lifesaving guidance. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) photographing with one's back to the sea while standing on wet, slippery rock
  • (2) treating Tojinbo as an ordinary park and taking small children or people with limited mobility along the cliff-edge gravel paths.

Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Villages, Toyama

  • Red lines: these are inhabited living villages — do not enter private homes, fields or closed courtyards. Taboos: no smoking or open flame near roofs and thatch, no loud noise, and no intrusive drone flying. Good manners: keep to marked paths and follow farmhouse-inn hours when staying. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) treating the hamlets as a theme park and pushing open house doors to photograph inside
  • (2) not checking winter bus suspensions in advance and missing the last bus in the mountains.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

  • Red lines: do not pick alpine plants in protected areas or leave marked trails. Taboos: do not write on snow walls outside the designated message area, and do not shout in cable cars or tunnels. Good manners: give way to hikers and carry all rubbish out. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) buying a one-way ticket yet planning to turn back midway, when departure and through-ticket rules are complex — confirm first
  • (2) going to the 2,450-metre plateau without cold and sun protection, as mountain weather changes fast.

Yonezawa (Uesugi Shrine and Yonezawa Castle Site)

  • Red lines: do not make loud noise in shrine grounds or enter the main hall's closed area. Taboos: do not block rituals to take photos, and do not touch armour exhibits. Good manners: wash hands and rinse the mouth before worship and keep to one side of the approach. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) expecting a surviving castle keep — only the castle site park remains, with no original keep
  • (2) visiting only the shrine in cherry season and missing the park's night illumination and festival times.

Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple)

  • Red lines: do not make loud noise in temple grounds or enter monks' practice or closed areas. Taboos: no photography where forbidden, and do not touch stone Buddhas or historic remains. Good manners: bow quietly at the foot and walk softly. Common mistakes for outsiders: (1) climbing 1,015 steps in sandals or high heels, very slippery in rain or snow
  • (2) assuming the summit is always open — the upper half may close in heavy snow, so check the official site first.

Hiroshima okonomiyaki

  • Don't call Hiroshima-yaki 'Osaka okonomiyaki'
  • don't touch the hotplate (it's extremely hot)

Hakata tonkotsu ramen

  • Don't sit chatting for ages in a popular shop with a queue
  • don't pick toppings out of the bowl and leave them on the table

Osaka takoyaki

  • Don't eat while walking through crowded shopping streets (find a corner or a seat in the shop)
  • don't drop skewers and boxes in the street

Kyoto kaiseki

  • Don't be late (dishes are prepared to a schedule)
  • take off your shoes before entering a tatami room
  • don't scrape precious tableware with fingernails or rings

Edomae sushi

  • Don't wear strong perfume or scented hand cream at the counter, which spoils others' tasting
  • don't stir lots of wasabi into your soy sauce (at good restaurants the chef has already put it between fish and rice)
  • don't stick chopsticks upright in rice

Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa

  • Teahouses still in business are private, so don't walk in or photograph geisha without permission
  • don't stop and block the middle of the narrow lanes

Nakasu yatai, Fukuoka

  • Don't order just one drink and sit for ages
  • don't bring outside food
  • many yatai take cash only, so don't put the owner in an awkward spot when paying

Nagasaki Peace Park

  • Don't fool around or pose for fun photos in front of the memorials and the Peace Statue
  • keep quiet

Dejima

  • Don't touch the exhibits in the restored buildings
  • keep quiet when visiting

Zuihōden

  • Don't make noise in the mausoleum area
  • don't climb the stone lanterns or railings

Nijō Castle

  • No photography inside the palace
  • don't touch the painted doors or the building
  • don't run in the corridors

Tōdai-ji

  • Don't speak loudly in the hall
  • don't climb anything other than the pillar, including the Buddha's pedestal
  • deer on the approach will grab paper and food, so don't hold maps or snacks among them

Naoshima

  • Photography is banned in many parts of the museums
  • don't enter houses that aren't open
  • don't make noise or litter in residential areas

Izumo Taisha

  • Don't touch or tug the shimenawa
  • the centre of the approach is for the gods, so walk to the side
  • keep quiet around the main hall

Ise Grand Shrine

  • Photography is banned at the innermost part of the main sanctuaries — take photos only outside the designated points
  • walk at the side of the approach, as the centre is the gods' path
  • don't speak loudly

Goryōkaku, Hakodate

  • Don't climb the stone walls or earthworks
  • in cherry-blossom season don't claim spots under the trees overnight or leave rubbish

Hida-Takayama

  • Don't walk into private machiya homes
  • the lanes are narrow, so don't stop in the middle of the road for photos
  • if you taste something at the morning market and don't buy, say thank you

Matsumoto Castle

  • The stairs inside the keep are steep and narrow, so don't push or take photos while climbing
  • don't touch the wooden structure or exhibits

Hakone

  • Don't push in or hog the spot in the queue for photos at the lakeside torii
  • don't enter closed areas in the volcanic zone
  • onsen etiquette is the same as everywhere (rinse first, towels stay out of the water)

Kenroku-en, Kanazawa

  • Don't step on the lawns or moss
  • don't pick flowers or break branches
  • when queuing for photos at the Kotoji lantern, don't hog the spot

Nikko Toshogu

  • Don't climb or touch the shrine carvings and stone lanterns
  • photography is banned in many parts of the shrine interiors, so watch for signs
  • don't run or push on the stone steps to the tomb

Izakaya

  • Don't argue with staff about the otōshi charge — it's customary
  • Japan has no tipping culture and service is usually included, so there's no need to tip

Kanda Matsuri

  • Don't block the mikoshi or the procession
  • don't touch the mikoshi
  • don't cut through the procession to take photos