Japan is a densely populated country where homes, temples, and shops are often located close together. Tourist spots are not isolated areas—they are part of everyday life for local people. Simple manners like keeping your voice down or following lines help you blend in and create a more pleasant experience for yourself and others.
Many places in Japan prohibit photography. Always check for signs like “撮影禁止” or red camera icons. If you’re unsure, ask politely before taking pictures. Trash cans are rare, so carry your garbage until you find a proper bin. Street smoking is banned in many cities and violators may be fined. Use designated smoking areas instead. In crowded spots like buses or photo zones, queue properly and wait your turn. At temples and traditional buildings, remove your shoes where required—look for signs or shoe racks.
Hands-Free Travel services allow you to store or send your luggage, making sightseeing more comfortable. You can use coin lockers at train stations, luggage counters at airports, or delivery services to send bags to hotels. This is especially helpful for families with children, business travelers, or anyone carrying large suitcases.
When you want to take a picture in a sensitive area, say “しゃしんをとってもいいですか (Shashin o totte mo ii desu ka)?” which means “May I take a photo?” This uses a grammar structure that combines the verb in te-form with “mo ii desu ka?” to politely ask for permission.
When visiting a shrine, bow once before walking through the torii gate. Walk along the side of the path, as the center is considered sacred. At the purification basin, rinse your hands and mouth using the ladle, following the order: left hand, right hand, mouth, and left hand again. At the offering box, toss in a coin, preferably a five-yen coin, which symbolizes good fortune. Then, follow the “2-2-1” ritual: bow twice, clap twice, pray silently, and bow once again. Before leaving, bow again. Note that this etiquette applies to shrines, not temples. At temples, clapping is not done.
When you want someone to take your photo, say “しゃしんをとってもらえますか (Shashin o totte moraemasu ka)?” which means “Could you take a photo for me?” This is a polite request that uses the te-form of the verb (“totte”) followed by “moraemasu ka?”, which politely asks someone to do something for you.
At ticket counters, you can say “とうじつけんはありますか (Tōjitsu ken wa arimasu ka)?” to ask if tickets are available today, or “チケットを２まいください (Chiketto o nimai kudasai)” to request two tickets. To ask directions, say “トイレはどこですか (Toire wa doko desu ka)?” for the restroom or “いりぐちはどこですか (Iriguchi wa doko desu ka)?” for the entrance. For facilities, ask “コインロッカーはありますか (Koin rokkā wa arimasu ka)?” to find coin lockers. At museums or sightseeing spots, you might say “オーディオガイドはありますか (Ōdio gaido arimasu ka)?” to ask for an audio guide, or “ガイドツアーはありますか (Gaido tsuā wa arimasu ka)?” for guided tours. If you want to use Wi-Fi, say “Wi-Fiつかえますか (Waifai tsukaemasu ka)?” or “にもつをあずけてもいいですか (Nimotsu wo azukete mo ii desu ka)?” if you want to store your luggage.
While exploring, keep an eye out for key signs. “立入禁止” means no entry. “撮影禁止” means no photography. “出⼝” and “入口” show the exit and entrance. “本日休館” means closed today. Reading and recognizing these can prevent misunderstandings and help you navigate smoothly.
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