Traveling to Japan? Here is the ultimate Woman’s Guide to Japanese Culture.
Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The country is clean and safe to travel to as a woman, and the people are respectful and kind.
This post is my experience traveling to Japan as a American woman. As I write this I am writing from my perspective as a woman and missionary who has traveled to Japan multiple times and throughout Asia.
The Japanese people are amazing.
However, there are some cultural differences that are very important to understand when you go to Japan.
Expressions of affection mean more in Japan. If a woman hugs a man that is not her family it can been seen as interest in that person.
In American Culture, it would be the equivalent of giving your number to someone you want to meet up with.
That is just one example. There are subtle examples woven throughout Japanese Culture. So here are my tips to be culturally aware before you go.
If there was one word to use to describe the Japanese Culture it would be respect. They are a very respectful culture and if you understand this you will be able to connect with the people in a transformative way.
Table of Contents
- Do: Embrace Japanese Greetings
- Explain the importance of bowing over handshakes.
- Tips on using respectful greetings and phrases like “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry).
- Don’t Be Loud or Draw Excessive Attention
- Discuss how Japanese culture values quietness and how loud behavior can seem disruptive.
- Tips for adjusting conversational volume, especially in temples, shrines, and public transportation.
- Do: Dress Modestly and Respectfully
- Outline what modest dressing looks like in Japan, particularly for temples and traditional areas.
- Fashion tips for blending style with modesty (e.g., maxi skirts, scarves, modest tops).
- Don’t: Wear Shoes Indoors
- Emphasize the custom of removing shoes at homes, temples, and some restaurants.
- Explain the importance of packing clean socks and how to gracefully follow this practice.
- Do: Be Punctual
- Emphasize how punctuality is highly valued in Japan, whether for social or professional engagements.
- Suggest ways to keep track of time, especially when traveling or attending gatherings.
- Don’t: Point or Gesture Excessively
- Explain how pointing can come across as rude and suggest subtle ways to give directions or ask for help.
- Don’t: Photograph Without Permission
- Advise readers to ask before photographing people, especially in traditional or sacred settings.
- Offer tips on finding the best scenic spots to capture memories without intruding.
- Do: Be Aware of signs of affection.
So here are my tips for being culturally aware before you go.
Embrace Japanese Greetings
Tips on using respectful greetings and phrases like “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) and “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry).
Basic greetings are important.
Learning a few words is good, but the gestures you make also convey the meaning.
A slight bow is respectful, especially if someone is older than you. And to show that you are humble before them.
Here is a YouTube video for greetings.
In most cultures, I would suggest you learn more vocabulary, but in Japanese Culture, I suggest learning a few words and perfecting them.
Excellence is important in Japanese Culture, and it is reflected in the way they speak and live their lives.
Bowing is a part of their communication in Japan.
There are several types of bowing. Here is a YouTube video about bowing to help you prepare for your trip. So stretch out those legs and get ready to bow.
Don’t Be Loud or Draw Excessive Attention
Be mindful of your volume level in Japan.
People are very polite and generally quiet, so culturally fitting in will do the same.
As I write these words I’ll share an experience of riding the tram in Japan. I lost my balance on the tram and fell did two rolls and ending up all the way on the other side of the tram. Got up laughed and looked around bowed and went on with the rest of the ride. Well all the others on the tram looked at me smiled and bowed back.
I say all of that so you will know that mistakes will happen. Hiccups will happen in other cultures, and if you can laugh them off and smile, you will be able to show the Lord’s joy, which everyone needs in all cultures.
In general, Japan is a quiet culture. Until you go somewhere where people are selling things, then you will hear a lot of noise. It’s amusing to enjoy the contrast.
Do: Dress Modestly and Respectfully
Japan is very modest, with the exception of Cosplay. It’s common to see people on the tram riding around in anything from Hobby Holly to dressing their dogs in Panda outfits.
If you are going on business or missions, dress modestly in looser Clothing. Wear pressed, clean shoes and hose. Here are some tips.
Do pack:
- Loose Clothing.
- Business or dress pants
- Midi skirts
- Closed toed shoes
- Cleaned shoes
- Hose or tights if your legs show.
- Clean socks and have some in your backpack or purse, just in case.
Don’t pack
- Workout clothes to go out in.
- Tight clothes
- Dirty shoes.
- Short skits
- Tight blouses or shirts {Fitted is fine as long as it’s not clingy)
These are just a few tips for your packing list.
Don’t: Wear Shoes Indoors
As I mentioned Japan is a clean country. They never wear shoes in the house, apartment and some local establishments as well.
You will need to have clean feet, socks, and an extra pair of socks just in case.
I have never been to a house or apartment in Japan that let me wear shoes inside the house. Actually, I never wear outside shoes in my home either since I started traveling to Asia 10 years ago.
Don’t wear socks with holes in them.
The Japanese will sew any holes in their socks immediately. So make sure you are prepared when you go with clean shoes that will be left outside the entry and have clean socks just in case you need them.
One of the most important things you can do as a woman traveling in Japan is arriving on time.
Do: Be Punctual
Punctuality, in Japan is generally early, so if you are having extreme jet-lag make sure you set enough alarms so you are not late.
Remember, 5 minutes is the best way to ensure that you are there on time.
Being punctual in Japan is a necessity.
They value people’s and their own time. When traveling to their country, you should do the same.
It can be the difference between making a good impression and a very bad one.
Set multiple alarms, have two wake-up calls, and ensure you have everything needed to get to your meeting time at least 5 minutes early.
Even if it’s just a casual dinner with a friend.
In Japan, you also need a way to tell the time so you can ensure you make it to all your scheduled meetings and events five minutes early.
Don’t: Point or Gesture Excessively
You should not point with your fingers; it’s seen as rude. Instead, you can make hand gestures with a slight bow and point in the direction needed.
Advice for an America, slow down a bit coming and going from one place to another can take some time. Make sure you are watching the way others are leaving and saying goodbye. Slight bow then going forward.
In Japan, etiquette is a priority, so it’s important to make time for that as well.
Don’t: Photograph Without Permission
Make sure you ask permission when you want to take someone’s picture or if you are in a sacred place. Some will allow photos to be taken and others will not.
In missions, Christians have a tendency to take pictures of everything. But I think it’s really important to take photos that honor those we are serving. In Japan, it’s of the utmost importance to ask first.
There will be a lot of beautiful places and people to take pictures of just remember to ask first. I have never had a Japanese person say no to me when I asked.
Do: Be Aware of signs of affection.
Hugging can be seen as an interest in that person in Japan. They are private people who do not outwardly show a lot of affection in public.
Touching of any kind, on the arm, shoulder, or back can be seen as too familiar.
As an American, I can be a hugger, but in Japan, I need to ensure I’m not being impolite by hugging or touching people on the shoulder.
Hugging in Japan is a very intimate gesture.
Even close family members and married couples do not hug in public. So, as you experience the wonders of Japan, make sure you are aware of the cultural emphasis on no-contact in showing respect, affection, and love.
Bonus: Learn how to use the Japanese toilet.
Here is a video from YouTube that will help you with your bathroom adventure.
On my first trip to Japan we arrived and went straight to a restaurant. I needed to go to the bathroom and did, then I looked at the toilet and could not figure out how to flush the toiliette.
So I did what anyone would do waited and waited and waited. After a while the Pastors wife came to check on me. I told her I didn’t know how to flush the toilette and couldn’t leave it like that, she laughed and showed me.
So please don’t make my mistake and watch the video.
Conclusion
Japan is a wonderful country with a rich and lasting history. As you travel and follow these do’s and don’t I believe you will have a amazing trip to Japan. One that will create a lasting impact on you and the people of Japan.
If you have traveled or lived in Japan, I would love to hear anything you add to this list.
Here are some related articles to check out as well.
Faith and Fashion: How to be Stylish While Honoring Your Beliefs
Pack Light, Serve Big: Your Essential Guide to Mission Trip Packing