A Public Etiquette Mistake Could Make You Stand Out For All The Wrong Reasons In Japan

When you travel to a different country or region and immerse yourself in a culture that differs from your own, you must respect and abide by that culture's rules. This includes unspoken social rules –– not just the written laws of the land. For example, Japan may seem especially strict when it comes to public etiquette, so American tourists especially should research what not to do since many cultural norms in the U.S. may not be acceptable in Japanese society. One thing tourists should never do when visiting Japan is show public displays of affection (PDA).

It is not uncommon to see couples hug, kiss, and cuddle in public in the U.S. In Japan, however, holding hands is often where couples draw that line. Folks in the Japanese dating scene may seem to take things slow and keep outward displays of affection to a minimum. While there are no laws against couples kissing or hugging in public, it is generally frowned upon and considered tacky in polite circles. No one will get up in your face to yell at you to stop, but you may get some unwanted looks. And, according to responses to a Reddit thread entitled "PDA while traveling in Japan?" you'll get the "tourist pass" –– meaning, locals will just assume you're an international traveler who doesn't know any better. So if you want to be seen as respectful and culturally sensitive (or simply don't want locals to be massively annoyed with you as an American tourist), it's best to keep the PDA to a minimum.

PDA is not the only thing that will get you strange looks. There is so much more to keep in mind if you want to be a considerate tourist when visiting Japan. The first one might be controversial to some, but it must be said: If you're sick, you should mask up. Japan, along with other East Asian countries, has been practicing the art of masking long before the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether someone has the flu or just an itchy throat, they will usually mask as a precautionary measure out of consideration for others.

Another thing American tourists should be mindful of is the volume at which they speak. Japanese folks tend to be soft-spoken while Americans are notorious for their loud voices. Similarly, Americans are used to walking around while eating or drinking. In Japan, this is considered taboo in most places, depending on the situation. The best practice is to sit down and savor your meal before you head off to your next destination. Again, there are no etiquette police stopping you from doing all these things, but it is important to be respectful of local customs when traveling abroad.