Japan's No-Nonsense Etiquette Regarding Photography Isn't Just A Rule, It's A Law

When you're in a country as beautiful as Japan, you'll want to document as much as you can. You'll want to take photos of every meal, every temple, every cherry blossom, every vending machine. The country is so rich in culture and history and architectural beauty that you'll want to revisit it through photos for years to come.

However, if you plan on taking lots of pictures and videos on your trip to Japan, you need to keep in mind that the country has strict photography laws that it does not play around about.

A public etiquette mistake that could make you stand out for all the wrong reasons in japan is taking photos of strangers whether or not it's on purpose. Folks don't want to be caught in a candid moment that may portray them in a bad light when taken out of context. In the world of social media where anyone can post nearly anything, this is understandable.

Let's talk about legality. Technically speaking, taking pictures of people can be considered an infringement on their right to privacy. However, you most likely won't be prosecuted unless the people you took pictures of can prove your actions harmed them in some way. 

On the other hand, taking photos of others without permission is generally frowned upon in Japanese culture. Even still, it is legal to take photos in public spaces, even if they include strangers, as per the Japanese constitutional guarantee of the right to freedom of expression. However, there is no clear definition of what constitutes a "public space", so proceed at your own risk. Usually, if a space doesn't allow photography, there will be a sign in both Japanese and English to let you know.

To avoid causing trouble, read up on the Japan Society for Digital Archive's guidelines. It gives you a list of things to be mindful of when you're documenting your memories in Japan. Most likely, your photos are keepsakes to remind you of your trip. But if you're using them for a monetized project, like a social media campaign, it would be advisable to blur out any faces in the background to avoid lawsuits.

It's in your best interest to be a considerate tourist when visiting Japan. Unfortunately, cases of tourists ignoring no-photography rules have become more frequent. Not only is this incredibly disrespectful to the people whose country you're visiting and the sanctity of certain sites, but in some cases, ignoring the rules can be dangerous. The last thing you want is to land in a heap of trouble when you travel abroad. It's important to keep in mind that photo rules in Japan go beyond taking pictures of people when they're not suspecting it. You also can't take photos of certain sites or certain objects. Additionally, some photography tools are not allowed at select locations.

For example, some places have banned selfie sticks because they become a safety hazard in crowded places. One wrong move can result in serious injury. Places where selfie sticks are not allowed will typically have some sort of signage to indicate this. However, feel free to pull them out in an uncrowded area as long those around you are a safe distance away, and photography in general is permissible at your location.

Speaking of permissible, keep in mind that you can't take photos everywhere you go. Some locations, such as shrines, temples, and museums, will have signs to indicate that photos are not allowed. The same is true for most major music venues, some night clubs, shopping centers, and maid cafes. If you're caught, you'll most likely be hounded by a staff member. In some instances, you may be asked to leave the premises. But why put yourself in that position, especially at a religious site? Some places generally safe for taking photos (as long as no one is in the background) include restaurants, public transportation and train stations, and empty streets.