In the narrow streets of Gion, where sunlight streams through ancient wooden buildings and the aroma of sizzling street food fills the air, tranquility can be shattered by a tourist touching a geisha’s hair—a disrespectful act that has sparked outrage.
Unfortunately, incidents like these aren’t uncommon. Imagine being the person who thinks, "Surely, it’s fine to chase after a geisha for a selfie, right?"—spoiler alert: it’s not. Reports from places like Unseen Japan have highlighted these moments of cultural faux pas, painting a not-so-flattering picture of foreign visitors.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Japan-gets-more-than-it-bargained-for-with-tourist-boom
1. Respect Personal Space and Silence
Japan values quiet and orderly conduct, especially in public spaces like trains and temples. Yet, there have been numerous reports of tourists disregarding this, for example by being rowdy on trains or taking loud phone calls in serene places like shrines. Such behavior not only disturbs locals but also detracts from the experience for everyone.
Tip: Keep noise levels down, especially in confined spaces. Use headphones if you need to listen to something and avoid talking on the phone in quiet areas, especially on trains.
https://livejapan.com/en/in-tokyo/in-pref-tokyo/in-ikebukuro/article-a0002759/
2. Follow Local Customs
Japan is steeped in tradition, and respecting local customs is key. For example, entering homes or traditional accommodations with shoes on is a major faux pas. There have been instances where tourists have ignored the proper etiquette at shrines, such as washing hands at purification stations or bowing before entering. This lack of awareness can offend and alienate locals.
Tip: Learn a few key customs before your trip. For example, always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home or certain traditional accommodations, and be mindful of proper behavior in religious or cultural sites.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/tourists-issued-warning-over-clothes-33448499
3. Be Mindful of Photography
Japan offers countless photo opportunities, but not everything is meant to be captured. Recently, there have been cases of tourists taking inappropriate photos in restricted areas or intrusively snapping pictures of locals without permission, especially in sensitive areas like Gion, where the pursuit of geisha photography has led to complaints and even bans in certain areas.
Tip: Always check for signs indicating whether photography is allowed, and ask for permission if you're unsure (you can say: “Shashin o totte mo iidesu ka?”). Respect the privacy of locals and avoid photographing people without their consent.
https://news.sky.com/story/japan-holes-found-in-huge-black-screen-put-up-to-stop-tourists-taking-photos-of-mount-fuji-13144531
4. Handle Trash Properly
One of the most visible issues has been tourists mishandling trash in Japan. Despite the country's cleanliness, public trash cans are scarce, leading some tourists to carelessly discard their litter. This has led to frustration among locals and even reports of increased littering in tourist hotspots.
Tip: Carry a small bag with you to store any trash until you find a proper disposal area. Never litter, and if you're unsure where to throw something away, hold onto it until you can dispose of it properly.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Travel-Leisure/Japan-tourist-spots-bring-back-public-trash-cans-as-travel-rebounds
5. Be Polite and Grateful
Japan’s culture of politeness is world-renowned, but some tourists have drawn attention for being rude or demanding in shops and restaurants. Stories of tourists being ungrateful or disrespectful to service staff have circulated, creating a negative image of foreign visitors.
Tip: Learn a few basic phrases like "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu) and "excuse me" (sumimasen). Always be courteous, and show appreciation for the services and kindness extended to you.
https://www.japan.travel/en/guide/understanding-and-mastering-japanese-manners-and-etiquette/
Final Thoughts
Tourism in Japan is a privilege, and with that comes the responsibility to respect the country’s customs and people. From the ancient streets of Kyoto to the bustling alleys of Tokyo, how one behaves can have a lasting impact—both on the individual experience and on the reputation of travelers as a whole. By being mindful and respectful, you can ensure your journey through Japan is remembered for the right reasons, rather than becoming the subject of the next unfortunate headline.
For those interested in how tourist behavior has impacted Japan, notable reports include instances of geisha harassment in Gion, and disruptions in Kyoto's temples. Reading up on these can provide valuable lessons on how to be a better visitor.
For more information on tourists behaving badly and tips on how to avoid becoming part of the problem, check out Unseen Japan's coverage on overtourism as well as the BBC's take on why tourists can sometimes lose all sense of decorum while on holiday here.
