Etiquette in Japan: 'Meiwaku'
We Japanese people have a lot of rules, don’t we?!
Well, at least that’s what I’ve heard from many non-Japanese people visiting Japan (and even many who live here, too).
Are these rules myths about Japan or fact?
It’s true, Japanese society has a pretty wide set of expectations when it comes to how people behave and act. These have been in place for a long, long time, and it’s these “rules” that help make Japan a safe and stable country.
But for some people, especially visitors who might not be familiar with these expectations (“rules”, “suggestions” & whatnot), it might seem a little overwhelming.
That’s why, from time to time, we at Japan Travel Pros like to share tips & lessons with you, so that your trip to Japan can be the best possible experience.
Today’s topic on rules & expectations in Japanese society is: “Meiwaku.”
Meiwaku: At the Heart of Japanese Social Harmony
I honestly can’t think of too many concepts in Japanese society (especially ones that can trip up visitors) that carry as much significance as "meiwaku" (迷惑).
This term, which broadly translates to causing trouble, annoyance or burden to others, shapes social interactions throughout Japan. For international visitors, understanding meiwaku helps navigate social situations and shows respect for local customs.
At its core, meiwaku is a concept covering actions & behavior that inconvenience or disturb others.
Japanese society places high value on social harmony, with each person expected to consider how one’s behavior affects other people. This consideration extends beyond family and friends to encompass all social interactions, including those with strangers.
The concept runs deeper than simple politeness: it reflects a societal expectation – a “social compact” if you will – of maintaining social order.
This mindset develops early on in Japanese education, where students learn to clean their own classrooms and serve each other lunch, fostering awareness of how individual actions impact the group. It continues in our daily lives, such as:
Interactions with family & friends
Encounters with people in public places, e.g. in public transit, restaurants, etc.
Work interactions & communication
Meiwaku means, in essence, follow the “golden rule” and treat others with respect, as you’d want to be treated respectfully as well. It can mean, among other things:
Keep your promises (be on time, don’t cancel or no-show, do what you say you’ll do, etc.)
Maintain a quiet or reasonable volume in public places (you’ll notice that trains in Japan are notoriously quiet, as are restaurants/coffee shops and even many streets)
Don’t litter (even if you don’t see a trash bin, which are far fewer here, it’s up to you to hold onto your items and dispose of them properly instead of making them someone else’s problem)
Speak in a respectful and polite manner (you may notice that we Japanese have a variety of “levels” for spoken & written language, rising in politeness and honorific nature depending on the situation and the other person(s) involved)
These are just a few of the examples of meiwaku in our day to day lives here in Japan. But how does it affect you, as a visitor to Japan?
Common Meiwaku Situations for International Visitors
There are several ways in which, even as a guest in this country, it’s better for you to participate in the Japanese tradition of behaving responsibly and respectfully. Let’s go over some of those.
Dining Protocol – Hold the Substitutions, Please
We’ve got a whole article about how to order in restaurants in Japan, which covers politeness too. Here’s a little rundown.
Japanese restaurants take pride in their specialized offerings. Local establishments often perfect specific dishes through years of dedication.
Despite this, however, some international visitors try to goo off script and cause meiwaku, by:
requesting ingredients from different menu items
asking for substitutions
ordering off the menu altogether
or even telling the staff how to cook the meal (it happens, especially when visitors are accustomed to “Japanese food” being different at home!)
While this might be standard practice for some countries, these are all considered meiwaku and not good behavior in Japan.
Among other things, It creates unnecessary complications for kitchen staff who have carefully crafted their menu items. And it causes confusion & burden for serving staff.
Small restaurants in Japan typically operate with minimal staff, sometimes just one or two people handling everything from cooking to serving. Each menu item represents careful planning of ingredients, preparation time & kitchen workflow. Special requests can disrupt this delicate balance, particularly during busy periods.
The better approach is to appreciate and trust the restaurant’s expertise – or just go elsewhere and find an alternative venue that better suits your preferences.
Some chain restaurants do have customized ordering, especially the ones where you can order on a touch pad. Other restaurants in tourist areas might be able to accommodate allergy requests. But don’t expect either of these to be the norm.
Public Transportation Etiquette in Japan – How Not to Cause Meiwaku
Japan's public transportation system serves millions daily, making consideration for fellow passengers essential.
Some no-no’s on trains and buses include:
Speaking loudly on phones (in fact, calls are generally frowned upon while in transit)
Eating or drinking on trains (except on certain long-distance routes)
Taking up extra seat or aisle space with luggage
The morning rush hour presents particular challenges. Trains fill to capacity, making any unnecessary movement or space occupation problematic. During these times, even common activities like applying makeup or browsing phones with bright screens can disturb fellow passengers.
If you’re following the slow travel approach on your Japan, well, this might help.
Photography Protocols in Japan – Don’t Be THAT Tourist, Please
Social media's influence on travel has led to increased photography in public spaces.
However, taking photos of people without permission or blocking pedestrian traffic for the perfect shot creates meiwaku. This is particularly relevant in popular areas like Kyoto's Gion district, where local authorities have implemented photography restrictions due to disruptive behavior.
The issue extends to sacred sites such as shrines and temples. Many locations now display "no photography" signs after incidents of visitors disrupting ceremonies or prayer sessions for social media content. Some temples in Kyoto have even banned photography entirely during peak seasons.
Understanding Cultural Context for Manners in Japan
Meiwaku & manners awareness reflects deeper aspects of Japanese society. It's important to note that this principle doesn't stem only from rigid rules but from genuine consideration for others' comfort and convenience. This mindset has practical applications in daily life.
Hotel & Accommodation Behavior
Japanese accommodations want to provide calm, smooth experiences for all guests. This means keeping voices down in corridors, respecting check-in & check-out times (they’re also going to charge you more if you go over time!) & following proper onsen (hot spring) protocols.
These aren't arbitrary rules but essential practices that ensure everyone enjoys their stay.
In traditional ryokan (Japanese inns), timing particularly matters. Dinner service often involves precisely scheduled cooking and serving times. Late arrivals can disrupt the entire evening's service flow, affecting both staff operations and other guests' experiences.
Restaurant Reservations in Japan
Making restaurant reservations and not showing up creates significant meiwaku!
Many high-end establishments in Japan are small, often seating fewer than 20 guests. A no-show impacts both the restaurant's business and other potential guests who could have enjoyed the experience.
Some restaurants invest considerable preparation time for each reservation, including ingredient procurement and staff scheduling. This makes last-minute cancellations or no-shows particularly problematic. Many establishments now require credit card guarantees or charge cancellation fees to address this issue – and unfortunately that’s because they have some incidents (yup, a few bad apples & whatnot!).
Shopping & Customer Service Interactions in Japan
Staff in Japanese shops and service establishments maintain high standards of politeness and efficiency. The concept of customer service in Japan differs from many Western countries. While staff maintain exceptional politeness, the underlying principle focuses on smooth operations benefiting all customers rather than individual customization or added benefits for some but not others.
Prolonged indecision or excessive questions, haggling (a no-no in Japan!) or demanding special treatment creates unnecessary strain on these professional relationships.
Also, when you’re in a shop, understand what their job is and is not. In a department store, for example, staff in the different departments are typically employees of that boutique, not of the department store in general; so it’s best not to ask them questions about other departments or “where can I get this” etc.
Practical Tips for Avoiding Meiwaku
Communication Approaches
When making requests or seeking assistance, you’re better off starting with "sumimasen" (excuse me) and maintaining a polite tone. This shows awareness of potentially causing inconvenience and appreciation for help received. Yes, they are being paid to help you, but you are also expected as the customer to show respect & appreciation for that help!
Body language plays a crucial role. Maintaining a calm demeanor, speaking in moderate tones & showing patience during interactions helps prevent meiwaku situations. This becomes particularly important when dealing with language barriers.
Also, when you find yourself in a situation where you’re not getting the response you want, it’s best not to press ahead. In other words, please don’t be pushy.
We Japanese are generally reluctant to say “no” outright, but we have several polite and respectful words, phrases and ways in which we effectively communicate the answer as de facto “no.” It’s up to the person on the receiving end to “read the room” and back off the request. When in doubt, best to move on out.
Time Management & Punctuality in Japan
Punctuality holds particular importance in Japan. Arriving late to appointments or scheduled activities impacts others' schedules and creates meiwaku. Building extra time into travel plans helps maintain smooth scheduling. If you’re a chronic “late arrival” personality, don’t expect others to wait for you (and do expect them to be a bit chuffed about the situation).
Japanese trains' famous punctuality reflects this cultural value. Delays of even a few minutes trigger public announcements and apologies, as they might affect thousands of passengers' schedules.
Space Awareness in Japan
In crowded urban environments, awareness of personal space becomes crucial. This includes managing luggage in tight spaces, walking on the correct side of sidewalks (haha this changes from region to region!) & avoiding blocking sidewalks or pathways while consulting maps or phones.
This awareness extends to sound space too. Phone conversations in quiet areas, loud group discussions in restaurants or noisy children in public spaces can all create meiwaku.
Oh, yeah, those “Mario Kart” tours in Japan? Big meiwaku!! Sure, they may technically be legal (not always). But the inconvenience these go-karts cause to other drivers, pedestrians and residents is huge. Don’t be that tourist, either, please!
The Broader Impact of Being a Good Traveler in Japan
Understanding meiwaku doesn't require becoming an expert in Japanese culture. Instead, it asks visitors to show basic consideration and respect. This approach enhances travel experiences and promotes positive cultural exchange.
Practicing meiwaku awareness creates positive ripple effects throughout your Japan journey. Local residents appreciate visitors who show understanding of this cultural value, often responding with increased friendliness and assistance.
Small considerations accumulate into meaningful interactions. Something as simple as waiting patiently in line or speaking softly in temples can lead to spontaneous moments of cultural connection and local hospitality.
Awareness of meiwaku enriches travel experiences in Japan while showing respect for local customs. This consideration helps create meaningful connections and memorable experiences during your visit to Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manners & Etiquette in Japan
1. What should I do if I accidentally cause meiwaku?
Apologize sincerely with "sumimasen" or “gomennasai” – and adjust your behavior accordingly.
2. Are there situations where causing minor meiwaku is unavoidable?
Perhaps, but showing awareness and attempting to minimize impact goes a long way.
How strict are these social rules in Japan?
They're generally flexible guidelines rather than rigid rules, but following them shows respect for local customs.
What about language barriers?
Basic politeness transcends language: a smile, bow or gesture of appreciation communicates consideration.
How can I learn more about Japanese etiquette before visiting?
Observation of other travelers and locals provides valuable real-time examples of appropriate behavior.
Should I worry constantly about causing meiwaku?
Worry? Maybe not. Be mindful? Yes, please. Maintaining basic awareness and showing consideration for others is usually going to be enough.
What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
Medical needs are understood: communicate these clearly when making reservations rather than requesting last-minute changes.