Japanese Culture

Japanese culture and language guides for travelers — from everyday greetings like konnichiwa and oyasumi nasai, to the regional Kansai-ben dialect heard in Kyoto and Osaka (okini, sugoi, maido), to iconic places and customs that shape a Japan trip.

What you will find in this section

• Japanese phrases for everyday situations: greetings, thanks, ordering food, asking directions
• Kansai-ben — the dialect of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, with pronunciation notes
• Etiquette at temples, shrines, ryokan, onsen and tea houses
• Guides to Kabukicho, Gion, Akihabara, Asakusa and other distinctive neighbourhoods
• Food and drink vocabulary: sushi, sashimi, izakaya, ramen, matcha and sake
• Seasonal customs: hanami in spring, matsuri festivals, Obon, New Year

Most popular topics

• How to say “good night”, “good morning”, “thank you” and “excuse me” in Japanese
• The meaning of okini, sugoi, arigato, sayonara and konnichiwa
• Kabukicho after dark: what to expect and how to enjoy it responsibly
• Ryokan etiquette: shoes, yukata, bath rules, tipping

For travel logistics across Japan — trains, JR passes, where to stay, food itineraries — head to our Japan destination hub.

Featured guides

• How to say “good night” in Japanese
• Okini: the Kansai thank-you
• Kabukicho: Tokyo’s famous nightlife district

FAQ

Do I need to know Japanese to travel in Japan?

No — tourist areas of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and major shinkansen-served cities have enough English signage and service English. Outside these areas, basic phrases help a lot: arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me/sorry), eigo wa hanasemasu ka? (do you speak English?). Google Translate camera mode handles most restaurant menus.

What is the etiquette at a ryokan?

Remove shoes at the entrance; wear the provided slippers inside but never onto tatami mats. Bathe in the onsen before dinner (body scrubbed clean before entering the bath). Wear the yukata robe provided, with the left side over the right (right over left is for funerals). Be quiet in common areas after 22:00.

Is it rude to tip in Japan?

Yes — tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can be interpreted as implying the staff needs charity. High-end ryokan may include a discretionary service charge on the bill; otherwise, exceptional service should be acknowledged with a sincere arigatou gozaimashita. Tour guides are an exception — a small envelope of cash is becoming standard.

What are the main Japanese phrases for travelers?

Essential: konnichiwa (hello, day), arigatou (thank you), sumimasen (sorry/excuse me), hai/iie (yes/no), oishii (delicious), oyasumi nasai (good night), ikura desu ka? (how much?), eki wa doko desu ka? (where is the station?). Learn hiragana if you have time — it unlocks menu reading.

What should I know about Japanese bathing?

Public baths (onsen, sento) and ryokan baths require you to shower fully seated on the provided stool before entering the bath. The bath water is for soaking, not cleaning. Traditionally no swimsuits, no cameras, no phones. Some onsen still restrict tattoos — check ahead or use onsen-specific tattoo cover stickers.