RAID Traveller’s Guide: Mastering Japanese Manners & Etiquette

(How to Respect the Culture and Ride Like a Local)

Japan’s famous for its hospitality, precision, and respectfulness. Locals don’t expect you to be perfect, but understanding the basics will be appreciated everywhere from ramen shops to ryokan inns. We've pulled together this RAID-friendly guide to help you feel more confident, whether you’re soaking in an onsen, navigating a ryokan stay, or clinking sake glasses with new friends.

Shoes Off, Slippers On

In Japan, you’ll quickly notice the strict shoes-off culture. Whenever entering a traditional inn (ryokan), a home, or even some restaurants, you’ll need to remove your shoes.

Look for the step up—this marks where you switch from outdoor to indoor life.
Slip out of your shoes without stepping around the entry area, and step straight onto the raised floor or slippers provided.
If slippers are waiting, use them.

Inside tatami mat rooms (those beautiful woven straw floors), slippers come off again—only socks or bare feet on tatami. Slippers stay at the door of the room.

Bathroom slippers: Yep, toilets have their own slippers. Step into them when using the bathroom and always leave them behind after. Walking out wearing toilet slippers might seem funny, but trust us, your host will be on your heels fixing the mistake!

Tatami Mats & Room Etiquette

Never sit or stand on the decorative alcove (tokonoma) inside traditional rooms.
Don’t sit directly on tables, and avoid setting personal items on them.
Rooms often have futons stored away during the day. In ryokan, staff will typically set these up for you.
Fun fact: Futons should be arranged so your head doesn’t point north—this is reserved for the deceased.

Futons, Not Fluff: Why Your Bed Feels Like the Floor

At our ryokans, you’ll be sleeping Japanese-style: on a firm futon laid over tatami mats. No pillow-top mattresses, no memory foam.

Why? Traditionally, many Japanese believe that a soft bed leads to a soft body. In other words, too much comfort makes you weak. (suffering?)

Think of your futon as part of your training program:

Keeps your back straight.
Encourages natural posture.
Builds character after a long day in the saddle.

(Okay, maybe that last one’s not official—but it’s true.)

Our RAID tip? Embrace the firm bed. Your body might protest night one, but by night three, you’ll sleep like a local. That said—if it concerns you, just add another futon. Stack ‘em as high as you want! Find them in the cabinets of your room. No judgment from us.

Wearing Yukata (Your New Favorite Robe)

You’ll find a cotton yukata robe waiting in your room at most ryokan. Wear it around the inn, to dinner, or even out on the town if your hosts say it’s okay. Wrap it left over right (very important—the other way is for funerals). Tie the sash (obi) around your waist, usually with the knot slightly off-center.

Onsen & Bathhouse Etiquette

Bathing in Japan is a ritual and relaxation rolled into one, but it comes with a few rules:

Wash first: Always wash your body thoroughly before getting into the bath. Sit on the provided stool, use the bucket or shower, and rinse all soap and shampoo completely.
Don’t wash in the bath: The bath is for soaking only, not washing.
Towels: Small towels can come into the bathing area but never into the water itself. Fold it neatly and place it on your head or beside the bath.
Hair: Tie up long hair so it doesn’t get in the water.
Bath temperature: It’s hot—usually 38–45°C (100–113°F). Take it slow, and hydrate after.

If you’ve got tattoos, no stress—while many public baths in Japan still ban ink due to its historical ties to organized crime, it won’t be an issue at our lodges. Soak away, no questions asked.

Dining Manners: How Not to Offend Your Ramen

Say “Itadakimasu” before you eat and “Gochisosama deshita” after. It’s a small effort that earns big respect.
Don’t stick chopsticks vertically into rice bowls—it’s connected to funeral rituals.
Don’t pass food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks (another funeral association).
Never pour soy sauce directly on rice. You can dip your toppings, but rice is meant to be eaten as-is.
Serve others before pouring your own drink. If your glass is empty, refill a friend’s—they’ll do the same for you. If you don’t want a refill, leave your glass full.

Sushi Tips:

Eat sushi with chopsticks or your hands—both are acceptable.
Dip only the fish side into soy sauce, not the rice (it’ll soak up too much and fall apart).
Wasabi should be placed on the fish, not mixed into soy sauce.

Sake & Drinking Culture

Kanpai!—Raise your glass and toast before drinking.
Never pour your own sake—pour for others and let them return the favor.
Whether hot, cold, or room temperature, sake comes with its own set of traditions, but don’t overthink it. Locals are always happy to explain or guide you.

Train & Transport Etiquette

Phones silent. Text, don’t talk.
Keep conversations low—trains and buses are almost silent.
Line up to board and let passengers exit first.
Rubbish bins are rare. Pack your trash and dispose of it later—vending machine corners often have recycling bins.

General Manners Around Town

Bow slightly when greeting or thanking. A small nod is perfect.
Say “sumimasen” liberally—it’s “excuse me,” “sorry,” and “thank you,” all in one.
Don’t eat while walking. Grab a spot to the side before enjoying your snack.
Tipping? Not expected. Just say thank you.
Point with an open hand—not a finger, not chopsticks, and definitely not your feet.

Staying at a Ryokan: Japan’s Classic Hospitality Experience

Ryokan stays are about slowing down and embracing Japanese hospitality:

Sleep on futons on tatami mats.
Wear the yukata robe in common areas.
Meals are often kaiseki—multi-course feasts highlighting seasonal and local ingredients.
Baths (onsen) are central to the experience—don’t skip them!
Follow the lead of the hosts and staff—they’ll happily guide you if unsure.

Expect staff to explain where to wear your yukata, when meals are served, and when your futon will be laid out.

Channel Your Inner “Gaman” (我慢): The Art of Quiet Endurance

In Japan, there’s a cultural value called “gaman” (我慢)—the quiet strength of enduring discomfort without complaint. Whether it’s tough climbs, tight futons, or long waits at a ramen shop, Japanese people respect resilience shown calmly.

What does this mean for RAID riders?

Don’t whinge. Tired legs? Hot tunnel? Climbing in the rain? Smile and push on. Complaining loudly is frowned upon.
Suffer with style. In Japan, quiet perseverance is admired. Grin, bow your head slightly, and show you're handling it.
Celebrate small wins. A shared nod at the top of the pass, a communal soak in the onsen—these moments matter more when they follow shared hardship.

We say: Ride the gaman.
Suffer with grace. Share the ride. And at day’s end, laugh about it over sake like true endurance legends.

Road Rage? Not in Japan.

Japan’s roads are calm, patient, and polite—just like its people. Aggressive driving, shouting, honking in frustration, or any display of road rage is not just frowned upon—it’s almost unheard of. Japanese drivers are courteous and follow the rules, often to the letter. Even cyclists are treated respectfully, but this works both ways.

What NOT to do:

Don’t yell or gesture at drivers, even if something frustrates you.
Avoid aggressive riding moves—no cutting through traffic, swerving suddenly, or looking visibly angry.
Don’t blast music from your bike speaker or ride side-by-side chatting in narrow lanes.
If a car cuts you off (rare but possible), assume it was accidental and stay calm.

What TO do:

A small nod of thanks to drivers goes a long way—they’ll almost always give you space in return.
Ride predictably and stay visible.
Use your rear light (especially in tunnels—this is a must).
If in doubt, slow down and defer.

Japan’s quiet, orderly roads are part of what makes cycling here a dream. Respect the flow, ride calm, and you'll feel right at home.

Embracing “Wa” (和): Harmony Over Self

In Japan, the idea of "wa" (和)—meaning harmony or peaceful unity—shapes everyday life. People generally prioritize the smooth functioning of the group over standing out as an individual. Whether it’s sharing a meal, riding a train, or cycling in traffic, the goal is simple: Don’t disturb the harmony.

How this affects you, as a rider:

Stay in sync. Ride predictably, keep noise levels low, and avoid behaviors that would disrupt others’ experience.
Be aware of your presence. On narrow roads or village paths, minimize your impact—ride single-file, smile, and nod to locals.
Defer when unsure. Yielding—even when you technically have right of way—shows respect for the shared space.

Examples of “wa” in action:

Apologizing even when you’re not at fault, just to ease tension.
Allowing others to board a train before you, even if it means waiting a little longer.
Using quiet gestures of thanks instead of loud verbal acknowledgements.

At RAID, we say: “Ride the wa.”
Keep things smooth. Keep things light. The more you blend in, the more doors (and hearts) open for you.

Photography & Social Etiquette

Don’t photograph people (especially children) without asking.
Avoid blowing your nose in public. If needed, turn away or find a quiet corner.
Taxi doors open automatically—no need to touch them.

Souvenirs & Gift Giving

If visiting someone’s home, bring a small gift—sweets, biscuits, or seasonal fruits are perfect. Presentation matters, so wrap it nicely if you can.

Final Word from RAID

Japan’s culture can seem intricate, but it’s all grounded in respect and courtesy. Locals are patient and generous with visitors—showing you’re trying matters more than getting everything right.

Consider this guide your RAID cheat sheet to being a thoughtful, respectful rider on and off the bike.

Any questions? Ask your RAID guides—we’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to.