Introduction

Traveling in Japan becomes remarkably smooth once you know a few rules and points of etiquette. In 2026, the departure tax rose to 3,000 yen, and the rules for climbing Mt. Fuji and for tax-free shopping refunds have also changed. From riding the train to bathing in a hot spring, visiting a shrine, and dining out, this guide brings together the things worth knowing in one place. By the time you finish reading, you should feel ready to explore Japan with confidence.

Photo: A shrine precinct among cedar trees

What Changed for Japan Travel in 2026?

Many travelers are wondering, "What's different this year?" In 2026, three changes directly affect both your budget and your plans: the higher departure tax, the new tax-refund method, and the rules for climbing Mt. Fuji. Let's look at them one by one.

How Much Is Japan's Departure Tax from July 2026?

The departure tax is a tax charged to anyone leaving Japan, officially called the International Tourist Tax. Set at 1,000 yen per person since 2019, it changes to 3,000 yen for departures on or after July 1, 2026.

The charge is added to the price of your airline or ferry ticket, so there is no separate payment to make at the airport. Children under the age of two and transit passengers who leave within 24 hours of entering are exempt.

There is also a transitional measure for travelers who already hold a ticket. A transitional measure covers certain tickets issued on or before June 30, 2026, and travelers holding one pay the earlier rate of 1,000 yen even when they leave Japan on or after July 1. Because only certain tickets qualify and the issue date is what matters, travelers who have already bought a ticket should check with their airline.

For the latest details, check the official guidance from the Japan Tourism Agency.

How Do Tax-Free Refunds Work from November 2026?

If you enjoy shopping, take note of the change to the tax-free system. Until now, the consumption tax was mainly deducted at the store at the time of purchase. From November 2026, this shifts to a "refund" system: you pay the full tax-included price, have it verified when you leave the country, and receive the refund afterward.

The exact procedures and any required registration are still being finalized as the system launches. The safest approach is to confirm the latest, accurate steps on the National Tax Agency's official guidance before you prepare.

How Much Does It Cost to Climb Mount Fuji?

If you plan to climb Mt. Fuji, checking the rules is essential. On the Yamanashi side, the Yoshida Trail introduced a toll in 2024 and raised it to 4,000 yen in 2025. On the Shizuoka side, the Fujinomiya, Subashiri and Gotemba trails have required a 4,000 yen entry fee under a prefectural ordinance since 2025. In 2026 all four trails charge 4,000 yen.

In addition, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. the next morning, entry is restricted except for those with mountain-hut reservations. On the Yoshida route on the Yamanashi side, the gate closes once the number of climbers reaches 4,000 in a day. The Yoshida and Subashiri trails open on July 1, the Fujinomiya and Gotemba trails on July 10, and all of them close on September 10. A realistic plan and proper gear are essential.

Photo: Fujinomiya, Shizuoka / Mount Fuji Omotoguchi Fifth Station

Street Rules for Smoking, Drinking and Trash

Japanese streets have several rules that may not be obvious from an overseas perspective. The three most likely to affect travelers are tobacco, alcohol, and trash. Knowing the background makes it easy to behave naturally.

How Much Is the Fine for Smoking on the Street?

A "karyo" is a sum collected by a local government for an ordinance violation. The amount for street smoking varies by area.

In Tokyo's Chiyoda ward, the entire ward is a no-smoking street zone, and smoking or littering in the restricted area brings a fine. The ordinance sets the fine at up to 20,000 yen, and 2,000 yen applies for the time being. Chiyoda was also the first ward in the country to establish an ordinance with penalties. In Osaka, street smoking has been banned citywide since January 27, 2025, with a 1,000-yen fine for violations. In both cities the rules cover cigarettes as well as heated tobacco products. Chiyoda began charging the fine for smoking heated tobacco on the street on November 1, 2024. Smoking is expected to take place in designated smoking areas.

What Time Does Shibuya's Street Drinking Ban Start?

In Tokyo's Shibuya ward, in the designated area around Shibuya Station, drinking on the street or in parks has been banned from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. year-round since October 1, 2024. What was once limited to Halloween and the New Year now applies all year.

This ordinance carries no penalty. However, if you drink at night within the designated area, you may be approached and advised by patrol staff commissioned by the ward. When you want to enjoy a drink in Shibuya at night, doing so inside a venue or at your hotel is the safe choice.

Where Do You Throw Away Trash in Japan?

Walking around Japan, you will notice how few trash cans there are. Public bins have been reduced for reasons such as safety, and carrying out your own trash is the basic custom.

When you're stuck, you can use the bins beside convenience stores and vending machines, or inside train stations. Keeping a small plastic bag with you while shopping is handy, as it lets you collect your trash until you return to your hotel.(9:02)

Train Manners and Seating Rules

Japanese trains are among the quietest public spaces in the world. Because almost every visitor uses them, there are manners worth knowing so you won't feel lost. Here are the basics in three common situations.

Photo: Inside a JR East train / a women only car, in effect only during set morning and late-night hours

Can You Sit in a Priority Seat?

A priority seat is a seat to be offered first to elderly people, pregnant people, those with disabilities, and people with small children. You may sit there when it is empty.

What matters is giving up your seat when someone who needs it boards. On some lines, signs near priority seats ask passengers to switch phones to silent mode or turn them off when the train is crowded.(4:07)

What If You Board a Women-Only Car by Mistake?

Women-only cars are usually limited to certain times, such as the morning and evening commute. You'll see pink signs or stickers on the platform floor and on the train doors.

If a man boards one by mistake, there's no need to panic; simply move to another car at the next station. Checking the time period and the signs before boarding helps you avoid confusion.(4:16)

What Do You Do with Backpacks and Phone Calls?

In a crowded car, holding your backpack in front or placing it on the overhead rack keeps it out of others' way. Refrain from phone calls, and listen to music with earphones. Eating and drinking are also best kept to a minimum on local trains. On the Shinkansen and limited express trains, where you settle into your seat, eating and drinking are common, so adjusting by the type of train feels natural.(5:12)

Dining Manners and Paying in Japan

Japan's dining scene is full of points where common sense is the opposite of what you may be used to. Knowing them lets you eat with ease and feel closer to the locals. Let's look at three: tipping, chopsticks, and paying.

Do You Tip in Japan?

Japan has no tipping custom. The cost of service is already included in the bill. If you try to leave a tip, staff may even chase after you, thinking you forgot something. When you want to show your gratitude, a simple "Gochisousama deshita" as you leave is the natural way.(15:51)

Which Chopstick Habits Should You Avoid?

There are a few chopstick habits to avoid. Standing chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice recalls a funeral setting and is strongly avoided. Resting chopsticks across the top of a dish, or stabbing food with them, is also best avoided; place them on the chopstick rest when not in use.

On the other hand, slurping noodles such as ramen or soba is accepted as a sign that you're enjoying the meal. Feel free to enjoy it without worry.(13:06)

Where and How Do You Pay?

At most shops, you pay at the register rather than at your table. When handling change, placing money on the tray at the counter is the common practice.

Besides cash, more shops now accept IC cards and transit e-money such as Suica, and QR code payments such as PayPay. Travelers from China can sometimes use Alipay or WeChat Pay directly at participating stores in Japan. Small independent shops may take cash only, so having some cash on hand is reassuring.(15:10)

Etiquette at Shrines, Temples and Sightseeing Spots

Shrines, temples, and traditional sightseeing spots have rules that differ from ordinary attractions. Knowing the etiquette greatly deepens your cultural experience.

Photo: Kirishima, Kagoshima / the vermilion halls of Kirishima Jingu, a shrine rooted in mountain worship

How Do You Pray at a Shinto Shrine?

At many shrines, you first purify your hands and mouth at the purification fountain (chozuya) before praying. The Association of Shinto Shrines gives two bows, two claps and a final bow as the basic form. You bow twice, clap your hands twice and bow once more. There is no strict rule about when to offer a coin or ring the bell, and each shrine gives its own guidance. Follow any posted instructions.

Can You Take Photos in Kyoto's Gion?

In Kyoto's Gion district, photo manners on private lanes have become an issue. Chasing and photographing maiko and geiko (geiko are known elsewhere as geisha) — both women who perform traditional arts and entertain guests in Kyoto — became a problem, so the local council put up signs on private lanes such as Kosode-koji reading "No Through Traffic" and "No Unauthorized Photography." The signs say that the owner's side asks for 10,000 yen from anyone who enters or photographs the lane without permission. This is not a penalty imposed by the national or local government, and whether the money is actually demanded depends on the situation. Entering without permission can still lead to a warning on the spot, a claim from the owner, or a call to the police, so follow what the signs ask.

The sign is posted at the entrances to the private lane by a local council entrusted by the owner of Kosode Koji. There are public streets too, such as Hanamikoji, but the basics are to follow the signs and not chase people to photograph them.

Manners for Eating on the Go and When Shoes Come Off

Kamakura City uses an ordinance on improving manners to ask visitors to refrain from eating while walking in crowded places. It is a request, not a ban or regulation. Kyoto and Asakusa make similar requests, so following any signs you see is the safe approach.

At inns, shrines and temples, and some restaurants, there are moments when you take off your shoes at the entrance. Placing your shoes neatly together makes a more polite impression.(19:22)

How to Use an Onsen, and Tattoo Policies

The hot spring (onsen) is one of the great joys of a trip to Japan, and also the place where travelers most often feel unsure. An onsen is a uniquely Japanese bathing culture in which you soak in natural water warmed by geothermal heat. Let's cover the basic etiquette and the realistic options for those with tattoos.

What Do You Do Before Entering an Onsen?

Before getting into the bath, rinse your body with a scoop of water, wash at the washing area, and then enter. When you get in, the basic rule is not to wear a swimsuit. It's the opposite of what you might expect, but at most facilities people bathe nude. Keep your towel out of the bathwater, placing it on your head or at the washing area. Master these three points and you can relax even on your first visit.(20:26)

Can You Enter an Onsen with Tattoos?

For those with tattoos, the worry is whether they'll be allowed to bathe. In a 2015 survey by the Japan Tourism Agency, about 56% of facilities declined entry to people with tattoos, about 31% allowed it, and about 13% allowed it on conditions such as covering the tattoo with a sticker. Responses are divided, and that remains the reality.

At the same time, in 2016 the Tourism Agency urged the industry not to refuse entry without proper reason, and presented examples such as using cover stickers, offering private baths, and adjusting times. These figures come from the Tourism Agency's 2015 survey and do not show the current nationwide picture. Policies differ from one facility to the next, so travelers should check with the facility in advance.

How Do Cover Stickers and Private Baths Work?

There are three practical options for enjoying a hot spring. The first is to cover the tattoo with a skin-tone sticker. The second is to reserve a private bath or a room with its own bath and soak without worrying about others. The third is to choose, in advance, a facility that officially states it accepts guests with tattoos. In every case, checking directly with the facility before booking is the surest way.(21:07)

What Carries a Penalty and What Does Not

Here is a summary of the points covered so far, organized by action. Checking in advance which action, where, and what response it leads to gives you peace of mind before your trip.

Do the Penalties Apply to Foreign Visitors?

These rules apply to foreign travelers in the same way. Some, like Gion's private lanes, rest on a sign posted by a local council rather than on an administrative penalty, but in terms of avoiding trouble it makes no difference. How a violation is handled depends on the municipality and the ordinance. Officials may simply speak to you, or they may impose a fine on the spot, so follow the instructions given locally. When you notice a sign or a staff member's directions, following them on the spot is the smoothest approach.(20:04)

Japanese Manners on Video

For those who want to confirm the etiquette through video rather than text alone, a clip that conveys the manners through movement is helpful. How to hold a backpack, the steps for entering a hot spring, how to use chopsticks, and the gestures at a shrine are all easier to grasp by watching.

The English-language video "Manners in Japan | The Complete Guide on What to do and What NOT to do" covers a wide range, from trains and handling trash to chopstick etiquette, paying and tipping, photography, and how to enter a hot spring. Watching it once before your trip lets you review the contents of this article on screen.

【Video】See how to hold a backpack on the train at 5:12, chopstick manners at 13:06, and how to use an onsen at 20:26.

Frequently Asked Questions Before You Go

Here are answers, one by one, to the questions most likely to come up right before your trip.

Q1. When and where do I pay the 3,000-yen departure tax?
It is automatically included in the international airfare for departures on or after July 1, 2026, so there is no separate payment at the airport. Children under two and transit passengers leaving within 24 hours are exempt. Note that a transitional measure covers certain tickets issued on or before June 30, 2026, and the tax on those tickets stays at 1,000 yen. Because only certain tickets qualify, travelers who have already bought one should ask their airline.

Q2. From November 2026, how do I receive the tax-free refund?
The system shifts from deducting the consumption tax at the store to one where you pay the full tax-included price, have it verified when you leave the country, and receive the refund afterward. As the details of the procedure are still being finalized, check the National Tax Agency's official guidance for the latest information.

Q3. What are the alternatives if I have a tattoo and can't enter a hot spring?
Three options are realistic: cover it with a sticker, reserve a private bath or a room with its own bath, or choose a facility that officially states it accepts guests with tattoos. Checking directly with the facility before booking is the surest way.

Q4. Will I be penalized for walking with a can of beer in Shibuya?
Carrying a can is not what the rule covers. The ordinance on ensuring a safe and secure environment in the area around Shibuya Station bans drinking on the street in the designated area from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. There is no penalty, but if you drink there during those hours, patrol staff may approach you and ask you to stop.

Q5. Can I play music out loud on the train without earphones?
It is not banned by law, but Japanese trains have a culture of staying quiet. Out of consideration for those around you, using earphones is strongly recommended.

Summary and Pre-Trip Checklist

We've looked at everything from the new rules of 2026 to the etiquette of the streets, trains, dining, shrines, and hot springs. What's worth remembering is that these are not a list of prohibitions to memorize, but a doorway into Japanese culture. The more you understand the etiquette, the more pleasantly your interactions with locals go, and the more rewarding your trip becomes.

As a pre-departure checklist, it helps to confirm these 15 points: the amount and exemptions for the departure tax, the new tax-refund system, the Mt. Fuji climbing rules, the no-smoking areas for street smoking, Shibuya's nighttime street-drinking rule, carrying out your trash, giving up a priority seat, the time periods for women-only cars, holding your backpack in front, no phone calls on the train, no tipping, chopstick etiquette, paying at the register, shrine worship etiquette, and rinsing before a hot spring along with tattoo options.

For the latest, accurate information, checking official sources is the surest path. Here are the main ones to consult.

Knowing just a few rules makes traveling in Japan safer and far more enjoyable. With this article's checklist in hand, why not start planning the Japan trip that's right for you?