For anyone who has been fortunate enough to visit Japan – or is planning a trip there – you’ll know the bullet trains are not only a big drawcard, but also a great way to get around.
However, as more and more tourists flood the country, a Japanese tourist boss has called out a common mistake travellers make that is getting on the locals’ nerves.
In 2024, Japan welcomed 36.9 million international visitors with 920,000 of those from Australia – an all-time high marking a 50.1 per cent increase from 2023.
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Travel to Japan is still booming, but tourists need to be aware of social customs. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Speaking to The Mirror, Japan Tourism Agency’s commissioner, Shigeki Murata, said incoming visitors not respecting the social rules is “one of the big challenges” for the country.
And, according to Murata, public transport, particularly the train network, is one area where tensions can really build between residents and travellers.
“We were told by our parents that we have to behave on trains. Silent would be ideal,” he said.
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An online Japan Guide online offers a little more detail on what is expected when catching a train.
“Keep your voice down. Talking loudly on trains is considered bad-mannered and ranks highly amongst the most annoying behaviours on trains in Japan,” the website explained.
“Don’t talk on the phone. Only on long-distance trains on the decks between cars is talking on the phone acceptable. Set your phone to silent mode. Set the volume of your headphones low.”
Japanese tourist boss warns against a common mistake on bullet trains. (Getty)
Aussie Donna Burke, who is actually the ‘voice’ behind the train announcements, shared a similar warning previously.
Speaking to 9Travel earlier this year, she also pointed out that chatting or talking on the phone is a big no-no.
“You’re not allowed to talk on a phone at your seat – you have to move to the end of the carriage,” Donna said.
“They are not into any noise on trains.”
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The trains are a great way to travel around the country. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
When it comes to using the famous trains, she says that if you’re on time, you’re basically late.
”Being punctual means planning an extra 20 minutes more than you think to navigate the huge stations,” she said.
“The Shinkansen trains always depart exactly on time.”
Another big mistake a lot of tourists make when they touch down in Japan has to do with another popular activity – onsen.
Some tourists commonly make the same mistake when visiting an onsen in Japan. (Getty)
Joichi Tamura, a local guide who leads tours with Walk Japan, said recently that he often sees travellers making a faux pas when they visit an onsen.
“Two common misconceptions are that onsen hot spring baths are mixed-gender and that it is OK to wear swimming wear,” he told 9Travel.
“With a rare few exceptions, onsen are divided between females and males, and everyone is stark naked.”
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