5 Important Gestures in Japan every Tourist Should Know

In many cultures, our hands tell stories. From saying hello to a friend to getting a thumbs up from a parent—gestures are the easy way to communicate a thought or a feeling. Japan is a culture that values harmony and respect, and here, a gesture is worth a thousand words. Tourists do what they can to learn the basics of a language before traveling. But sometimes the words don't come to mind fast enough. Below are five useful gestures that will help you get around Japan when your Japanese fails you.

Last updated: February 2026

A Cultural Note Before We Start

People in Japan tend to avoid speaking in a direct or frank manner. When two people talk, they try to broach sensitive topics gently—the goal is to avoid making the other person uncomfortable. No one wants to be seen as aggressive or confrontational. People speak indirectly rather than head-on. A common example: a customer wants to return something, but it's against the store's policy. Rather than a blunt "no," the staff will find softer ways to communicate the situation. It's that kind of tension—direct, uncomfortable confrontation—that people in Japan work hard to avoid. Keep this in mind when you're in conversation, especially if you need to decline something. We'll cover exactly how to say "no" with gestures later in this post.

This indirect communication style shapes everything from how people greet each other to how they navigate meals. If you want to understand the deeper "why" behind Japanese etiquette, our post on living in Japan as a foreigner digs into the collectivist mindset that drives it all.

1. The Check

Draw a square or rectangle in the air using both index fingers, starting from the top and outlining the shape. Another variation is making a writing motion in the air. Both get the message across—you're asking for the bill. If you say "check, please," most servers will understand. But the Japanese way to say it is: "sumimasen, okaikei kudasai" (すみません、お会計下さい). That said, many restaurants in Japan have automated payment systems. Ramen shops, for example, often have ticket vending machines at the entrance—you order and pay before you even sit down. These systems make things easier for everyone, especially when there's a language barrier.

A typical food ticket vending machine at a ramen shop.

For more on navigating Japanese restaurants and dining customs, check out our guide to eating like a local.

2. Saying "No"

Imagine you're chatting with a new friend, discovering all the things you have in common—like that scene in Step Brothers where two grown men become best friends over shared interests. Now imagine throwing a wrench into that momentum by saying "no" to something. In Japan, that kind of directness can feel like tossing an iron bar into the wheel of a cyclist about to win the Tour de France. People in Japan avoid saying no outright because it's too direct. It stems from not wanting to disappoint, not wanting to seem aggressive, and not wanting to create confrontation. Instead, gestures soften the blow. Here are the three most common ways to say "no" without actually saying it.

The Silent Head Tilt
The person silently tilts their head without answering your question. If they were smiling before, the smile might fade as they deliver the bad news. This means "no" or "I don't know." If they tilt their head while saying "anmari" (あんまり)—meaning "not really"—it's definitely a no.

The Hand Wave
Waving the hand in front of the face with the palm perpendicular—imagine fanning your mouth after eating something spicy, but over the nose instead. This gesture means "no, thank you" or "I don't need it." For example, if someone offers you the last piece of natto-maki, this is the polite way to decline.

The X and O—"Batsu" and "Maru"
The first two are soft nos. This one is the hard no. Cross your forearms into an X shape—you can also do it with your fingers or hands. This is the universal "no" gesture in Japan, seen everywhere from classrooms to TV shows. There's even a famous sound effect for it called the ping-pong-boo: the "boo-boo" sound means no, while the "ping-pong" sound means yes. In contrast, the yes gesture is making a circle above your head with your arms. Both gestures work well at a distance when you're out of earshot and need bigger visual cues.

3. Pointing

People use their hands when they talk—no matter where they're from. That includes pointing. Even in the West, pointing an index finger in someone's face is aggressive and rude. In Japan, it carries even more weight. Pointing with your finger is associated with anger and punishment—teachers point at students when scolding them. For many Japanese people, being pointed at feels like being attacked. So what do people do instead? They point with an open hand, palm facing up—almost like they're welcoming you into their home. This applies to pointing in a direction, introducing something, or even during general conversation. At a restaurant, watch how servers might gently rest their fingers on the menu item they're recommending.

The open-hand point—how to gesture politely in Japan.

You talkin' to me?

There is one exception where a Japanese person would use an index finger to point—and that's pointing at their own nose to say "me." So when you want to ask "You talking to me?"—point to your nose. You might also see it in billboard ads or on TV when an actor is pointing to a phone number or website.

4. The Casual Apology

For a formal apology, people in Japan use a deep bow—we cover the different types of bows in our post on greetings and bowing. But for everyday situations, there's a more casual option. It's a small karate-chop motion with your hand in front of you—a humble way to say "sorry" or "excuse me." Use it when you're trying to squeeze past someone, when you grab the last piece of karaage from a shared plate, or after winning rock-paper-scissors.

5. The Money Sign

The great thing about the word "okay" is that it's universal—you can go anywhere in the world, say "okay," and people understand. The same goes for the okay gesture. Japan is no different. Now, make the okay sign and add a small twist of the wrist so the "O" faces upward. Congratulations—you've got money on your hands (pun intended). This gesture means you're rich or you have money. For example, if your Japanese friend suggests a pricey café, you could flash both gestures: "Okay"—twist—"I've got money."

Keep Exploring

Gestures are just one layer of Japanese communication. The way people greet each other, eat together, and move through public spaces all carry unspoken meaning. Here are some related guides:

🙇 How to Greet People in Japan—Bowing & Everyday Etiquette
🍜 Eat Like a Local: Japanese Food Etiquette
🚶 Is It Okay to Eat While Walking in Japan?
🏡 What It's Like Living in Japan as a Foreigner

If you have questions or want to share your own experience with gestures in Japan, drop a comment below. Thanks for reading!