Japan is a land of deep-rooted traditions, symbolism, and spiritual beliefs. While many modern Japanese people may not consider themselves deeply superstitious, a surprising number of customs still reflect ancient beliefs—some playful, some serious, and some that can affect your experience as a traveler or student in Japan. Whether you’re visiting a shrine, staying in a guesthouse, or preparing for an exam, here are some everyday Japanese superstitions you might encounter.
In this article, we explore common Japanese superstitions, especially those visible in everyday situations, and how they can be useful or interesting for foreigners.
1. The “人” (Hito) Kanji for Nervousness
If you’re about to give a speech, meet someone important, or feel nervous before a test, you’ll sometimes see Japanese people draw the kanji for “person” (人) on their palm three times, then pretend to swallow it.
Meaning: It symbolizes “swallowing the people” who are making you nervous, calming your mind and body.
Useful for: Students, public speakers, or nervous travelers.
2. Avoid Sleeping with Your Head Facing North
In Japan, the dead are traditionally laid to rest with their heads facing north. As a result, sleeping in that direction is considered unlucky and is associated with death.
Useful for: Staying in Japanese-style accommodations (ryokan, guesthouses). Some hosts may orient futons based on this superstition—don’t be surprised if they gently suggest rearranging your bedding!
3. Chopstick Taboos
Chopsticks are loaded with symbolic meaning in Japan. Misusing them can be seen as disrespectful or even eerie:
- Never stick chopsticks upright in rice. This mirrors a funeral ritual and is deeply associated with death.
- Don’t pass food from chopstick to chopstick. This resembles the handling of bones during cremation.
Useful for: Eating out or during traditional meals. These are among the most important etiquette points for any visitor.
4. Lucky and Unlucky Numbers
- 4 (“shi”) sounds like “death” – it’s avoided in room numbers, gifts (especially hospital-related), and other contexts.
- 9 (“ku”) sounds like “suffering” – also seen as unlucky.
- 7 and 8 are often considered lucky.
Useful for: Choosing gifts (never give 4 or 9 of something), understanding why some elevators skip these numbers, or why your ryokan doesn’t have a Room 4.
5. Don’t Step in the Middle of a Shrine Path
The path (参道, sandō) leading to a shrine is sacred, and the center is reserved for the gods.
Useful for: When visiting Shinto shrines, walk along the side of the path, not in the center. It shows respect and good manners.
6. Shake the Bell, Bow, and Clap at Shrines
When you visit a shrine:
- Bow once before entering.
- Throw a coin (usually ¥5, considered lucky).
- Ring the bell to alert the gods.
- Bow twice, clap twice, pray silently.
- Bow once more.
Useful for: Temple and shrine etiquette. It’s also a great way to experience Japanese spirituality respectfully.
7. Don’t Bring Bad Luck Indoors
Taking off shoes before entering homes, traditional inns, temples, and even some restaurants isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s believed that outdoor shoes bring negative energy (and dirt!) inside.
Useful for: Removing shoes properly at genkan (entryway) and using indoor slippers when offered.
8. Don’t Cut Your Nails at Night
Cutting nails at night (夜に爪を切る, yoru ni tsume o kiru) is believed to shorten your life. The superstition dates back to when cutting tools were dangerous and lighting was poor, but the belief persists.
Useful for: A lighthearted cultural tidbit that may come up in conversation!
9. School Superstitions
- Daruma Dolls: Students often paint one eye of a daruma doll when setting a goal (like passing exams), and the other eye once the goal is achieved.
- Omamori (お守り): Lucky charms from shrines for things like good grades, safe travel, or health. Many students keep exam omamori in pencil cases or bags.
- Katsu (勝つ): A food pun: the word for pork cutlet (カツ, katsu) sounds like “win” (勝つ). Students often eat this dish before exams.
Useful for: Students preparing for tests, or travelers curious about shrine souvenirs.
10. Don’t Wash Off Luck
If you receive good fortune at a shrine (like from a goshuin stamp or a written fortune—omikuji), don’t throw it away casually. Tie bad omikuji to designated trees or racks; keep good ones.
Also, some people avoid bathing right after a shrine visit to not “wash away” the good luck.
Useful for: Visitors engaging in shrine traditions, especially around New Year or exam season.
Bonus: Superstitions for Love and Relationships
- Folded paper cranes (千羽鶴): Folding 1,000 paper cranes is believed to grant a wish—often related to love, health, or peace. So you might see these long garlands of paper cranes close to hospitals, temples and shrines!
- Shrines for love: Many people visit shrines like Tokyo Daijingu or Jishu Shrine (Kyoto) to pray for good relationships. Some are specifically for single women, single men or married couples.
Final Thoughts
Japanese superstitions add charm, depth, and mystery to daily life. Some are lighthearted traditions, while others are deeply tied to respect, spirituality, and etiquette. As a visitor, being aware of these customs shows appreciation for Japanese culture and helps you navigate daily interactions with ease.
So next time you visit a shrine or feel anxious before a big moment, remember: draw a “人”, clap twice for the gods, and maybe avoid cutting your nails at night—just in case.