How do you greet someone in Japan?

Learn the everyday Japanese greetings by time of day, how a slight bow replaces hugs and kisses, and what to say when meeting someone new.

Published October 20, 2026 at 8:34 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Most people greet with a spoken phrase and a slight bow or nod: ohayo gozaimasu (good morning), konnichiwa (hello, daytime) and konbanwa (good evening). Hugs, kisses and close contact are unusual with new acquaintances, and people typically keep some distance. When meeting someone for the first time, hajimemashite (nice to meet you) is the usual opener.

The greetings that cover most of the day

Japanese greetings change with the time of day. Ohayo gozaimasu (good morning) is used in the morning, often until around late morning. Konnichiwa (hello or good afternoon) takes over during the daytime and into the late afternoon. Konbanwa (good evening) is used once evening arrives, and oyasumi nasai (good night) is the phrase for saying goodnight.

The exact switch point is flexible. Ohayo gozaimasu is generally the morning phrase, often until around late morning, but there is no hard line, and people simply follow the clock and the mood. In casual settings, friends shorten the morning phrase to ohayo.

Greetings are treated as an important part of manners. Shop staff say irasshaimase (welcome) as customers enter, and replying with a nod or a smile is perfectly fine. Visitors are not expected to say it back.

How to greet step by step

A simple everyday greeting has three parts: eye contact or a glance, a spoken phrase, and a slight bow or nod. Say the phrase clearly at a gentle volume, nod your head and smile. If your hands are full, a nod alone is fine. In quiet places, such as trains, libraries or temple grounds, keep the greeting small and soft.

To greet a host, a hotel receptionist or a tour guide, begin with the time-of-day phrase and a light bow. You can add a polite thank-you, arigato gozaimasu, when appropriate. If you want to apologize for a small matter, such as bumping into someone, sumimasen (pardon or sorry) covers several situations.

When leaving, shitsurei shimasu (a polite way of saying goodbye or excusing yourself) is common in formal settings, and sayonara is a more final-sounding goodbye that many people save for longer partings. Many people simply say mata ne (see you) with friends.

Meeting someone for the first time

For a first meeting, the classic pair is hajimemashite (nice to meet you, literally a phrase for the first time) followed by your name. A common closer is yoroshiku onegaishimasu, which is often translated as a request for goodwill or an expression of looking forward to working together, although its meaning stretches across many contexts.

A short self-introduction might be: hajimemashite, [name] desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. Add a light bow while saying it. In business, a bow often goes with the exchange of business cards, held with both hands. Shake hands only if the other person offers.

People are often addressed by surname plus a suffix. The common one is -san, which works for adults in general. Visitors can use it with names, for example Tanaka-san, and should avoid adding it to their own name. Other suffixes exist, but -san is a safe default.

Distance, touch and eye contact

In Japan, greetings do not usually involve hugging, cheek kisses or touching a stranger. People tend to stand a bit apart and use a bow, a nod or a wave instead. Friends who have known each other a long time may be more casual, and younger people or people used to international settings may offer a handshake or a quick wave.

Many Japanese people shake hands with non-Japanese visitors, sometimes combining a handshake and a bow. A visitor can take their cue from the other person: if a hand is extended, shake it, and if someone bows, return a nod or a bow.

Eye contact is usually softer than in some other countries. A brief glance and a warm smile are enough, and staring can feel intense. Personal space is also valued on crowded trains, so a quiet nod is plenty.

Who this suits and special cases

Business travelers meet more formal greetings, where rank and age can shape how deeply people bow and which phrases they use. A good rule is to follow the senior person's lead and keep your greeting polite but simple.

Families can teach children the three main greetings before the trip, which tends to be fun. Children and parents can practice konnichiwa and arigato with a nod. Solo travelers can use the same phrases at hotels, shops and train stations, and quickly gain confidence.

Older travelers, travelers with limited mobility, or anyone unsure of bowing can rely on a smile and a nod. At a ryokan (traditional inn), staff often welcome guests with a bow, and a nod in return is warmly received. In casual settings with young people, a wave and a simple hello are friendly.

Common mistakes and misunderstandings

A common mistake is using konnichiwa late at night or very early, when konbanwa or ohayo gozaimasu would be more natural. Another is greeting staff with an overly loud voice in a quiet place. Reply with a calm, friendly tone.

A third misunderstanding is expecting hugs or cheek kisses. These are unusual even among friends who are not very close, so a bow or a wave is the safer choice. Some visitors also wait for staff to speak English first. A polite konnichiwa and a smile often opens the conversation and makes the exchange easier for both sides.

Finally, do not worry about perfect pronunciation. Japanese vowels are clear and short: a, i, u, e, o. Speaking slowly and calmly is fine. If a phrase comes out wrong, a smile and a gentle repeat will do.

Planning tips and next steps

Before the trip, learn five phrases: ohayo gozaimasu, konnichiwa, konbanwa, arigato gozaimasu and sumimasen. Add hajimemashite and yoroshiku onegaishimasu if you expect to meet people socially or for work. Practice them out loud a few times so they feel natural.

On arrival, notice how staff and locals greet each other and follow the same pace. If you are unsure about formality, keep it simple and polite. Formality varies by age, setting and region, so treat these phrases as a flexible guide rather than a strict script.

For a deeper look at forms of address and general manners, a general reference page on Japanese etiquette and honorifics is a good place to start. Phone translation tools can also help for longer conversations, but short greetings are often enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do visitors need to bow when greeting someone?

No. A smile and a small nod are enough for visitors. A light bow of around 15 degrees is common in daily life, and you can return one if someone bows to you. Business settings may feature deeper bows, but visitors are not expected to match them. Sincerity and a friendly tone matter most.

What should you say when entering a shop?

Staff often say irasshaimase (welcome) as customers enter. Visitors do not need to answer in words. A nod or smile works well. If you want to say something, konnichiwa is polite and easy. When leaving, a quick arigato gozaimasu with a nod is welcome, though not required.

Is it normal to address people with san?

Yes. San is a common polite suffix used after surnames or given names for adults in general. Visitors can say Tanaka-san or Yamada-san. Avoid adding san to your own name. If someone suggests a first-name or informal style, you can follow their lead, but san is a safe default.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japanese for Your First Trip is available on Amazon.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: Should you shake hands or hug in Japan?, How do you bow in Japan and do tourists need to? and Sumo Stable Morning Practice: How Visits Work and How to Be a Good Guest.