Bowing in Japan: How To Greet People Politely

Learn the three main types of ojigi, when to use each one, and simple tips for greeting people politely in Japan, including bows and handshakes.

Published October 18, 2026 at 4:27 AM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Visitors to Japan are not expected to bow perfectly. A small bow of about 15 degrees with a smile and a thank you is polite in most situations, and a handshake is fine if the other person offers one.

Do Visitors Need To Bow in Japan?

Visitors are not expected to bow perfectly, but a small, friendly nod or bow is always appreciated. The Japan National Tourism Organization notes that bowing is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, and that as a traveler you are more likely to be bowed to than expected to bow yourself. If you do want to join in, adding a light bow to a thank you is a lovely gesture of respect, and no one will expect expert technique.

In this guide, we will explore what the bow is called, the main types and angles, and when each one fits. You will also find tips on handshakes, hands, eye contact and common situations such as shops, hotels, temples and business meetings. By the end, you should be able to greet people politely and enjoy the small moments of connection that bowing creates in everyday life.

What Is Ojigi and Where Does It Come From?

Ojigi is the Japanese word for a bow used to greet, thank, apologize or show respect. Wikipedia explains that bowing is widely believed to trace back to the arrival of Buddhism in Japan between the fifth and eighth centuries, and that it became more formal during the samurai period. Manuals of manners developed in the Muromachi era helped define the styles, and the custom spread widely among ordinary people in the Edo period.

Today the bow is an everyday habit, from a quick nod to a coworker to a deep bow of gratitude. Many companies train new employees in correct bowing. For visitors, the history is a reminder that this is a graceful tradition, one that connects modern greetings with centuries of etiquette. It is a lovely cultural detail to appreciate whenever you see a shop clerk or station attendant bow to passing customers.

What Are the Three Main Types of Standing Bow?

The three main standing bows differ by angle: about 15 degrees, 30 degrees and 45 degrees or more. The lightest is the eshaku, a casual bow of roughly 15 degrees that people use when passing a neighbor, greeting a colleague or saying a quick thank you. The middle bow is the keirei, around 30 degrees, which is the most common bow in business situations, for example when greeting clients or entering a meeting. The deepest is the saikeirei, from about 45 degrees and beyond, held a little longer to express profound gratitude, respect or a sincere apology.

For most visitors, the eshaku is the only bow you will ever need. It is gentle, natural and easy to combine with words like "arigato gozaimasu" (thank you) or "sumimasen" (excuse me, or thank you for your trouble). If you are curious about the deeper styles, simply watching how people bow in hotels and department stores can be a fascinating lesson, since each bow carries its own tone and timing.

How Do You Bow Correctly Step by Step?

You bow correctly by keeping your back straight, bending from the waist and lowering your eyes. Wikipedia describes the posture as a bend at the waist with the back kept straight, and notes that slouching or sticking out the hips looks careless. Traditionally, men keep their hands at their sides, while women place one hand over the other in front of the body. Visitors do not need to copy this exactly, so do whatever feels natural and comfortable.

The rhythm is easy to remember. Lower smoothly, pause for a moment, and rise a little more slowly than you went down. In casual situations, the pause is brief, and in more formal moments it lasts longer. Your gaze naturally drops toward the floor a short distance ahead, and you can look up again with a smile as you rise. A tiny smile and a quiet "konnichiwa" (hello) complete the greeting.

Should You Shake Hands or Bow?

In most situations, a bow is the appropriate greeting, though handshakes are becoming more familiar. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, people in Japan are generally less inclined toward physical contact in everyday interactions, including handshakes, hugs and kisses. Body contact is not completely frowned upon, so the best approach is to observe those around you and follow their lead. If a business contact offers a hand, accept it warmly, and if they bow, bow in return.

It is also fine to mix the two in a natural way. Some people give a small bow while shaking hands, particularly in international business settings. Try not to bow and shake at the same moment in a way that causes a bump, and let the other person set the pace. If you are unsure, a light bow with a smile is a safe choice, and it is almost always warmly received.

You will meet bowing in many places during a trip, usually in a warm and welcoming form. Hotel staff, restaurant servers and department store attendants often bow when you arrive and leave. At shrines and temples, visitors bow at the entrance gate and before the main hall, a quiet way to show respect for the sacred space.

You do not have to bow back every time. A smile, a nod or a quiet "arigato" is plenty in busy places. In smaller, personal moments, such as thanking a guesthouse host, a slightly deeper bow can add warmth. As of autumn 2026, customs remain much the same as ever, though younger people and international businesses often mix bows and handshakes, so keep an eye on the person in front of you.

Wikipedia adds a few lovely details for anyone who wants to understand the finer points. Where your eyes rest changes with the bow: for a light eshaku, the gaze falls on the floor a few meters ahead, and for a keirei it falls closer, about a meter in front. There is also a traditional breathing rhythm, in which you lower as you breathe in, pause as you breathe out and rise on the next breath. In more traditional settings, formal kneeling bows exist as well, performed from a seated position on the floor. For visitors, a calm, unhurried bow with a smile captures the spirit of all of this beautifully.

Quick Takeaways on Polite Greetings

Keep it simple: a small bow of about 15 degrees with a smile and a thank you works almost everywhere. Remember the three levels, eshaku, keirei and saikeirei, but do not worry about getting the angle exactly right. Keep your back straight, bend from the waist, and follow the lead of the person you are meeting when deciding between a bow and a handshake.

Above all, enjoy it. A bow is a small, friendly way of saying that you respect the person in front of you, and sharing that moment is one of the pleasures of traveling in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tourists have to bow in Japan?

No. The Japan National Tourism Organization notes that visitors are more likely to be bowed to than expected to bow. If you want to join in, a light bow while saying thank you is a kind and welcome gesture.

What are the types of bows in Japan?

The three standing bows are eshaku (about 15 degrees, casual), keirei (about 30 degrees, common in business) and saikeirei (45 degrees or more, for deep respect or sincere apologies). Each is done by bending at the waist with a straight back.

Should you shake hands or bow in Japan?

A bow is the usual greeting, since people in Japan are generally less inclined toward handshakes and other physical contact. If someone offers a hand, you can shake it, and if they bow, bow back. Watch the people around you.