Yes, it is generally considered impolite to eat or drink while walking down the street in Japan.
The local phrase for this is aruhiki, which literally means “walking and eating.” While you will not get fined or arrested for doing it, it is a social faux pas that stands out.
The main reasons for this rule are practical and polite. Walking while consuming food increases the risk of spilling something on a stranger’s clothing, bumping into people on crowded sidewalks, and dropping crumbs on the clean streets. Additionally, Japan values mindfulness, and locals believe you should sit or stand still to fully focus on and enjoy your food.
The right way to enjoy snacks and drinks
You do not have to starve while you are out exploring. You just need to follow the proper etiquette:
- Stay near the vending machine: When you buy a drink from a vending machine, the polite thing to do is stand right next to the machine while you drink it. Once you finish, drop your empty bottle into the recycling bin that sits right beside the machine and continue walking.
- Eat near the food stall: If you buy street food at a market or festival, stay by the stall where you bought it until you finish eating. The vendor will gladly take your empty wrapper or skewer back when you are done.
- Use convenience store seating: Many convenience stores have small indoor seating areas or counters. If you buy a snack, eat it inside the store or right outside the front doors before moving on.
- Find a park bench: Parks, public plazas, and train platforms are perfectly acceptable places to sit down and enjoy a quick snack or drink.
The few exceptions to the rule
It is completely fine to drink water or sports drinks while walking if it is a hot summer day and you need to stay hydrated. Locals also consider it acceptable to eat or drink while sitting down on long-distance trains (like the Shinkansen bullet train). However, you should still avoid eating on local commuter subways and city buses where the cars are tightly packed.
