7 Japanese Superstitions You Should Know Before Visiting
September 22, 2025
Japan is often admired for its balance of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Alongside its cultural treasures, the country also has a fascinating collection of superstitions that influence daily life, manners, and even luck.
While some beliefs are rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, others come from centuries of folklore or everyday customs. If you're planning a trip to Japan, here are some well-known superstitions worth knowing, both to avoid awkward situations and to gain deeper insight into Japanese culture.
Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) are considered bringers of good fortune in shops and businesses.
1. Numbers and Unlucky Sounds
In Japan, numbers can carry ominous meanings. The number 4 ("shi") sounds like the word for death, and 9 ("ku") resembles the word for suffering. Hospitals, hotels, and even apartment buildings sometimes skip these floor numbers or room numbers, much like how the number 13 is avoided in Western cultures.
2. Chopstick Etiquette and Bad Omens
Chopsticks aren't just eating utensils; they're also linked to deep symbolism. Two big taboos to avoid:
- Passing food directly from chopstick to chopstick: This resembles a funeral custom where bones are passed during cremation rituals.
- Sticking chopsticks upright in rice: This resembles offerings made to the dead. Doing this at a meal table is seen as inviting misfortune.
3. Funerals and Lucky vs. Unlucky Directions
When attending funerals, Japanese custom advises against going directly home afterwards. Instead, people may stop at another place first (even briefly) to avoid bringing bad spirits into the house. Similarly, some days are considered lucky or unlucky depending on the direction you travel, which is taken into account for big moves like weddings or relocating.
4. Sleeping Positions
Sleeping with your head facing north is considered unlucky because this is how the deceased are positioned in coffins. Locals often avoid this sleeping direction to prevent bad luck or shortened life.
5. Animal Omens
Certain animals carry symbolic weight in Japan:
- Crows are associated with death or bad news if seen in large numbers.
- Cats, particularly the famous "maneki-neko" (beckoning cat), are considered bringers of good fortune in shops and businesses.
- Snakes are linked to prosperity, and keeping a shed snake skin in a wallet is said to attract wealth.
6. Gambling Superstitions: Don't Cross Your Legs or Count Your Money
Japan has its own set of gambling-related superstitions, especially around pachinko parlours and mahjong tables:
- Don't cross your legs: It's believed to block or "cut off" the flow of good luck, making it harder to win.
- Don't count your money while playing: Doing so is said to invite losses, since it signals greed or impatience, which supposedly scares fortune away. Players often wait until they're done to tally their winnings.
These beliefs may sound playful, but they're taken seriously by some seasoned gamblers who want every edge possible. Incidentally, they were both mentioned in a recent article about the strangest gambling superstitions by Dream Jackpot.
7. Breaking Objects and Household Omens
Everyday mishaps can be tied to fortune. For example, breaking a comb ("kushi") is unlucky because the word can be broken down into "ku" (suffering) and "shi" (death). Similarly, dropping certain household objects may be interpreted as a warning sign, especially if it happens repeatedly.
Final Thoughts
Superstitions in Japan are more than quirky traditions; they reflect the country's deep respect for symbols, rituals, and unseen forces. While you don't need to be overly cautious as a visitor, being aware of these customs will help you avoid cultural faux pas and give you a richer appreciation for Japanese society. Whether you're careful with chopsticks, mindful of numbers, or curious about gambling taboos, these beliefs offer a fascinating window into how luck and daily life intertwine in Japan.
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