First Move
Look for a cafe, park, bench, or rest area where sitting is allowed.
Quick steps
- Step out of the main flow of people.
- Look for a cafe, bench, park, station seating area, or mall rest area.
- If it is a cafe, order before you sit unless signs show a different system.
- At shrines or temples, sit only where benches or rest areas are clearly provided.
Don’t Do This
Don’t sit for a long time in front of convenience stores or shop entrances unless seating is clearly provided.
If you need a longer rest, look for a cafe, bench, park, station seating area, or mall seating area.
Don’t block doors, narrow paths, stairs, or ticket gates.
Move to the side and keep entrances clear.
Say or show this
Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.
Use when you want to check if sitting is okay.
Koko ni suwatte mo daijoubu desu ka?
ここに座っても大丈夫ですか？
Is it okay to sit here?
Use when you need a nearby place to rest.
Kyuukei dekiru basho wa arimasu ka?
休憩できる場所はありますか？
Is there a place where I can take a break?
Use if you feel physically unwell.
Kibun ga warui desu.
気分が悪いです。
I feel unwell.
If You See or Hear This
Kochira de kyuukei dekimasu.
こちらで休憩できます。
It means: You can take a break here.
Your move
Use the indicated area and keep bags close.
Tennai o goriyou no baai wa gochuumon o onegaishimasu.
店内をご利用の場合はご注文をお願いします。
It means: Please order if you use the seating inside.
Your move
Order first, then sit down.
Koko wa tsuuro desu.
ここは通路です。
It means: This is a walkway.
Your move
Move aside and find another rest spot.
If You’re Stuck
Look for a department store, shopping mall, park, cafe, or station seating area. On very hot days, a staffed indoor place may be safer than resting outside. If you feel unwell, ask staff for help.
Tiny Culture Note
In Japan, it is usually best to sit only where seating is clearly provided. If a spot looks like an entrance, walkway, or private step, keep moving and look for a clearer rest area.