Is it OK to arrive early when visiting someone’s home?
In short
Good to knowPunctuality is valued, but when visiting a home many people avoid arriving too early and aim to arrive around the agreed time.
When does this apply?
For business appointments, arriving on time or a few minutes early is usual. When visiting a home, though, the host may still be preparing, so some people who arrive early wait nearby for a little while before ringing the bell.
Why?
Keeping to the agreed time is seen as respecting the other person’s time. With home visits, consideration for the host’s preparations is added.
What to do
- Keep to the agreed time
- If you arrive early for a home visit, wait a little before ringing the bell
- If you are running late, let them know early
Better to avoid
- Turn up very late without contacting them
- Arrive much earlier than agreed
Exceptions and differences
How many minutes early or late is appropriate depends on the relationship, region and household; there is no firm rule. If unsure, ask beforehand what time would suit them.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
Check with a quiz
When invited to a Japanese home, what do many people pay attention to about arrival time?
Choose an answer
Sources
- Japanese Customs and Etiquette(opens in a new tab)
- Low-down on Japanese Manners (Big in Japan feature)(opens in a new tab)
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This text was written with AI assistance and has not yet been proofread by a person.