Daily Life Lessons · Noise
Understand that sounds carry easily late at night and early in the morning, and be able to adjust the times you do laundry, take a bath, vacuum and so on after checking your building's rules.
Sounds from daily life that are not noticeable during the day can echo loudly late at night or early in the morning, when it is quiet around you. In apartment buildings especially, sound easily travels through floors, walls and pipes to the units above, below and next door.
The Ministry of the Environment asks people to avoid using water for baths and similar (the sound of water supply and drainage) early in the morning or late at night, and to be considerate about when they use a vacuum cleaner. Take the same care with washing machines, opening and closing doors, footsteps, TV or music, and talking.
Which hours count as "night" is not set nationwide; it differs depending on the building's management rules (管理規約) and usage regulations (使用細則), and on the area. After moving in, check the rules, notices, and guidance from the management company or landlord.
夜（よる）おそくや 朝（あさ）早くは、まわりが 静か（しずか）です。小さな 音も 大きく 聞こえます。
アパートや マンションでは、音が 床（ゆか）や かべを 通って、となりや 下の 部屋に とどきます。
夜おそくや 朝早くは、気をつけましょう。 - おふろの 水の 音 - せんたくき、そうじき - ドアの 音、足音（あしおと） - テレビ、音楽、大きな 声
「夜は 何時（なんじ）から」かは、建物（たてもの）や 地域（ちいき）で ちがいます。建物の きまり（規約）や、管理会社（かんりがいしゃ）・大家（おおや）さんに 聞いて ください。
Why are everyday sounds more likely to be heard loudly late at night or early in the morning?
Late at night or early in the morning, when there is little other sound, the same sound as during the day stands out more.
Which does the Ministry of the Environment ask people to avoid using early in the morning or late at night?
The Ministry of the Environment's pamphlet on everyday noise asks people to avoid using water for baths and similar early in the morning and late at night.
To find out "what time night starts" in your building, what should you check first?
The time guidelines differ by building and area. The rules and guidance from the management company or landlord are the most reliable.
What is a good action when you want to use the washing machine late at night?
The sound and vibration of a washing machine carry easily, so check the rules and plan when you use it.
In an apartment building, which carries easily to the floor below?
Footsteps and the sound of dropping things easily travel through the floor to the floor below.
Q. From what time at night should I be quiet?
A. There is no set nationwide time. It differs depending on the building's management rules and usage regulations, and on the area, so check with the management company or landlord.
Q. Because of my work, I can only do laundry and cleaning at night.
A. First check the building's rules and consult the management company or landlord. Ways to keep sound from traveling, such as using appliances for a shorter time and closing doors and windows, also help.
Q. I work night shifts and sleep during the day. What if daytime noise is hard on me?
A. Everyday noise during the day is hard to avoid. Do what you can yourself, such as using earplugs, and if it is a problem, do not argue directly; consult the management company or landlord.
This practice tool asks questions in random order (it works when JavaScript is enabled). You can still read all the questions and explanations above without it.
Systems and procedures may differ depending on the city, ward, town or village where you live and on the time of year. Please check the latest information from your local government or the relevant organizations.
Content checked on: 2026-10-03
This page is a translation of the Japanese original. If the translation and the original differ, the Japanese version takes precedence. View the Japanese original