Dining at a Japanese restaurant is on most people’s bucket list when visiting Japan. As we all know, each country has its unique culture and customs. When in Rome, doing as the Romans do is essential while travelling abroad. Adapting to local customs and traditions will make you feel welcome by the locals wherever you are and help you get the most out of your visit. This is especially true in Japan, a country that follows tradition and treasures its cultural properties. Before visiting a Japanese restaurant, keep the following rules of thumb in mind.
General Etiquette at Japanese Restaurants
Perfume
Oshibori (Wet Towels)
Strong scents may disrupt others’ dining experiences, especially at restaurants that emphasize subtle aromas, like traditional Japanese venues. Opt for no or very light fragrance.
The wet towels are for your hands only. While tempting, refrain from using it to wipe your face or neck. After use, fold it and place it at the edge of the table.
Hand as a Plate
Holding your hand beneath your chopsticks is not considered graceful in Japan. Most restaurants would give each customer small plates. Use it if you if the food you pick up with the chopsticks is likely to crumble.
When enjoying traditional confectionery, use the kaishi paper.
The Chopstick Etiquettes
Even if you are used to using chopsticks, the Japanese have a couple of rules that differ from other Asian countries that you might not be aware of. Please try to avoid using the chopsticks illustrated below, as these actions are considered either rude or reminiscent of a scene typically appearing in funerals.
- Licking the chopsticks
- Scooping food directly into your mouth from a bowl with chopsticks
- Pointing at others with chopsticks
- Sticking chopsticks upright in rice
- Passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks
- Resting chopsticks across a bowl
- Waving chopsticks over dishes to decide
- Pulling dishes with chopsticks
- Stabbing food with chopsticks
Etiquettes Applicable When Eating Sushi
Hands or chopsticks
Either is acceptable, though high-end places may lean toward using hands.
Eat in one bite
Sushi is served bite-sized. Avoid biting it in half to maintain appearance and balance.
Don’t move the sushi stand (geta)
At counters where sushi is served piece by piece, eat from where it is placed.
Make a Reservation to Ensure You Have a Seat Upon Arrival
As a tourist, time is limited. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in a queue. So, making restaurant reservations is highly recommended. However, the problem that many international tourists experience is the majority of the restaurants in Japan don’t have an English reservation website.
Fortunately, there are websites like Auto Reserve. You can use it to find ideas for where to dine and see which restaurants have a better rating!
Planning Your Next Japan Trip?
Japan, where traditions, culture, and history with the most advanced technology and modern conveniences, also boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes. It is no wonder why Japan has been voted one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world!
So if you are planning to travel to this beautiful country, refer to our article, Plan Your Next Japan Trip – When and Where to Start, for some helpful information, advice, and tips to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Discover the Vegan or Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Japan
Japan is such a beautiful country to visit. But as a vegetarian, the biggest issue when visiting the country is that it is so hard to find meat-free food. That is because fish is traditionally the staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine, so even simple dishes such as miso soup mostly contain bonito.
However, the good news is the number of vegan-friendly places is increasing in Japan, even in the countryside. For more ideas on where to enjoy vegetarian food in Japan, refer to our Vegetarian Dining Page!
