When you are visiting Japan, you might be planning to try Japanese famous street food like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, taiyaki or yakitori, casual meal shopping from local stores like take away bento, poping into casual cafes and restaurants like local sushi bars or ramen noodle eataries, or maybe trying out high-end luxury traditional Japanese dining once or twice (or more!) during your Japan stay!
It may be quite a different experience from when you are in a Japanese restaurant in your local city where you live. Proper table manners are always essential part of Japanese culture. It is reflecting Japan’s deeply rooted traditions.
Japanese food is recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. This article summarises the essential etiquette to keep in mind when you are dining at Japanese restaurants. By understanding these manners, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Japan’s cultural values and its respectful dining traditions, enhancing both your Japanese dining and travel experience in Japan!
1. Before the Meal:OSHIBORI
In most Japanese restaurants, you will be given a wet towel – called Oshibori – at a table upon entering. The type of Oshibori may vary depending on the restaurant. It could be a disposable paper oshibori or it may be a reusable cloth one.
Many cases, Oshibori is lightly warmed and it is very nice to refresh your hands. However, Japanese Oshibori is meant to be only for the purpose of wiping your hands to ensure your hands are clean before meal. Particularly with cloth oshibori, you want to avoid using it to wipe your face, mouth, or the table.
1. Before the Meal: The Ritual of “Itadakimasu”
Before you begin eating, it’s customary to say “itadakimasu” (いただきます), which roughly translates to “I humbly receive.” This expression of gratitude acknowledges not only the person who prepared the meal but also the food itself. It sets a respectful tone for the dining experience.
When you’re done eating, it’s polite to say “gochisousama deshita” (ごちそうさまでした), meaning “thank you for the meal.” These phrases are integral to showing appreciation for the effort that went into the food.
2. Chopstick Etiquette
Chopsticks (hashi) are central to Japanese table manners, and knowing how to use them properly is crucial. Here are a few important rules:
Do Not Stick Chopsticks Upright: Never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. This resembles a ritual offering to the dead and is considered highly disrespectful.
Passing Food: Don’t pass food directly from one set of chopsticks to another. This also mimics a funeral ritual where bones are passed between family members after cremation.
Resting Chopsticks: When not using chopsticks, place them on the provided chopstick rest (hashi-oki) or lay them neatly across your bowl or plate. Never point them at someone, as this is impolite.
Spearing Food: Refrain from stabbing your food with chopsticks. They should only be used for picking up food, not for piercing it.
3. Respecting Shared Dishes
In Japan, many meals are served family-style, with dishes placed in the center of the table for everyone to share. Use the serving utensils provided, or turn your chopsticks around to use the opposite end (the end that hasn’t touched your mouth) when taking food from a shared plate. This is a sign of cleanliness and respect for others at the table.
4. Don’t Waste Food
Leaving food on your plate is generally frowned upon in Japan. The Japanese believe that food should be respected and not wasted. Try to finish everything on your plate, especially rice, as it’s considered a staple of the Japanese diet.
If you’re served too much, it’s acceptable to take smaller portions from shared dishes rather than piling food onto your plate.
5. Using Soy Sauce Correctly
Soy sauce is a common condiment in Japanese cuisine, but it should be used sparingly. Avoid pouring soy sauce directly onto rice. Instead, pour a small amount into the designated soy sauce dish and dip your food, such as sushi or sashimi, into it. Overusing soy sauce or drowning your food in it is considered bad manners.
Also, never mix wasabi directly into your soy sauce. For sushi, apply a little wasabi onto the fish before dipping it lightly into the sauce.
6. Drinking Etiquette
When drinking alcohol, it’s customary to wait for everyone to be served before you begin. The typical phrase for toasting is “kanpai” (乾杯), which means “cheers.”
When drinking with others, it’s polite to pour for each other. If you notice someone’s glass is empty, offer to refill it. Similarly, if someone offers to pour for you, hold your glass out for them, and take a sip once it’s refilled. It’s seen as good manners to avoid pouring your own drink.
7. Slurping and Soup Etiquette
In Japan, it’s perfectly acceptable—and even encouraged—to slurp certain dishes, particularly noodles like ramen, udon, and soba. Slurping is seen as a sign that you’re enjoying the food and enhances the flavors.
When eating soup, it’s polite to drink directly from the bowl rather than using a spoon, especially if the soup comes in a small bowl. Miso soup, a common side dish, is typically sipped after eating the solid ingredients with chopsticks.
8. Handling Bowls and Plates
When eating from small bowls, it’s customary to pick up the bowl and bring it closer to your mouth. This makes it easier to eat the rice or other contents. Holding a bowl in your hand is considered polite and demonstrates good table manners.
For larger plates or bowls, it’s best to leave them on the table and use your chopsticks to bring the food to your mouth.
9. Eating Sushi
If you’re dining at a sushi restaurant, it’s important to understand the nuances of eating sushi. Sushi can be eaten with either chopsticks or your hands, depending on your preference.
When eating nigiri (fish on rice), dip only the fish side into the soy sauce, not the rice, to prevent the rice from absorbing too much soy sauce and falling apart. It’s also common to eat sushi in one bite, especially with smaller pieces, to fully enjoy the flavors.
10. Handling Hot Towels (Oshibori)
At many Japanese restaurants, you’ll be provided with a hot towel (oshibori) before your meal. Use this towel to clean your hands before eating, but never use it to wipe your face or neck, as this is considered rude. After using the towel, neatly fold it and place it back where it was provided.
At the end
Understanding and practicing Japanese table manners is a way to show respect for the culture, food, and people you’re dining with. While the rules may seem numerous, many of them are based on simple politeness and consideration for others.
By embracing these customs, you’ll not only enhance your dining experience but also leave a positive impression on your hosts. So the next time you sit down for a meal in Japan, remember these key tips, and enjoy your dining experience with confidence!
