7 Essential Dining Manners to Know Before Visiting Japan
Dining manners reflect the deeply ingrained values and culture of a country. In this article, we will cover the essential dining etiquette you should be mindful of when dining at Japanese restaurants or enjoying Japanese cuisine. By following these manners, you can fully appreciate Washoku, which is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
How to Enjoy Delicious Japanese Food?
When you visit Japan, indulging in the local cuisine is a must. From sushi and yakiniku (grilled meat) to ramen and set meals that recreate homemade dishes, Japan offers a wide variety of unique flavors. To enhance your dining experience, it’s important to pay attention to dining manners. Some dining customs in Japan may be different from what you are used to, but visitors do not need to worry about following every rule perfectly.
Here, we will introduce the essential dining manners you should observe when eating at Japanese restaurants. Be sure to check these tips to avoid any awkward situations.
1. Use the Oshibori Only for Hands
Most Japanese restaurants will provide an oshibori (a wet towel) upon entry. These can be disposable paper towels or reusable cloth towels, depending on the establishment. The primary purpose of an oshibori is to wipe your hands before eating. Avoid using it to wipe your face or the table. After using it, fold it loosely and place it to the side or return it to the tray if one is provided.
2. Say “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisousama” Before and After Meals
In Japan, it is common to say “itadakimasu” before eating and “gochisousama deshita” after finishing a meal. Visitors are not required to say these phrases, but knowing them can help you better understand Japanese dining culture. These phrases express gratitude and have two meanings.
First, they show appreciation to everyone involved in the meal, from the farmers who grew the food to the chefs who prepared it.
Second, they convey thanks to the food itself. Eating involves taking the lives of plants and animals, and these phrases acknowledge and show respect for that sacrifice. This reflects the Japanese cultural view that eating is an act of gratitude.
3. Use Chopsticks Properly
Chopsticks are commonly used when eating Japanese food. Avoid sticking them vertically into a bowl of rice or passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another, as both actions are associated with Japanese funeral customs. It is also best to avoid pointing with chopsticks, moving dishes with them, or stabbing food whenever possible.
Can You Ask for a Fork?
If you are not comfortable using chopsticks, you can ask the staff if a fork or other utensil is available. Many restaurants can provide one, although alternative utensils may not be available at some traditional establishments.
4. Hold Your Rice Bowl
When eating a traditional Japanese meal, small rice bowls and soup bowls are often lifted closer to the mouth while eating. However, larger plates, bowls, and shared dishes are generally left on the table. If you are unsure, simply observe how the dish is designed to be used or follow what others around you are doing.
5. Do Not Rest Your Elbows on the Table
Resting your elbows on the table while eating is considered poor etiquette and can make you look slouched. Instead, keep your elbows off the table and rest your non-dominant hand lightly on the table or on the dish you are eating from.
6. Slurping Noodles Is Okay, but Not Required
In Japan, slurping noodles such as ramen, soba, and udon is common and is not considered rude. However, you are not expected to slurp, and eating noodles quietly is perfectly fine too. The important point is that visitors should not feel pressured to imitate the sound. However, not all noises are acceptable—be mindful of the sound you make when placing dishes down or chewing. If you are unsure whether making noise is appropriate, it’s safer to eat quietly.
7. Try to Finish Your Meal
In Japan, avoiding unnecessary food waste is generally appreciated, so try to order an amount you can comfortably finish. However, you should never force yourself to eat something because of allergies, dietary restrictions, or health concerns.
This shows respect for the efforts of those who prepared the meal and for the food itself. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, inform the staff when ordering so they can accommodate your needs. If you cannot finish your meal, it’s still important to express your appreciation to the restaurant staff by saying “It was delicious” before leaving.
By following these manners, you can ensure a pleasant and respectful dining experience in Japan. Enjoy the rich flavors and unique dishes that Japanese cuisine has to offer while adhering to these cultural norms.
