Dining etiquette in Japan.

Posted byAngelaPosted inetiquette, food, Japan, tips, Travel TipsTags:, , , , , , , , , ,

Proper table etiquette is important in any social setting. Good manners show respect and appreciation for your host and those around you. Since dining customs vary from country to country, it is helpful to learn the local etiquette before visiting. Being mindful of these practices can help you avoid awkward or embarrassing situations.

Japan is no exception. Japanese cuisine is unique—it is more than just food; it is an art form and an important part of the country’s culture. I hope this guide helps you enjoy a pleasant and respectful dining experience in Japan.

Replica Food

Many restaurants in Japan display plastic or wax replicas of their dishes in the window. These realistic models provide a clear visual representation of the meals offered. In addition, some restaurants feature stands with colorful food photos, and many provide English menus. These displays are extremely helpful for tourists, especially for those who do not speak Japanese.

Towels

In restaurants, the waitress will offer you a hot steamed towel to clean your hands. It is considered impolite to use the towel to wipe your face.

Chopsticks

Chopsticks are used to eat most of the Japanese food. Here, some important rules on how to use them right:

  • Don’t stick chopsticks into your rice. This is only done at funelar.
  • Do not pass food directly from your chopsticks to another person’s chopsticks. This action resembles a ritual performed at Japanese funerals and is considered inappropriate at the dining table.
  • Do not play with your chopsticks, cross them, wave them in the air while speaking, or point them at others, as these actions are considered impolite.
  • When taking food from shared dishes, use the opposite end of your chopsticks to serve yourself.
  • When you are not using your chopsticks—such as during conversation or after finishing your meal—place them on a chopstick rest or lay them sideways across your plate.

Dining Etiquette in Japan – Full Guide

Learn how to eat politely, avoid common mistakes, and feel confident in Japanese restaurants, homes, and traditional settings.
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Rice

Lift the bowl towards your mouth while eating. Do not pour soy sauce over  rice.

Sushi

  • hand or chopsticks can be used to eat sushi.
  • Eat a sushi in one bite
  • Dip the sashimi pieces into soy sause or eat it with ground ginger
  • Nigiri sushi, should be dipped into sause upside-down, so that the fish gets into the sause.

Soup

  • Drink miso soup directly from the bowl, and use chopsticks to eat the solid ingredients.
  • Use chopsticks and a ceramic spoon when eating ramen. Don’t be afraid to slurp your noodles and soup—slurping is seen as a sign that you are enjoying the meal. Many Japanese also believe that slurping helps enhance the flavor by mixing air with the noodles.

Soy Sauce

Pour the amount of soy sauce into a small bowl and only as much as you need. Over serving soy sauce is bad manners.

Wasabi

When eating sushi, don’t mix wasabi with soy sauce. Sushi already has it. Mixing wasabi with soy sauce might overpower the taste and can be an insult to the chef.

Don’t leave food on your plate

In Japan, it is impolite to leave food on the plate. Japanese people don’t like wasting it. Finish your meal.

Properly finishing your meal 

When you’ve completed your meal, return all the dishes the same how they looked in the beginning. Place your chopsticks back on the chopstick stand.

Tips 

Tipping is uncustomary in Japan. In fact, it can be considered rude. Japanese people are hardworking, and they perform their job with pride. You will receive the most outstanding services in the world. Excellent service is considered the established standard and tips are unnecessary.

Paying  

Most Japanese restaurants ask customers to pay for their meals at the front register. You will notice a small tray for money. Place paper notes and coins there and your change will be put on the tray for you as well. However, if you have to give or receive money, visa card, gifts, business cards or any other things directly, use two hands to show your respect.

Don’t eat when you walk 

Japanese people don’t eat while walking or standing on the street. It is considered as a bad manner. It’s not only about the mess you might make or block the walking lane but also doesn’t give you the chance to taste and appreciate food.

You may be excused for breaking those social rules as a tourist, but better to learn proper etiquette and local traditions before you go to the trip. We all should respect and follow the rules which are common at exploring destination !

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29 thoughts on “Dining etiquette in Japan.”

  2. We learned many of these in the 1980s, when we first travelled to Japan. The first time with a guide and then on our own. The soup and noodle slurping which may seem rude here, is polite in Japan and a sign that the food is delicious. Thanks for sharing Angela. Allan

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  3. I would be afraid of eating in public! But I like the idea of doing things respectfully. We could use some etiquette in the West, I think. I watched some Japanese drumming on YouTube last night. I have never seen it before and I’m not sure what it’s called, but it was impressive. I have a lot of respect for Japanese culture. Sad I never got there.

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    1. Japanese culture always inspire me. And they have a perfect manner.
      Unfortunately I figured out that young generation doesn’t even know what etiquette means.
      I watch Japanese drumming too. It is very impressive.

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  8. Enjoyed reading this summary, all true! When I lived there, Japanese friends would ask if I can slurp my noodles and would laugh. It’s actually hard to do consciously if you’re not used to it. There’s a lovely series on Netflix called Midnight Diner that you might enjoy.

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    1. I can’t slurp😀 it is very hard. I tried and was out of breath 🤣 I love the apron which we got before dinner, because when I was slurping…… it was desaster 🤣🤣
      I saved Midnight dinner on my Netflix list. I’m very curious to watch it.
      Thanks!

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      Reply

  9. We are due to go to Japan next year and this information is very valuable. My best friend is married to a Japanese girl and we were lucky enough to be able to eat certain foods she cooks that are not found in restaurants. She is from Tokyo, she comes from a very traditional family, but they live in London and therefore she is very Europeanized. I love sushi and sashimi and I could eat it every day because it is a light cuisine full of different and harmonious flavors.

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    1. This is existing! I’m absolutely sure you will love Japan. Absolutely amazing country and people: Perfect in everything, very respectful, friendly and have a high manner.
      If you like technology I recommend you to go to see TeamLab Borderless on Odaiba. Fantastic exabition. Here the link:
      https://www.teamlab.art/e/type=nowopen
      Also you will go to Odaiba from Shimbashi Station where you will take a monorail. So, on the Station, right on the corner of the mall there Giant Ghibli Clock. They have a little show couple times per day. This is a little Tokyo’s gem. But I’m sure your friend will show lots of amazing things.
      Nice to meet and have a wonderful day!

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      1. thanks, I thank you for your kind availability. I believe that the thing that interests me most would be to know places, even if not well known, where you can eat real Japanese food, not the one made especially for tourists. So if you want to give me links to your posts about typical or hidden places, I will gladly read it.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. My pleasure! I will write couple posts for you.
        They don’t have food for tourists🙂 they have the best service for everyone.
        Keep in mind that Japanese people don’t take tips in restaurants. You might offend them by doing this.
        I have couple posts about etiquette in Destination Japan category. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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