Traveling to Japan offers countless memorable experiences, and tasting the local cuisine is one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. But enjoying Japanese food goes beyond flavor; it’s about understanding the customs that shape each meal. From proper chopstick use to table manners, small gestures reflect respect and cultural awareness.
Japan is full of exciting experiences, from its rich culinary traditions to its vibrant digital entertainment scene. For some, enjoying a meal can be as immersive as playing lightning roulette live, where every decision and moment of anticipation adds to the excitement. Both require focus and attention to detail — whether it’s respecting dining customs or strategically placing a bet.
Before You Eat: Start with Respect
As soon as you sit down, you’ll often be given an oshibori — a warm/cold moist towel. Use it to wipe your hands, then fold it neatly and place it aside. In more traditional settings, you may be asked to remove your shoes before entering the dining area, especially if seated on tatami mats.
Before you touch your food, it’s customary to say Itadakimasu — a phrase expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the meal, including the farmers, chefs, and even animals and plants. It’s a moment of quiet appreciation and mindfulness before you begin eating.
The Importance of Chopsticks
Chopsticks (hashi) are essential utensils in Japanese cuisine and a symbol of respect. They represent care, mindfulness, and appreciation for the food and the traditions surrounding the meal. They are used in many aspects of Japanese life, from formal meals to casual dining, and each action involving them carries meaning.
To hold them correctly, grip one stick like a pencil between your thumb and index finger. The other chopstick should rest against the ring finger, while your middle finger helps control movement. Keeping the chopsticks balanced and steady while eating symbolizes harmony.
Chopstick Etiquette: Do’s
- Hold them properly.
- Rest your chopsticks on the hashioki when not in use.
- Pick food up gently — no stabbing.
Chopstick Etiquette: Don’ts
- Stick chopsticks upright in rice; this resembles a funeral ritual.
- Rub disposable hashi together (it’s considered rude).
- Pass food directly from one set of chopsticks to another — it’s funeral-related.
- Point with them or wave them around.
How to Eat Different Japanese Dishes
- Sushi: Eat sushi in one bite if possible. Dip the fish side into soy sauce to keep the rice dry. Ginger (gari) is for cleansing the palate, not as a topping.
- Ramen and udon: Slurping isn’t only acceptable; it’s a sign that you’re fully enjoying your meal. Use both chopsticks and a spoon, and lift the bowl to your mouth when appropriate.
- Rice and soup: Lift small bowls with one hand and eat neatly. Since leaving rice uneaten is seen as wasteful, take only as much as you can finish.
- Shared Dishes: Use the opposite ends of your chopsticks (or serving utensils) to transfer food to your plate. Always avoid eating directly from a shared dish.
Toasting and Drinking Etiquette
When drinking in Japan, never sip before the group says kanpai — the traditional toast. Wait until everyone has their drink, then join in with a raised glass and a smile.
Pour drinks for others and have them pour for you instead of doing it yourself. When offering or receiving a drink, use both hands to show respect.
Keep an eye on others’ glasses, especially if you’re the junior in the group. Topping them up is a quiet way of showing politeness. If you’re not drinking alcohol, it’s fine to toast with tea or water — participation matters more than the drink itself.
3 Bonus Tips for Dining Like a Local
- Avoid strong perfumes in restaurants; it’s considered disrespectful to other diners.
- Don’t waste soy sauce — pour only a little into your dish.
- Never catch falling food with your hand, as it’s considered bad manners, even though it may seem polite.
Final Thoughts
Japanese food etiquette may seem full of rules, but it’s about being present, polite, and appreciative. Locals don’t expect perfection — just a little effort. Master a few key customs, observe your surroundings, and you’ll fit in naturally.
So, next time you sit down to a bowl of ramen, take a moment to pause, bow slightly, and say itadakimasu. You are not simply eating, you are involved in a cultural tradition.