🍱 Dining & Restaurants

• Say "itadakimasu" before eating Before the first bite, Japanese people say "itadakimasu"—a brief expression of gratitude for the meal. It's…
• Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice Vertical chopsticks in a bowl of rice resemble incense offered to the dead at funerals. It's a deeply…
• Don't pass food chopstick to chopstick Passing food directly between two pairs of chopsticks echoes a funeral ritual involving bones. It's…
• Slurp your noodles Slurping is not only acceptable—it's appreciated. It cools the noodles, enhances the flavor, and signals…
• Lift small bowls to your mouth Rice bowls and miso soup bowls are meant to be held. Picking them up brings the food closer and is…
• Tipping is not expected Tipping is uncommon and can even cause confusion. Excellent service is simply part of the experience.
• Pay at the register, not the table Most restaurants expect you to bring your bill to the counter near the door. Servers rarely bring change to…
• A wet towel (oshibori) is for your hands The warm or cold towel served at the start of the meal is for cleaning your hands, not your face or the table.
• Pour drinks for others In group settings, it's considered thoughtful to pour drinks for others rather than yourself. Hold the…
• Finish what you order Wasting food is frowned upon, especially rice. Order modestly and eat what you take.