Japan puts a strong emphasis on good manners and, being a culture that uses chopsticks, has its very own set of rules involving them. Let's take a look at the basics of Japanese table manners!
1. While eating: holding the bowl just right
It is proper etiquette to hold up the chawan (tea bowl) and the wan (wooden bowl) while eating. Big bowls, however, should be left on the table as they are. Also, like in many other cultures, it is considered impolite to eat while resting your elbows on the table, and blowing one's nose or making loud noises while eating are frowned upon.
2. Chopstick etiquette
If you learn the proper way to hold chopsticks in your youth, you will always be able to hold them well and leave a positive impression with your skill. They might be a little difficult to use if you are unfamiliar with them, but give it a try. Also, there are many particulars regarding chopstick etiquette in Japan. For example, actions like piercing your food with chopsticks, wondering what to choose next while holding the chopsticks, and sucking the chopsticks are all considered bad behavior.
3. Don't make too much noise with the dishes
It is considered bad manners to handle your dishes carelessly and noisily. Tapping your plate with chopsticks or making a commotion when placing down bowls, glasses, and the likes is seen as rather rude.
4. Mind the volume of your voice
Though it depends on the place you eat, you should usually avoid speaking too loudly. While having fun and joking around loudly might be perfectly alright in an izakaya, people value their quiet time in most restaurants.
5. It's okay to slurp soba!
While it may be considered impolite to slurp your food in some countries and locales, it is okay to make some noise when eating noodles in Japan. Especially when it comes to soba, delicious noodles made from buckwheat, it is said that slurping up the noodles will help the flavor spread along your tastebuds.
6. "Itadakimasu" and "Gochisosama"
There is a custom to begin and end your meal with a greeting that expresses your gratitude toward the food itself. There is a life force that exists within food, and, as you begin to consume that force, you say itadakimasu (literally, "I humbly receive"). Saying gochisosama (literally, "It was a feast") after the meal is a cultural given. Whether you say it out loud or not depends on the situation. When you are at a quiet place or by yourself, wordless appreciation is just as good as saying the phrase out loud.
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Limited time offer: 10% discount coupons available now!
Recommended places for you
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Ueno Zoo (Ueno Zoological Gardens)
Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens
Ueno
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
The CASIO S100: How CASIO's Masterpiece Calculator Redefines Business Elegance With Japan-Made Reliability
-
Best Things to Do in Tokyo in April 2024: Events, Festivals & More
-
The Complete Guide to the Kintetsu Rail Pass
-
15 Must-Try Restaurants in Ikebukuro: From Aged Yakiniku to All-You-Can-Eat Sushi, Plus Adorable Animal Cafés
-
Discover Osaka Station City: A Journey Through Its Most Fascinating Spots
-
15 Must-Try Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo (+5 Trending Areas to Explore for Foodies)
-
Exploring Tokyo Station: 10 Must-Visit Spots Around the Heart of Tokyo
-
Popular Food at Universal Studios Japan
-
Foreign Residents Tell All: 5 Hidden Gems in Hokkaido!
-
Niigata Bucket List: 26 Best Things to Do in Niigata Prefecture For Tourists (Attractions, Local Foods & Activities)
-
Tokyo to Osaka Bus From $20!? Top 5 Crazy Cheap, Crazy Comfy Bus Ratings Announced!
-
Michelin Star Restaurants & More: 3 Best Okonomiyaki Shops in Dotonbori Osaka
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks