Here you can learn some handy Japanese eating etiquette’s that will help you while in Japan or when you visit a Japanese person’s household. Some of these etiquette’s may seem extreme but it is because the Japanese are sensitive people and very conscious about hygiene.
When Eating:
Try not to eat or drink while walking down the street. It is considered impolite.
Do not bite or clean your fingernails, gnaw on pencils, or lick your fingers in front of others.
Many times right before a meal you may receive a small, moist towel (usually cold in summer, hot in winter) to wipe your hand. It is not proper use this towel for your face or neck.
It is impolite to pour yourself your own drink when eating with others. In this scenario, you should pour your companion a drink and they will pour yours.
If you do not want any more to drink, leave your glass full. Otherwise, your companion will keep pouring you a drink!
It’s customary to say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisosama deshita” after eating, especially if you’re being treated, as well as “Kanpai” for a toast.
When sharing a dish, take what you are going to eat and put it on your plate first, then eat off your own plate.
Do not make excessive special requests when ordering food. If you don’t like something, just get it and leave it on the side.
NEVER use chopsticks to skewer food, move dishes around
NEVER give/pass food to another person using the same end as the side you ate from. Turn your chopstick around and use the top end.
Do not use your chopsticks to point at somebody.
Do not leave your chopsticks standing up in your food.
Do not bite on your chopsticks.
Do not pass food from chopstick to another chopstick. Rather put the food on a plate. This tradition is ONLY used during funerals for passing bones during cremation.
It is normal in Japan to pick up your rice or miso soup bowl and hold it by your mouth.
Traditional Japanese food is served on several small plates. It is normal to alternate between dishes without fully eating one dish after another.
Do not leave a mess on your plate. Fold up your napkins neatly.
Never take napkins or sugar packets from a restaurant.
Never pour soy sauce (shoyu) on your rice
Do not put sugar or cream in Japanese green tea. It is suppose to be a bit bitter.
If you have to use a toothpick, cover your mouth with your other hand.
In Japan, it is very normal to make slurping sounds while eating noodles.
In Japan, it is accepted to make loud gulping noises when drinking for example…”Ahh”. This expresses that the drink is GOOD. You will see this often times in TV commercials.
It is normal to pay a restaurant or bar bills at the register rather than giving your money to the waiter/waitress.
There is no tipping in Japan.
It is considered rude to verify your change after paying the bill. But the Japanese do give it a quick look.
