Dining Etiquette in Japan: Basic Manners and Etiquette

Dining manners are very important for foreigners working in Japan. Japanese culture is reflected in behavior and words during meals. By showing proper etiquette, you can make a good impression on those you eat with.

In this article, we will provide a simple explanation of the basics of dining etiquette that will be useful for living and working in Japan.

Greetings Before and After Meals

In Japan, we say greetings before and after meals. This shows your gratitude towards the person who made ithe meal, as well as appreciation towards the ingredients used.

Timing	Greetings	Meaning
Before eating	いただきます	"Thank you for the food."
After eating	ごちそうさまでした	"Thank you, it was delicious."

Putting your hands together and saying

Chopstick Etiquette

Chopsticks are often used in Japanese dining. However, there are some things you should not do when using them. Take a look at the table below and take note.

Not Good Manners	Explanation
さしばし	Eating food with chopsticks
よせばし	Pulling a bowl towards you with chopsticks
ねぶりばし	Licking chopsticks
渡しばし	Placing chopsticks horizontally on the bowl
つきばし	Playing with food by poking/stabbing it

Illustrations showing the correct way to hold chopsticks and 5 examples of not doing it right

Important Points :

Hold chopsticks correctly and do not point them towards anywhere but your mouth, namely towards people and utensils.

Passing food from one person's chopsticks to another's is also a taboo in Japan, as it is reminiscent of a funeral.

Dining Etiquette

① Eat Quietly

In Japan, it is considered bad manners to make loud chewing noises while eating. However, it is okay to slurp when eating soba, udon, and ramen. Slurping is accepted in these scenarios, as it is seen as a way to cool down hot food, and as a sign that you are enjoying the food.

Slurping and eating ramen

② How to Hold Tableware

The proper etiquette to eat from a rice bowl or soup bowl is by holding it in your hand.
Hold plates with both hands.
Don't bring your face closer to the table to eat.

3. Don’t Leave Food Uneaten

It is good manners to finish your food.
When ordering or dividing a shared plate, only take as much as you can eat.

Etiquette When Eating Out (Restaurants, Cafeterias, Convenience Stores)

① When Entering The Store and Ordering

When you enter the store, you will be greeted with 「いらっしゃいませ」("Welcome!"). You do not necessarily have to respond.
Look at the menu, and when ordering, say 「これをください」("I'd like this") or 「◯◯をお願いします」("I'd like ◯◯, please").

② Checkout

Payment is done at the cash register. There may also be cases where you pay at the table.
When paying, it is customary to place the money on a tray rather than handing it over directly to someone.

Illustration of money on a tray

3) Eating and Drinking At Convenience Stores

It is considered good manners to eat food purchased at a convenience store either outside, or in the eat-in corner inside the store.
Separate your trash and throw it away in the store's trash bins.

Dining Etiquette At Home (When Eating At A Japanese Person's Home)

Take off your shoes before entering their home.
Japanese people say 「いただきます」("Itadakimasu") before eating, and you should join in on this greeting.
Even if you take just one bite of what is served, it will leave a good impression.
When you've finished eating, say 「ごちそうさまでした」 ("Gochisousamadeshita"). Helping the hosts clean up the table will leave a great impression.

Eating together at home (saying

Other Points :

Scene	Manners Examples
Drinking party	Don't start drinking before the toast.
Buffet	Don't put too much on your plate, only take what you can finish.
Lunch box	Take your trash home with you, or dispose of it in the designated trash bins.

Summary: Follow The Rules And Have A Pleasant Meal

The basis of Japanese dining etiquette is consideration for those around you. It may seem difficult at first, but it's important to learn and practice it little by little.