🥢 Chopstick Rules
▶ Video Coming Soon
🎬 Chopstick Rules in Japan
Never Stick Chopsticks Upright
Placing chopsticks upright in rice resembles a funeral ritual — it's considered very bad luck and disrespectful.
Use the Reverse End for Shared Dishes
When taking food from a shared plate, use the clean (unused) end of your chopsticks or use serving utensils.
No Passing Food Chopstick-to-Chopstick
This mimics a funeral custom. Place food on a plate instead, then let the other person pick it up.
Don't Point or Wave Chopsticks
Chopsticks are eating utensils only. Pointing at people or waving them around is considered rude.
🍣 At the Sushi Restaurant
✅ Do This
- Eat nigiri sushi in one bite
- Dip fish-side into soy sauce (not rice)
- It's OK to eat sushi with your hands
- Order ginger as a palate cleanser between bites
- Say "Itadakimasu" before eating
❌ Avoid This
- Don't mix wasabi into soy sauce at high-end spots
- Don't leave rice on your plate
- Don't pour excessive soy sauce
- Don't talk loudly in quiet sushi bars
- Don't pass food chopstick to chopstick
Experience sushi with a local guide
A sushi class or guided omakase experience is one of the most memorable things you can do in Japan.
Browse Sushi Experiences →🍜 At the Ramen Shop
Slurping is Welcome!
Slurping noodles is not rude in Japan — it shows appreciation for the food and actually enhances the flavor.
Use the Ticket Machine
Many ramen shops use vending machines to order. Buy your ticket first, then hand it to the chef.
Eat Quickly
Ramen is meant to be eaten hot. Don't linger too long — other customers may be waiting.
Say Thank You
Say "Gochisousama deshita" when you finish. It means "Thank you for the feast" and chefs love hearing it.
🍺 At the Izakaya
The Izakaya Experience
An izakaya is a Japanese gastropub — perfect for relaxed dining and drinks with friends. Pour drinks for others first before pouring your own. Wait for everyone to have a drink before starting with "Kanpai!" (cheers!). Food is ordered throughout the meal and shared among the table. It's perfectly acceptable to stay for hours — just make sure someone keeps an eye on when the restaurant closes.
Pour for Others First
Never pour your own drink at an izakaya. Keep an eye on others' glasses and refill them before your own. Someone will do the same for you.
Wait for Kanpai
Don't drink until everyone has a glass and someone calls "Kanpai!" It's the signal that the meal has officially begun.
Shared Dishes
Food at izakaya is ordered throughout the evening and shared across the table. Use the opposite end of your chopsticks to serve others from shared plates.
Call Staff with the Button
Most izakaya have a call button on the table. Press it to order — don't shout across the restaurant. A raised hand also works at quieter places.
Smoking Areas
Some izakaya still have designated smoking sections. If you are sensitive to smoke, ask for a non-smoking table (禁煙席: kin-en seki) when you arrive.
Last Order & Closing Time
Izakaya often have a last order time 30 minutes before closing. Keep an eye on the time and place your final orders early — being asked to leave is awkward.
Want to explore izakaya culture?
A guided izakaya tour takes the guesswork out of ordering and helps you discover dishes you'd never find on your own.
Browse Izakaya Tours →💰 Paying the Bill
▶ Video Coming Soon
🎬 How to Pay the Bill at a Japanese Restaurant
No Tipping!
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can even be considered rude. The service charge is included.
Pay at the Register
In most Japanese restaurants, you take the bill to the register to pay — don't leave cash on the table.
Have Cash Ready
Many restaurants, especially smaller ones, only accept cash. Always carry yen just in case.
