Japan is a country known for its fascinating culture, rich traditions, and unparalleled hospitality. When you visit, understanding Japanese customs isn't just the polite thing to do - it's a way to truly appreciate the depth of this wonderful destination. Among these customs, dining etiquette holds a special place.

With Japanese cuisine (known as washoku) recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, each dish is a work of art worthy of respect.

If you plan to dine in a formal setting, grab a bite at a casual restaurant, or host friends at home, knowing the basics of Japanese table etiquette will enhance your experience and help you avoid accidental mistakes. Let's get started with some essential cultural and dining dos and don'ts while in Japan.

Refusing food or drinks in Japan can be seen as impolite. If you’re offered something, it’s customary to accept it, even if you’re not planning to eat or drink it all.

For instance, in upscale restaurants, an appetiser might be served as a welcome gesture—accepting it shows your appreciation. If you’re full or don’t want a refill on your drink, the trick is to leave a small amount in your glass or bowl. An empty cup signals that you’re ready for more, so keep that in mind!

Traditional dinners often involve sitting at low tables on tatami mats, remove your shoes before entering the tatami - this is a must. Also, remember to not step on pillows other than your own. Respect the space, so pay attention to how locals go about seating arrangements.

Before digging in, you’ll hear or say “itadakimasu”, which translates to “I gratefully receive.” It’s a way to show gratitude to everyone involved in preparing the meal, from the chefs to the farmers.

If you’re unsure about when to start eating, wait until everyone is served. If someone invites you to begin before the others, politely say, “osaki ni itadakimasu” (allow me to start).

Chopsticks—the cornerstone of Japanese dining. While they might seem tricky at first, using them respectfully is more important than being perfect. Here’s what to keep in mind:

While burping and chewing loudly are discouraged, there is one pleasant exception-slurping noodles. Slurping noodles is not only allowed, it's encouraged! It's a way to show that you enjoy the food, especially hot noodle dishes like ramen or soba. However, be careful about splashing and avoid over-flushing if you're unsure.

In Japan, no one starts drinking until everyone has their glass ready, and a toast is made. The phrase to use is “kampai” (cheers).

One interesting habit is to pour drinks for others and not for yourself. Keep an eye on your friends' glasses, and if someone offers to pour a drink for you, raise your glass slightly in thanks.

If you're not a drinker, don't worry-there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options such as alcohol-free tea, juice or beer.

In Japanese culture, finishing your plate is seen as a sign of respect for the effort and ingredients that went into the meal. If you’re served rice, try to eat it all down to the last grain. That said, if you have dietary restrictions or preferences, politely informing the host or restaurant in advance is appreciated.

If you are sharing a dish or sauce, avoid double dipping. It is unhygienic and culturally unfavourable. With sushi, for example, dip a small portion of the fish (not the rice) in soy sauce. Excessive dipping is considered wasteful and can even ruin the balance of flavours the chef intended.

While leaving food behind isn’t ideal, sometimes it happens. If you know you won’t finish a dish, try not to pick at it too much. Keeping it neat shows you valued the effort that went into preparing it. If you’re dining with someone, offer them untouched portions instead of passing food with your chopsticks.

Once you’ve finished your meal, say “gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the feast). This simple phrase conveys appreciation not just to the cook but to everyone involved in the meal’s creation. It’s a lovely way to end the dining experience on a respectful note.

Understanding Japanese table manners is more than just etiquette—it’s about embracing a culture that values respect, harmony, and thoughtfulness. Whether you’re savouring sushi at a high-end restaurant, enjoying ramen at a bustling shop, or sharing a meal with friends, these small efforts can make a big difference. Make sure to read about what items are prohibited when leaving Japan in this essential guide for travellers!

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