Japanese culture may appear to have many etiquette rules for visitors. However, these customs are deeply ingrained into the community, and are now second nature for those who live there. Luckily, the Japanese are known for their hospitality and gratitude, and are often forgiving of travelers who aren’t accustomed to their ways.

Knowing the simplest of rules will make traveling in Japan a breeze. These rules are in place so as not to offend anyone, and understanding the basic etiquette will show admiration for their culture. As you are traveling, either navigating Japan’s railway system or walking through the streets to your next destination, a general rule is to treat everyone kindly.

In Japan, everything is done with respect and grace, which is widely shown in dining experiences, since it is frequently a social event. Whether you are dining in a Japanese home, eating out at a restaurant with friends, or attending a business lunch, several Japanese etiquette rules can ensure you have a positive, relaxing, dining experience.

Pre-Meal Etiquette

There is a set of rituals that happen before eating a meal in Japan. These rituals can set the bar high for the rest of the meal, especially when it comes to Japanese business meetings, which call for the highest forms of etiquette.

Additionally, men should wear a jacket and tie at expensive restaurants, while women should wear dresses and skirts. Though they are not illegal, tattoos are better left covered in Japan, as they are linked to illegal activity.

Greeting Etiquette

Bowing is one of the biggest etiquette rules in Japan and is customary when greeting people. Before meals, offering a bow the correct way can speak volumes to how the rest of the meal will go. When bowing, remember these key things:

• Keep your back straight;
• Look at a spot on the ground about a foot in front of you;
• Bend at the waist while inhaling;
• Place your hands lightly on your thighs. Do not bring your hands together at chest level.

Oshibori Etiquette

An Oshibori is a towel — hot or cold depending on the season — that is offered so that you can clean your hands. Many visitors think this towel is used on their face and neck, but this is a big faux pas. This towel is specifically used for cleaning your hands before and throughout the meal. This amenity is often featured in restaurants and is rolled or folded, handed to a customer on a tray.

Etiquette During the Meal

Travelers will find that throughout the meal there is an etiquette structure. This structure is found when visiting a Japanese home as well as most restaurants. Though many Japanese people are forgiving and understanding towards visitors, some actions can be deemed immature and inappropriate to other diners.

Chopstick Etiquette

Chopstick etiquette is a common issue for travelers, not only because they can be difficult to use, but also because many rules are surrounding the proper use of them. Unlike a fork and knife, chopsticks shouldn’t touch the inside of your mouth. Instead, they should pass the food to your mouth. This concept also means that you should avoid sucking on or licking your chopsticks, as it could portray immaturity.

Chopsticks also signify whether you are still eating or are finished with your meal. Leaving chopsticks on the table will tell waiters that you are still eating. If you are finished, you should place your chopsticks together and sideways across the plate or bowl. Most restaurants will provide a “hashioki,” or chopstick holder to rest your chopsticks on so they don’t get the table dirty or roll-off onto the floor.

Other chopstick rules include:

• Do not point at food or people with your chopsticks;
• Try not to pass food with your chopsticks. If there are no serving utensils, use the bigger end of the chopsticks to pass food to your plate;
• Do not play with them or rub them together;
• Do not stab pieces of food;
• Do not leave chopsticks standing vertically in a bowl or cross them in an “X” shape. This symbolizes death;
• Elders and senior members at the table should lift their chopsticks first.

Drinking Etiquette

If you are looking to have a drink with dinner, you would be correct in assuming there are also certain etiquette rules surrounding beverages. The number one rule for drinking in Japan is to never drink alone. You must always wait for everyone to be served before even touching your drink. Once everyone is served, someone will offer a “kampai” which means “cheers” in Japanese. If you want to make a good impression, it is considered good manners to pour someone else’s drink before yours. Other drinking rules include:

• Leave your drink full if you don’t want refills;
• It is polite for everyone to drink the same drink for the first round;
• The glass of the most senior person should be raised the highest in cheers;
• When your drink is being poured, hold your glass with both hands.

Eating Etiquette

There is an array of eating protocols to be aware of before beginning a meal in Japan. Many of them revolve around the idea of not wasting food. Before plating yourself, make sure to start the meal by saying “Itadaki-masu,” which means “I gratefully receive.” After, you may begin dishing up. Remember to only take what you think you will eat, as leaving food on your plate is considered wasteful and impolite. Other dining rules include:

• Do not dump soy sauce on your food. Instead, pour a small amount of sauce in a bowl and dip your food into it;
• You may sip directly from a bowl if it contains ramen or soup. You can even slurp loudly to show your appreciation;
• Make sure to clean your plate;
• Never raise your food above your mouth;
• Do not try to catch falling food;
• Return all dishes to how they were at the start of the meal;
• Do not blow your nose at the table.

Post-Meal Etiquette

There are even rules for how to conduct yourself after a meal. End your meal with the phrase “gochisōsama deshita,” which means “Thank you for the feast.” If you used disposable chopsticks, make sure to place them back in their wrapper and fold the end.

Paying the Bill

Paying the bill can happen a few different ways. To signal for the bill, cross one index finger over the other to create an “X.” This is the standard sign for “check please.” You may also say, “okanjo kudasai,” which also means “check please.”

Usually, the person who invited people out to eat pays the bill. This reinforces their culture of hospitality and gratitude. It is also very common for a party to split the check. This custom is called betsu-betsu and is common when dining out with friends. If you are dining with a person of higher social status, they will typically foot the bill.

Tipping

Tipping is not common nor expected in Japanese culture. Many servers will think you left forgotten money and run after you to return it. It may be uncomfortable, but tipping in Japan adds unnecessary confusion to your dining experience.

Dining should be a relaxing experience, and knowing these etiquette rules will ensure that your experience will be a good one. Try not to worry about messing up these rituals — as stated before, the Japanese understand that travelers will not know every single rule. However, if you are worried about making a mistake, consider investing in a mobile hotspot device rental, which provides internet access wherever you travel in Japan, so you can research different customs. Oftentimes though, your hosts will laugh off your mistakes and teach you the correct way.