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Japanese dining manners

Japanese food is one of the most popular dishes in the world. The fresh ingredients, delicate taste and unique texture are delicious meals that everyone can enjoy. And Japanese dining manners help make the dining experience even more special.

This time,
①”6 things to do” at high-end Japanese restaurants with omakase courses
②Here are five basic manners to observe when eating in Japan.

①”6 things to do” at a high-end Japanese restaurant

There are six things you should be aware of when you eat at a course meal such as an omakase restaurant.

1. Make a reservation earlier.
All restaurants are very popular, and reservations are often filled up quickly, so let’s make a reservation early. It depends on the restaurant, but if you make a reservation from overseas through the website or ask the concierge of the hotel when you come to Japan, you can make a reservation smoothly.

2. Pay attention to the dress code.
Dress codes may be provided. The clothes that fit the place with less exposure, such as jackets and dresses, are small. Also, there are many shops that don’t like strong perfume. To enjoy the original taste and aroma of the meal, and to be considerate of the customers around you, it is more enjoyable not to wear strong perfume or wear perfume.

3. Set a budget.
Omakase restaurants have many high-end restaurants, so I recommend that you set a budget. I have an impression that the market price is 20,000 to 30,000 yen, but it varies depending on the restaurant. There are also shops where you can enjoy it easily for about 10,000 yen.

4. Be careful of your manners.
You need to follow the manners of Japanese food. For example, do not make noise or suck chopsticks.

5. Relax and enjoy.
You can fully appreciate the creativity and cooking skills of the chef. Let’s relax and enjoy the meal.

6. I’m going hungry.
Traditional Japanese and course restaurants often serve a lot of food, so let’s go hungry.
Then you will definitely be very satisfied.

②5 basic manners to observe when eating in Japan

It is important to note that Japanese eating manners are complicated and may vary depending on the region and situation. However, here are some of the most common manners.

  1. Do not cross your legs when you sit down. This is considered rude.
  2. Say “ITADAKIMASU” or “GOCHISOUSAMADESU.”
    Both meanings are “Thank you for the meal.”
    “When the food is served, I would like to say “ITADAKIMASU” and join hands to thank them. It’s a culture of “GOCHISOUSAMA” that you say when you finish eating or when you leave a restaurant. I appreciate the food and the people who cooked it. Japan is a country where there are more people who have no religion, but this is something that Japanese culture takes for granted.
  3. When using chopsticks, do not make noise when carrying food to your mouth. This is considered rude.
  4. Don’t chopsticks. This is considered unclean.
    After you finish eating, put chopsticks on the chopstick rest instead of tableware such as bowls.
  5. When you receive the payment, you say “GOCHISOUSAMADESSHITA” and bow and leave the shop. This will make the shop staff smile more. It is one of the proof that I was satisfied with this restaurant and the food.

Bad chopstick manners

Among them, chopstick manners may be difficult for those who do not use chopsticks. However, just by keeping it in mind a little bit, it will be a pleasant meal.

Sashibashi : Eating with chopsticks stuck in a dish
Mayoibashi : Moving chopsticks on a dish, wondering what to eat
Yosebashi : The act of drawing a bowl with chopsticks
Neburibashi : The act of licking leftover food with the tip of chopsticks in one’s mouth
Nigiribashi : How to hold chopsticks as if you were gripping them
Watashibashi : Place chopsticks on the edge of a small bowl or plate during meals
Sakasabashi : Use the opposite side of chopsticks to separate dishes

It may be difficult especially for countries that are not chopstick culture, but it is good to remember it so that you can enjoy it even a little.
If you don’t understand, you’d better ask the general on the spot. Please feel free to ask the Japanese. I’m happy to tell you.
By following these manners, you can improve your dining experience in Japan and respect Japanese culture.

High-end Japanese restaurants like OMAKASE restaurants are places where you can enjoy the best Japanese food experience in Tokyo. This restaurant is recommended for those who want to enjoy Japanese food to the fullest on special days. It will definitely be a memory of Japan.
Please observe Japanese manners and enjoy it.

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Mariko

Born in Nagoya in 1983. After graduating from Waseda University, worked for an IT company. |Married in 2018 and gave birth to a son in 2019. | Specialized in SNS consulting and branding production. | Hobby is traveling. Loves to travel abroad. I also love Japan. I want to raise the value of the country I was born and raised in.               

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