Never Do These 3 Things At A Japanese Restaurant!

Planning to eat at a Japanese restaurant? Here are 3 common dining mistakes to avoid if you want to respect local customs and feel more confident at the table. First, using the oshibori the wrong way. At many Japanese restaurants, you’ll receive an oshibori, a wet towel used to clean your hands before eating. It’s generally meant for your hands, so avoid using it to wipe your entire face or other parts of your body. Second, waiting for the staff to notice you. Need to order or ask for something? At many Japanese restaurants, you can politely call a server by saying “sumimasen,” which means “excuse me” or “sorry.” You don’t always have to wait for a server to walk past your table. Just call out politely when you need assistance. Third, using chopsticks carelessly. Japanese dining etiquette has a few important chopstick rules. Never stick your chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, because this resembles a funeral ritual. Also, avoid passing food directly from one person’s chopsticks to another’s, as this is associated with a Japanese funeral custom. Small details like these can help you enjoy Japanese food while showing respect for the local culture. #japan #japaneseculture #japanlife