Japanese dining etiquette: the essentials

Chopsticks: three things to avoid

• Never stand chopsticks upright in rice — it mirrors a funeral rite.
• Don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick — also a funeral association. Move food via a plate.
• Don't spear food or wave them around. Rest them on the hashioki (rest) or across your bowl between bites.

No tipping — really

Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion. Good service is included. At ticket-machine and counter shops you simply pay the listed price.

The oshibori

The hot (or cold) towel at the start is for your hands, not your face or the table. Fold it and set it aside after.

Say the words

Itadakimasu before eating ("I gratefully receive") and gochisousama after ("thank you for the meal") are small phrases that locals appreciate.

Slurping, pouring, and sharing

Slurping noodles is fine. When drinking with others, it's polite to pour for each other rather than your own glass. Shared izakaya plates are meant for the table — take a little onto your own small plate.

Shoes and seating

At traditional tatami restaurants you'll remove your shoes — follow the step-up line. A small bow and a smile cover almost everything else.