A Guide from a Sushi Restaurant
When dining in Japan—especially at a sushi restaurant—manners are not about strict rules or formality.
They are about respect: respect for the food, the chef, and the people around you.
Here are some essential dining manners to help you enjoy sushi the Japanese way.
🍽️ General Table Manners
- Do not eat with your mouth open
Eating quietly and neatly shows consideration for others. - Do not chew loudly
Silence is appreciated during meals.
Exception: Slurping noodles like ramen or soba is acceptable and even shows enjoyment. - Do not walk around while eating
Eating while standing or walking, especially in public places, is considered impolite. - Do not eat without lifting your bowl
Holding your bowl (rice or soup) is seen as proper and respectful.
🥢 Chopstick Manners
Chopsticks are treated with great respect in Japan.
Below are common chopstick mistakes, each with its Japanese name, so you may hear or see them explained at sushi restaurants.
- Do not stick chopsticks vertically into food
(Tate-bashi / 縦箸)
This resembles a funeral ritual and is considered extremely inappropriate. - Do not pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks
(Hashi-watashi / 箸渡し)
This action is associated with funeral customs. - Do not point at people or dishes with chopsticks
(Sashi-bashi / 指し箸)
Using chopsticks to point is seen as rude. - Do not lick or suck on chopsticks
(Neburi-bashi / ねぶり箸)
This looks unhygienic and impolite. - Do not hover your chopsticks while deciding what to eat
(Mayoi-bashi / 迷い箸)
Move your chopsticks only after you have decided. - Do not stir or dig through food with chopsticks
(Saguri-bashi / 探り箸)
Choose one item gently without disturbing others. - Do not stab food with chopsticks
(Tsuki-bashi / 突き箸)
Always pick food up properly. - Do not use chopsticks to pull dishes toward you
(Yose-bashi / 寄せ箸)
Use your hands instead.
These manners may seem subtle, but at a sushi counter, they are very noticeable and deeply connected to respect for the food and the chef.
🍣 Sushi Restaurant Etiquette
At a sushi counter, the experience is shared between the chef and the guest.
- Eat sushi soon after it is served
- Avoid strong perfumes, as they interfere with aroma
- Keep personal items like phones and watches off the counter
- If you are unsure about something, feel free to ask—chefs appreciate curiosity and respect
Final Thought
Japanese dining manners are not meant to be difficult.
They exist to create a calm, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll not only enjoy better sushi—you’ll also earn the quiet respect of the chef.
We look forward to welcoming you at the counter.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and looking for an authentic sushi experience, we invite you to enjoy a carefully crafted omakase at Sushi Shutatsu in Ogikubo.
Our chef prepares each piece using traditional Edo-style techniques, premium ingredients from Toyosu Market, and warm Japanese hospitality.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the true taste of Tokyo sushi.
