One of the most common questions people ask at a sushi restaurant is whether they should eat sushi with their hands or with chopsticks. This is something even many Japanese diners are curious about.

To give a clear conclusion: in modern sushi culture, both ways are perfectly correct.

In the past, sushi pieces were much larger—almost like rice balls. Picking them up with chopsticks often caused the rice to fall apart.
However, sushi has evolved. In high-end sushi restaurants today, the rice is crafted smaller and more compact, making it easy to enjoy with either hands or chopsticks.

Whether you choose chopsticks or your hands, a useful tip is to gently turn the sushi on its side before eating. This allows the fish (neta) to meet your palate first, enhancing its aroma and flavor, and it also helps prevent the rice from falling apart. Many consider this the “connoisseur’s way” of enjoying sushi.

If you visit Japan and have the chance to enjoy traditional sushi, we encourage you to give this method a try.If your journey brings you to Tokyo, we hope you’ll join us at Sushi Shutatsu in Ogikubo.
Every piece is crafted with care—Edo-style techniques, seasonal seafood, and the spirit of Japanese omotenashi.
We would be honored to serve you.