You'll have plenty of opportunities to eat at restaurants or share meals with Japanese friends while traveling in Japan. Here are 10 things to know about their dining culture.
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| Most restaurants in Japan display sample plastic plates representing the dishes on the menu. This makes it easier for you to choose your meal and also helps you visualize what the actual dish will look like. Photo: Sugoroku.osaka. |
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| Automatic food vending machines are very common. Many small restaurants often place one of these machines outside the door for customers to choose from. All you need to do is press a button, pay, and hand the ticket to the server. Photo: Miyazaki-restaurant. |
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| Japanese people are willing to stand in long lines just to get into a good restaurant, even if there are many other restaurants nearby. Photo: Lifeofaminion. |
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| You may need to remove your shoes before entering a restaurant. In many places, waitstaff will remind customers to leave their shoes outside. But if no one reminds you, pay attention to your surroundings and the design of the floor (it's a step higher) when you first step inside. Photo: Ameblo.jp. |
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| Don't be surprised if the restaurant provides a basket for customers to place their bags and belongings. These baskets are usually placed under the table or behind the chair, helping diners avoid clutter while eating. Photo: Beau-p. |
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| Before eating, the waiters will place a wet napkin (oshibori) on the table. It's polite to wipe your hands as soon as it's brought out, but remember that these napkins should not be used to wipe your face or neck. Photo: Hatsuhanatei. |
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| Drinks will be served beforehand, while diners wait for their food. Locals often say "kanpai" (cheers) to toast friends before drinking. Photo: Reservation/Yahoo. |
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| The Japanese often order many dishes and share them in one meal. This is a common custom in Asian countries in general. Photo: Mamari. |
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| Just like ordering food, the Japanese pool money to pay for their meals together. Additionally, they often use a rotating system for paying. (Photo: Withnews) |
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| Leaving a tip (boa) is considered rude, even offensive, in Japan. For locals, saying thank you for the meal (arigatou gozaimasu) is the best way for customers to show appreciation to the restaurant. Photo: D.hatena. |
According to Zing
