Japan Restaurant Etiquette: 3 Things to Know Before You Eat
In Japanese restaurants, the oshibori (wet towel) is for wiping your hands. At many ramen shops you buy a meal ticket from a machine before you sit, and busy shops may seat you only when your whole group is there.
Video out Oct 10The 20-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.
The 3 things to know
Use the oshibori for your hands
The wet towel, oshibori, is for wiping your hands. Fold it back neatly when you finish.
Buy your ticket first
At many ramen shops, you buy a ticket from the machine first. Look for card or IC icons, since not every shop is cash-only.
Wait as a group
Some busy shops seat you only when your whole group is there, so wait together.
Quick answers
Do you tip at restaurants in Japan?
No. Tipping is not customary in restaurants, bars, cafes or taxis, and leaving cash on the table can cause confusion. Some upscale restaurants add a service charge to the bill instead.
Can I sit down before I order at a ramen shop?
Usually not. At many ramen shops you buy a meal ticket from the vending machine first, then hand it to the staff.
Is it rude to slurp noodles in Japan?
No. Slurping ramen, soba and udon is normal, and it can signal that you are enjoying the meal.
Read the video transcript
Eating out in Japan? Three things to know.
One. The wet towel, oshibori, is for wiping your hands.
Two. At many ramen shops, you buy a ticket from the machine first.
Three. Waiting in line? Some busy shops seat you only when your whole group is there.
Then enjoy every bite.
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- japan.travelJNTO - A Guide to Ramen in Japan
- japan.travelJNTO - Japanese Customs and Etiquette
- japan.travelJNTO - Tipping in Japan
- Updated
- Video
- 20 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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