🍣 Sushi Etiquette Guide — for Respectful Visitors
How to enjoy sushi like a guest, not like an exam-taker. This guide favors respect over perfection so you can relax, savor the craft, and connect with the chef and ingredients.
Note: You don’t need to follow every single rule. Even many Japanese people don’t. Kindness, calmness, and curiosity are the true etiquette.
1) Mindset: Respect, not perfection
Sushi in Japan is about appreciation—of the chef’s skill and the freshness of the ingredients. Perfection isn’t required. If you forget a step or two, smile and continue. Being polite and relaxed is already “good etiquette”.
- Be courteous. A simple nod or “Konnichiwa” goes far.
- Keep calm and enjoy the flow of the meal.
- It’s normal to ask small, curious questions.
Cultural context: In many real settings, even locals vary in how strictly they follow rules.
2) Greeting the chef (カウンター / counter)
Sitting at the counter brings you closer to the craft. A friendly smile and a quiet “Konnichiwa” (hello) or “Onegaishimasu” (please) shows respect without overdoing it.
- Short compliments like “Oishii!” (delicious!) are perfect.
- Follow the chef’s rhythm, especially with Omakase (chef’s choice).
3) Oshibori (おしぼり) — use for hands only
- Clean your hands; avoid wiping your face/neck.
- Fold and place it neatly after use.
- Strong perfume/hand cream can dull aromas—best avoided.
4) Hands or chopsticks — both are okay
Nigiri (にぎり)
- Eat with hands or chopsticks.
- If using hands, gently wipe fingers after.
Gunkan / Rolls (軍艦・巻き)
- Usually easier with chopsticks.
- Handle lightly to avoid crushing rice.
5) Soy sauce (醤油 / shōyu) — small & gentle
- Dip the fish side, not the rice, to avoid breaking.
- Use a little soy sauce—think “brush”, not “bath”.
- For gunkan (uni/ikura), use a slice of gari like a tiny brush to dab soy on top.
6) One-bite harmony (できれば一口)
Nigiri is designed for a single bite to keep the balance of rice and fish. If it’s too big, two neat bites are fine—just keep things tidy and quiet.
7) Gari (がり) is a palate cleanser
Gari is not a topping. Enjoy a small piece between different sushi to refresh your palate so each bite tastes bright and clear.
8) Drinks & atmosphere
- Green tea and sake pair well; avoid strong perfumes or loud voices.
- Think of the counter like a calm theater stage—you’re part of the scene.
- Short questions welcome: “What fish is this?” keeps conversation light.
9) Paying & leaving
- Say “Gochisōsama deshita” (thank you for the meal).
- No tipping needed in Japan; a smile is perfect.
- Leaving gracefully keeps the final impression warm.
10) Common mistakes (easy to avoid)
- Dipping rice into soy sauce (it falls apart).
- Using too much soy.
- Speaking loudly or wearing strong fragrances.
- Eating only the fish and leaving the rice (considered rude).
If you slip—no panic. Most people will simply smile. Continue kindly.
11) Quick Japanese words (optional)
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| こんにちは | Konnichiwa | Hello |
| お願いします | Onegaishimasu | Please / Thank you in advance |
| おいしい！ | Oishii! | Delicious! |
| ごちそうさまでした | Gochisōsama deshita | Thank you for the meal |
Perfect pronunciation isn’t required—trying a little already shows great respect.
FAQ
Do I have to follow every rule?
No. This is not a test. Prioritize respect, calmness, and enjoyment.
Is hand-eating weird?
Not at all. Eating nigiri by hand is traditional and practical. Just keep fingers clean.
What if I forget something?
Smile and continue. Even locals vary. Kindness > perfection.
Do I tip?
Japan is generally non-tipping. “Gochisōsama deshita” and a smile are perfect.
Final Message: You don’t need to act like a sushi master to be respectful. Be curious, be gentle, enjoy the craft. Chefs remember warmth more than rules.