Chopstick manners in Japan: what not to do
Never stick chopsticks upright in rice and never pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. Avoid stabbing food or pointing with them. Small mistakes are forgiven.
The two biggest rules
- Do not stand your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. It looks like the rice offering made for the dead, so it is linked with funerals.
- Do not pass food from your chopsticks to someone else's chopsticks. Put the food on a plate first, and let the other person pick it up with their own chopsticks.
Other things to avoid
JNTO also lists these as poor chopstick manners:
- Using them like a spoon, or like a knife and fork.
- Stabbing or skewering food.
- Holding both chopsticks in one hand.
- Pointing at things or people with them.
- Pulling plates or bowls across the table with them.
How to hold and rest them
Hold one chopstick steady between the base of your thumb and the tip of your ring finger. Hold the other like a pencil. Only the top chopstick should move when you pick up food.
When you pause, do not lay them straight on the table. Put them across your dish or on a chopstick rest (hashi-oki).
Shared dishes and rice
- Do not eat straight from a shared plate. Move some food to your own small plate first.
- When you eat rice, hold the bowl in one hand and scoop with the chopsticks in the other.
- Slurping noodles is fine in Japan.
FAQ
Can I ask for a fork?
Yes. Many restaurants have forks or spoons, especially places that see many visitors. Just ask.
Will people be upset if I make a mistake?
JNTO says locals are very forgiving if you are polite and making an effort.
How do I take food from a shared plate?
Ask staff for serving utensils if none are on the table. Do not eat directly from the shared plate.
Sources
Related tips
- Do you tip in Japan?Short answer: no. Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes, taxis or hotels in Japan. Here is when it is fine, and what to do instead.
- Where to throw away trash in Japan (there are few street bins)Public trash bins are rare in Japan. Carry a small bag, use the bins at stations and convenience stores, and take your trash home if you cannot find one.
- When do you take off your shoes in Japan?Take your shoes off in homes, in temple buildings, and in many Japanese-style inns, restaurants and hot springs. Look for a raised floor or a shoe rack, and when in doubt, ask.
- Do you need cash in Japan? Cards, IC cards and yenCards of international brands are generally accepted across Japan, but not everywhere. Carry a card, a Suica or PASMO IC card and a little yen.
Last checked: 2026-10-29. Rules and prices can change, so please confirm with the official sources above.