Dining basics in Japan: free water, itadakimasu and finishing your plate

Water is usually free

Japan's national tourism organization says that most restaurants provide tap water at no charge, and you can ask the staff for it.

• You often get a glass of water or tea when you sit down.
• If it does not come, just ask: "Omizu o onegaishimasu" (water, please).
• Bottled water and other drinks cost money. Bottled water is easy to find in vending machines and at convenience stores.

Two phrases for every meal

JNTO describes two common phrases:

• Itadakimasu: said before you eat. It means roughly "I am glad to receive this meal."
• Gochisosama desu: said after you finish. It means roughly "thank you for the meal."

You do not have to say them, but they are a friendly way to show thanks.

Other customs to know

• Finishing your food is polite. Leaving food is not liked, and asking to take leftovers home is generally not accepted. Order a little at a time if you are unsure.
• In a group, people normally wait until everyone has their food before they start.
• Before you take the last bite of a shared dish, ask first.
• Slurping noodles is accepted in most noodle shops. You do not have to slurp.

These are customs, not laws. Watch the people around you, and do what feels comfortable. Rules are often stricter in expensive restaurants and more relaxed in chains and casual shops.

Tipping and extra charges

There is no tip. Pay the price on the bill. Some izakaya add a small table charge, so see our otoshi article, and see our ticket machine article for shops where you pay first.

FAQ

Sources

• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Drinking Water in Japan
• Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO): Japanese Manners Do's and Don'ts

Related tips

• Chopstick manners in Japan: what not to doNever stick chopsticks upright in rice and never pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks. Avoid stabbing food or pointing with them. Small mistakes are forgiven.
• 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.
• Otoshi in Japan: the small dish that appears on your izakaya billAt many izakaya (Japanese pubs), a small dish called otoshi arrives soon after you sit down. You did not order it, but it is usually added to the bill, often around 300 yen per person. Ask before you sit if you are unsure.
• Ticket machines at ramen shops: how to order and pay before you sitAt many ramen shops you pay first at a ticket machine near the door, then hand the printed ticket to staff. Have cash ready.
• How to use vending machines in Japan: coins, bills and changePut in money, press the lit button, take your drink and your change. Many drink machines take coins and 1,000-yen bills only, so keep small money with you.
• Eating while walking in Japan: when it is okayIt is not illegal, but many people think it is bad manners. It is accepted at festivals and street-food areas. Eat in front of the shop that sold it, and take your trash with you.