Traveling to Japan can be a wonderful experience. The bright lights and nightlife of Tokyo attract many, while the some enjoy the solitary beaches of the Shiraishi islands. Japan has a multitude of attractions to visit and foods to eat. Eating sushi in Japan is almost a requirement for any traveler to this island. Even the best sushi bars in America aren’t quite the same as eating freshly caught Japanese fish. The experience of a traditional sushi meal can be extremely memorable. Travelers should be aware however, that there is an expectation of respect and professionalism in most traditional Japanese sushi bars. Knowing how to avoid “cultural mishaps” are the key to truly enjoying he sushi experience, as well as your overall vacation in Japan.

First, when ordering at a sushi bar, you will usually still have a waiter or waitress. They are there to take your drink and non-sushi food items. It is considered very rude to order anything but sushi from a sushi chef.

There is argument as to whether sushi should only be eaten in one bite has raged for as long as sushi has been served in America. American sushi is typically filled with many more fillings than traditional Japanese sushi, so it is typically seen as acceptable in America to eat hand rolls in more than 1 bite. When eating sushi in Japan however, all sushi is expected to be eaten in one bite. It is considered improper and disrespectful to mangle the rice and fish by trying to bite it in half. Also, some sushi, especially Nori rolls are very delicate. Many times eating only half of a piece of sushi will only result in the rest falling on your shirt.

It is definitely acceptable and appreciated to offer to buy the chef a drink. Many times they will accept with a toast to your health by exclaiming “Kampai!” Try not to pester him though, as he will want to concentrate on making your dish beautiful.

Chopsticks take quite a while to master. It is understandable, even expected that Americans may not know how to use chopsticks. There are however, certain etiquettes that must be observed with chopsticks.

Do not use chopsticks to pull food to or away from you.

Do not stick your chopsticks in your food. The tips should always rest on the very edge of you plate when they are not in use. Many times, a chopsticks holder will be provided and should be used.

Do not use your chopsticks as medical probes! Nothing angers a sushi chef faster than making a beautiful dish, only for it to be destroyed by curious eaters with chopsticks.

If the chef presents everyone’s sushi on a communal dish, use the thick end of your chopsticks to grab the pieces. In Japanese culture, grabbing food with something that has been in your mouth is highly disrespectful.

Soup is a common side dish offered in sushi bars, particularly Miso soup. The traditional way of eating this soup is to pick out the solids with your chopsticks and then, with both hands, drinking the broth from the bowl. Its acceptable and recommended to have your towel in hand to prevents spills.

Learning a little of the Japanese language can also be very helpful when ordering sushi.
“Nigiri” are pieces of flavored fish or seafood on top of a rice ball.
“Temaki” are rectangular rice hand rolls with topped with shrimp, crab, eel, or other types of fish.
“Sashimi” is a dish of simple raw fish such as Yellowtail or Tuna, sliced nearly paper thin.
“Sumimasen” is a term you should get very comfortable with. It means “excuse me”
“Has-hi oki” traditional wooden chopstick holder.
“Arigato gozaimasu” translates as “thank you very much”

The best way to ejoy sushi is to just tell the chef to make you a few courses of whatever he likes. Trusting in these talented artists is a sure fire way to enjoy a fabulous meal. Understanding sushi basics shows sushi chefs that you have taken the time to learn their customs, which is a sign of respect. By adhering to a few simple rules you can be guaranteed to have a wonderfully memorable seafood experience.

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