Sushi Etiquette, Common Mistakes, and Where to Eat Like a Local
If you’re visiting Japan from the U.S., chances are you’re excited to try real Japanese sushi—and for good reason! But while sushi is popular in America, there are some surprising differences in how it’s served and eaten in Japan.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a quick, friendly guide to help you enjoy sushi like a local, without embarrassing yourself at the counter.
🍣 1. Sushi in Japan vs. America
- In Japan, less is more. Sushi is often served in simple, elegant portions with fresh seasonal fish.
- No cream cheese, spicy mayo, or “dragon rolls.” (Sorry!)
- Rolls (makizushi) exist, but nigiri (rice + fish) and sashimi (fish only) are more common.
🗾 Pro Tip: If you’re not ready for raw fish, try tamago (sweet egg), ebi (shrimp), or inari (tofu skin).
🥢 2. Sushi Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts
✅ Do:
- Use your hands or chopsticks—both are OK!
- Dip the fish side (not the rice) into soy sauce
- Say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama” after
- Eat ginger (gari) between pieces to cleanse your palate
❌ Don’t:
- Rub chopsticks together (seen as insulting)
- Mix wasabi into the soy sauce dish
- Overload sushi with soy sauce or toppings
- Talk loudly in quiet sushi restaurants
🔥 3. Common Mistakes by American Tourists
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Mixing wasabi into soy sauce | Seen as disrespecting the chef’s flavor balance |
| Using chopsticks to pass food | Resembles funeral rituals |
| Asking for a California Roll | Most sushi bars don’t serve it |
| Leaving food uneaten | Waste is frowned upon in Japanese culture |
🏪 4. Where to Try Sushi (Even If You’re a Beginner)
🍣 Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaitenzushi)
- Budget-friendly, easy to order
- Try: Sushiro, Kura Sushi, Hamazushi
- Color-coded plates = price
- Touchscreen with English menu available
👇Click here for a detailed guide to conveyor belt sushi chains in Japan!👇
https://eitaroblog.com/conveyor-belt-sushi-japan-guide/
👨🍳 Sushi Bars (Sushi-ya)
- More traditional and serious atmosphere
- Sit at the counter to see the chef at work
- May be omakase (chef’s choice)—let them guide you!
🏪 Convenience Stores
- Yes, you can get decent sushi at 7-Eleven or FamilyMart
- Not gourmet, but cheap and satisfying for a quick lunch
💡 Bonus: Useful Phrases
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| One sushi set, please | すしセットを一つください (Sushi setto wo hitotsu kudasai) |
| No wasabi, please | わさび抜きでお願いします (Wasabi nuki de onegaishimasu) |
| It was delicious! | とてもおいしかったです！ (Totemo oishikatta desu!) |
✨ Final Tips
・Don’t stress! Japanese people are kind and forgiving toward polite tourists.
・If you’re unsure what to order, ask for “Omakase” and enjoy the chef’s selection.
・Want to keep it simple? Start with tuna (maguro), salmon (sake), and shrimp (ebi).
コメント