Eating in Japan

 I would travel to Japan just to eat the food. What we call Japanese food here or even supermarket sushi just can't compare to the majesty of authentic Japanese food. Here are a couple of things I noticed while eating in Japan.

I've heard rumors you can't leave your plate empty. I don't know if this is true. If so, I'd guess it's left over from WW2 when wasting food was ungrateful. They might give you long looks if you don't finish, but you won't get berated.

Don't put bags on the floors. Japanese restaurants even small ones will have a place for your bag. Most of the time, we found bins by our tables to put our shopping treasures in. But this one, teeny tiny yakiniku place had a hook to hang a bag or a few bags from. 

Use the wet towels to clean your hands before eating. Even in the cheapest ekiben shop, they'll give you a wet towel to wipe your hands with. You've been on public transportation every day. Use the wet towel to wash your hands.

Use chopsticks. I think this is a given. If you have to ask for a fork, it just makes all Americans look bad.

You don't have to tip. As far as I can remember.

Some places will serve ice water if you're white because Americans have shamefully trained them that Americans drink (shudder) ice water with dinner. You should skip it and order a nice infusion instead.

Always say hello when entering a shop, even if you don't immediately don't see anyone there. This goes for stopping by a small shop as well.

Try something you've never had before. You might find a new favorite. I tried oysters down south where it's their local dish. You can a also ask if there is a local dish (or just Google it.)

Always say thank you when you leave. This goes for shopping too. America has lost the sense of small business where we greet each other on entry and on leaving. 

Don't be surprised at how cheap food is there. A nice Japanese style restaurant here in the States can be quite pricey. But in Japan, you can find good food as reasonable prices.

There can be "fake" replica food in some restaurants. I love this idea because I'm always looking at other tables as I come in and I want to say, "I'll have what he's having" when I see an interesting or yummy looking dish.

In Osaka, the upper levels of the malls are the food courts. 

Try an American fast food place at least once. We always hit a McDo or a Wendy's when we travel. You'll be surprised at how good the good is when it's not made in the USA. Plus they have alternative menu items you won't find in the states, like melon floats or pancakes with your hamburgers. 

Take pictures and have fun! Japanese food is not only delicious and healthy, it's beautiful! They take great pride in making a beautiful plate. A feast for the eyes and the stomach.