日本語
中国語
Español
Why Perfume Is Avoided in Sushi Restaurants
In Japan, wearing strong perfume when dining at sushi restaurants is often considered bad manners. The aroma of perfume can overpower the subtle scents of fresh fish and vinegared rice, making it harder to enjoy the true flavor of the food. It can also disturb nearby guests. For this reason, many sushi restaurants expect customers to refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To fully enjoy your sushi experience, choose fragrance-free or very mild scents.
You might be interested in this
Perfume Etiquette at Restaurants in Japan
Japanese dining culture places great importance on subtlety, especially regarding smell. In restaurants like sushi bars, where the aroma of food is key to the experience, strong perfumes are often seen as disruptive. These places are typically quiet and calm, with a focus on enjoying the natural scent and taste of the dishes. Many Japanese people avoid reapplying perfume before dining, as it may disturb others sitting nearby. Wearing noticeable fragrance can easily become a nuisance to those around you.
The Connection Between Sushi and Scent
Sushi is a culinary art that involves sight, smell, and taste. The freshness of the fish and the subtle aroma of the rice are critical to its flavor. Wearing strong perfume can ruin this delicate balance—not just for yourself, but for others as well. In Japan, there is a cultural belief that “aroma is part of the taste,” which is why avoiding perfume when eating sushi is considered basic etiquette.
How Perfume Affects Other Customers
Even if a scent feels pleasant to the wearer, it can be overwhelming or unpleasant to others. In a sushi restaurant with closely spaced counter seats, strong perfume can easily reach the person next to you. This may negatively impact their ability to enjoy their food. A wonderful sushi meal can be ruined by a lingering scent. Consideration for others is an essential part of perfume etiquette in Japan.
Why Sushi Chefs Are Sensitive to Smells
Sushi chefs rely on a sharp sense of smell to judge the freshness and quality of fish. Artificial scents like perfume can interfere with this important skill. Because chefs often serve customers directly over the counter, strong odors can also affect their focus. Out of respect for the chef’s craft, it’s polite to avoid wearing perfume in sushi restaurants. Sushi is meant to be enjoyed through delicate aromas—so strong fragrances, including cigarette smoke, are often frowned upon.
How Much Perfume Is Too Much?
It’s not that you must avoid perfume completely. The key is moderation. Fragrance-free deodorants or very light perfumes are generally acceptable. The important thing is that others shouldn’t be able to smell it from nearby. Before entering a sushi restaurant, check your scent—and if possible, avoid applying perfume to your clothes as well.
Japanese Perfume Manners vs. Other Countries
In many countries, wearing perfume is part of daily etiquette. However, in Japan, there is a cultural emphasis on not sharing your scent with others. This can surprise many foreign visitors. At sushi restaurants especially, perfume is often seen as impolite. Understanding this difference can help you avoid trouble and show respect for local customs while traveling in Japan.
What to Check Before Entering a Sushi Restaurant
Before going into a sushi restaurant, take a moment to consider whether your fragrance might affect others. Even if you’ve applied perfume earlier in the day, it’s good manners to check its strength before entering. If the scent is too strong, try washing it off or removing scented clothing. Also, be aware of lingering smells from hair products or fabric softeners. Small efforts like this go a long way in making a good impression in Japan.
Real Incidents Caused by Strong Perfume
There have been real cases where strong perfume caused issues at sushi restaurants. Some guests have complained they couldn’t taste their food, and staff have gently asked customers to tone down their scent. In rare cases, entry has even been refused. To avoid such problems, it’s best to understand that perfume can be seen as poor manners in certain settings—especially at high-end sushi establishments.
Enjoy Sushi Even More by Respecting Scent Etiquette
To truly appreciate Japanese sushi culture, it’s important to understand the role that scent plays in the experience. Being mindful of how fragrance affects the food and the atmosphere helps you enjoy a richer, more authentic meal. In Japan, consideration for others is the foundation of etiquette. By avoiding strong perfume, you create a comfortable space for yourself and others. Practice scent etiquette and make the most of your sushi experience.
