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  • Enjoy sushi with your hands! A guide to the proper way of eating without using chopsticks.

    Enjoy sushi with your hands! A guide to the proper way of eating without using chopsticks.

    Hey, Tobimaru! Is it true that you can eat sushi with your hands?
    You know your stuff! Japanese food is usually eaten with chopsticks, but sushi is actually fine to eat with your hands.
    That’s a relief! I’m not great with chopsticks.
    Eating with your hands helps keep the sushi intact and makes it easier to dip in soy sauce.

    Is It Okay to Eat Sushi with Your Hands? Tradition & Etiquette

    Yes, eating sushi with your hands is perfectly acceptable. In fact, sushi was originally sold at food stalls in the Edo period and was considered a type of fast food meant to be picked up by hand. Even today, high-end sushi restaurants often encourage eating sushi this way. However, it’s important to keep your hands clean as a matter of etiquette. When using your hands, gently pick up the sushi with your fingertips to avoid breaking the topping. Some visitors from abroad may feel hesitant about eating with their hands, but embracing the culture and enjoying sushi in a relaxed manner is key.

    The Difference Between Eating Sushi by Hand and with Chopsticks

    There are unique benefits to eating sushi with your hands versus using chopsticks. Traditionally, nigiri sushi is meant to be eaten by hand, while maki rolls and gunkan sushi are typically eaten with chopsticks. Using your hands allows you to keep the rice intact and makes it easier to handle the sushi. On the other hand, chopsticks help keep your hands clean. The best approach is to adapt based on the type of sushi you are eating.

    Basic Rules for Eating Sushi with Your Hands

    Following some basic guidelines can enhance your sushi-eating experience. First, always wipe your hands with a damp towel (oshibori) before eating to ensure cleanliness. When picking up sushi, use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to hold it gently. Try to eat it in one bite to keep the flavors balanced and prevent it from falling apart. If dipping in soy sauce, lightly touch only the topping to the sauce to avoid soaking the rice. These small habits help you enjoy sushi in the most elegant and delicious way.

    Eating Sushi by Hand is Often Easier

    Nigiri sushi tastes best when you dip the neta (topping) in soy sauce instead of the shari (rice)!

    While chopsticks are commonly associated with sushi, eating it with your hands can be more practical. Holding sushi with your fingers provides better control, keeping the rice and topping securely in place. This also makes it easier to dip just the topping in soy sauce, preserving the delicate balance of flavors. If you want to be extra refined, gently flip the sushi over before dipping to ensure only the topping absorbs the soy sauce.

    Which Types of Sushi Are Typically Eaten by Hand?

    Knowing which types of sushi are best eaten by hand can improve your dining experience. Nigiri sushi is traditionally picked up by hand, while maki rolls and gunkan sushi are easier to eat with chopsticks since they are more fragile. Temaki (hand rolls), as the name suggests, are designed to be held and eaten with your hands. When eating sushi, handle it gently to avoid breaking it, and be mindful of how much soy sauce you use.

    Proper Hand Washing and Preparation

    If you need a new oshibori, you can say: Oshibori wo moraemasu ka?

    Before eating sushi with your hands, it’s important to clean them properly. Restaurants typically provide an oshibori (wet towel), so be sure to wipe your fingers thoroughly. If dining out, using hand sanitizer is also a good idea. Keeping your nails clean and trimmed can prevent rice from getting stuck under them, making your dining experience more comfortable. Cleanliness is a key aspect of Japanese dining culture, so practicing good hygiene will help you enjoy your meal more smoothly. After eating, wipe your fingers with the oshibori each time. If your towel becomes too dirty, you can ask the staff for a new one by saying, “Oshibori o moraemasu ka?”

    How to Properly Pick Up Sushi

    When eating sushi with your hands, the way you pick it up affects both presentation and taste. Use your thumb, index, and middle fingers to hold the sushi gently. Avoid squeezing too hard, as this can cause the rice to fall apart. When placing sushi in your mouth, position the topping side against your tongue to enhance its flavor.

    How to Dip Sushi in Soy Sauce Correctly

    There is a proper way to dip sushi in soy sauce. Always dip the topping lightly rather than submerging the rice. Rice absorbs too much soy sauce and can cause the sushi to fall apart. Using just the right amount of soy sauce ensures that you enjoy the natural flavors of the sushi without overwhelming them.

    How to Eat Gari and Wasabi Properly

    Gari (pickled ginger) is meant to cleanse your palate between bites of sushi. Rather than eating a large amount at once, enjoy small bites to refresh your taste buds.

    Elegant Etiquette When Eating Sushi by Hand

    When eating sushi with your hands, be mindful of your manners. Wipe your hands before and after eating to keep them clean. While sushi is meant to be eaten in one bite, if a piece is too large, eat it gracefully rather than struggling. Small gestures like these contribute to an elegant dining experience.

  • How to Use a Convenience Store: From Receiving Plastic Bags to the Rules for Eating Inside

    How to Use a Convenience Store: From Receiving Plastic Bags to the Rules for Eating Inside

    Japanese convenience stores have everything!
    Japan is very safe, and many convenience stores are open 24/7 all year round, making them extremely convenient.
    I bought something, but they didn’t give me a bag?
    Plastic bags are not free in Japan. You need to say, “Fukuro wa hitsuyou desu ka?” to get one.

    What Are Japanese Convenience Stores? Features and Useful Services

    Many convenience stores in Japan are open 24 hours a day, offering not only food and daily necessities but also services like ATMs, copy machines, and package shipping. The stores are clean and well-stocked, with new and seasonal products frequently appearing. Some stores even offer free Wi-Fi for foreign travelers. Additionally, you can pay with transportation IC cards like Suica and PASMO, making shopping quick and easy during your trip. Japanese convenience stores are more than just small supermarkets—they are an essential part of everyday life and a great resource for travelers.

    How to Find Products and Use Useful Services (ATMs, Copy Machines, etc.)

    How to Find Products and Use Useful Services (ATMs, Copy Machines, etc.)

    Products in Japanese convenience stores are arranged by category, making them easy to find. In addition to drinks, snacks, and bento meals, you can also buy stationery, cosmetics, and even socks. If you can’t find something, ask a staff member, “○○ wa doko desu ka?” ATMs allow you to withdraw Japanese yen, and many support foreign credit cards. Copy machines offer printing, scanning, faxing, and even ticket purchases, making them useful during your travels. Convenience stores in Japan are not just for shopping—they provide a variety of helpful services.

    Wait in Line at the Register

    When lining up at the register, follow the floor markings to wait your turn. These marks indicate where to stand, but they are easy to miss, so be careful! Japanese convenience store staff are highly efficient, so even first-time visitors can feel at ease.

    How to Get a Plastic Bag and Use an Eco-Bag

    How to Get a Plastic Bag and Use an Eco-Bag

    Plastic bags are not free at Japanese convenience stores. At checkout, the cashier may ask, “Fukuro wa hitsuyou desu ka?” If you need one, say “Hai”; if not, say “Irimasen.” If you bring an eco-bag, you may need to pack your items yourself. Staff often separate hot and cold items, so organizing your bag accordingly is helpful. To protect the environment, Japan encourages reducing plastic bag usage. Using an eco-bag is both eco-friendly and convenient.

    Payment Methods and Recommended Options

    Japanese convenience stores accept cash, credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments. Electronic money (Suica, PASMO, Rakuten Edy) allows quick payments with just a tap, making them ideal for travelers. QR code payments like PayPay and LINE Pay are also common, allowing purchases with a smartphone. Most stores accept credit cards, so you don’t need to carry much cash. With multiple payment options, shopping is fast and hassle-free.

    How to Order Hot Snacks and Heat Up a Bento

    Hot snacks like fried chicken, French fries, and steamed buns are displayed near the register. To order, simply say, “○○ kudasai.” If you buy a bento, the cashier might ask, “Atatamemasu ka?” If you want it heated, say “Onegaishimasu”; if not, say “Sono mama de.” Heated bentos are carefully packed to prevent spills, so you can carry them home worry-free. Japanese convenience stores make it easy to enjoy a warm meal anytime.

    How to Use Eat-In Spaces and Their Rules

    Some convenience stores have eat-in spaces where you can enjoy your purchased food. If you eat inside, the tax rate changes, so you need to say, “eat-in de.” When using these spaces, avoid staying too long and be sure to separate and dispose of your trash properly. Some stores prohibit alcohol consumption, so check with the staff. Convenience store eat-in spaces provide a comfortable place to take a break during your trip.

    How to Sort and Dispose of Trash: Convenience Store Etiquette

    Japanese convenience stores have trash bins inside and outside, but proper sorting is required. Separate PET bottles, cans, glass bottles, and burnable waste into designated bins. Only dispose of trash from items purchased at the store—bringing household waste is not allowed. If you use the eat-in space, clean up your containers and chopsticks. Japanese convenience stores prioritize cleanliness, so following proper trash disposal rules ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.

    Useful Japanese Phrases for Shopping

    To shop smoothly at a convenience store, remember these Japanese phrases:

    • “○○ wa doko desu ka?” (When looking for a product)
    • “Fukuro wa irimasen” (When you don’t need a bag)
    • “Atatamete kudasai” (When you want your bento heated)
    • “○○ kudasai” (When ordering hot snacks)

    What to Do When You Need Help: Asking Store Staff

    Japanese convenience store staff are helpful, but many only speak Japanese. If you need assistance, use simple words and gestures. You can also ask, “Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?” (Do you speak English?). A translation app on your smartphone can be useful as well. If the staff seem busy, wait for a moment before asking for help. Shopping at a Japanese convenience store is easy and enjoyable, even for visitors.