“Will I embarrass myself at a fancy sushi counter?”
“Am I eating this the right way?”
If you’ve ever felt nervous about visiting a high-end sushi restaurant, you’re not alone.

The truth is—perfect technique is not the goal.
The heart of sushi etiquette is simple: **respect the chef, respect the food, and enjoy the moment**.
This guide explains sushi manners in clear, natural English so you can relax and savor every piece with confidence.

1. The Core Idea of Sushi Etiquette｜Respect Over Perfection

1-1. The most important rule: enjoy your sushi

Sushi etiquette isn’t about memorizing rigid rules.
What matters most is **enjoying the food as it was intended**.
Even if your technique isn’t perfect, as long as you appreciate the flavor and atmosphere, you’re doing it right.

1-2. Respect for the chef and ingredients

Every piece of sushi represents hours of preparation—choosing ingredients, handling fish, seasoning rice, crafting balance.
Being mindful of this effort is the foundation of good manners.
Avoid strong perfume, loud conversations, or playing with your food.
These small actions show respect for the chef’s craft.

1-3. It’s perfectly OK to ask questions

Don’t hesitate to ask:
“Should I eat this with my hands?”
“Do I add soy sauce?”
Chefs appreciate honest curiosity more than silent uncertainty.
Etiquette isn’t about being stiff; it’s about connecting comfortably with the experience.

2. Before You Go｜Reservations, Clothing & Fragrance

2-1. What to tell the restaurant when booking

When making a reservation, it’s helpful to share:

  • Any allergies or foods you cannot eat
  • Your rough budget
  • If it’s a special occasion (anniversary, celebration, etc.)

This helps the chef prepare the best menu for you.

2-2. What to wear to a high-end sushi restaurant

No need for full formalwear—**clean, smart casual** is usually ideal.
Avoid extremely casual items like flip-flops or beachwear.
Choose comfortable clothing so you can enjoy the meal without feeling restricted.

2-3. Avoid strong scents

Sushi is delicate.
Perfume, strong fabric softeners, or cigarette smells interfere with the aroma of the fish.
A high-end sushi experience is like entering a quiet, fragrant theater of flavors—keep your scent minimal to let the food shine.

3. At the Restaurant｜Entering & Taking Your Seat

3-1. Where to put coats and belongings

Follow the staff’s guidance and store large items properly.
Do not place bags, phones, wallets, or masks on the counter—it’s the chef’s workspace and the stage where the sushi is presented.

3-2. Greeting the chef & using your oshibori

A simple “Thank you for having me” with a small nod creates a warm connection.
Use your hot towel (**oshibori**) only to gently clean your hands—not your face.
Place it neatly on the side when finished.

4. How to Eat Sushi｜Hands or Chopsticks?

4-1. Both are acceptable

You can eat nigiri with **your hands** or **chopsticks**.
Choose whichever feels comfortable:

  • Worried about staining clothes → use chopsticks
  • Want to keep the nigiri intact → use hands

When eating, tilt the sushi **sideways** and bring it to your mouth so the toppings and rice stay balanced.

4-2. How to eat gunkan (seaweed-wrapped sushi) and rolls

Support the seaweed gently with your fingers so the sushi doesn’t collapse.
Instead of dipping into soy sauce directly, you can:
Use a piece of pickled ginger (gari) as a “brush” to dab soy sauce on top.
This keeps the flavor balanced and looks elegant.

5. Soy Sauce, Ginger & Tea｜Using Them the Right Way

5-1. Why you apply soy sauce to the fish, not the rice

Soy-soaked rice falls apart easily and overpowers the delicate seasoning of the sushi rice.
Instead, gently touch the **fish side** to the soy sauce.
If the chef has already seasoned the piece, simply enjoy it as is.

5-2. The role of gari (pickled ginger)

Gari is not meant to be eaten like a side dish.
Its purpose is to **cleanse your palate** between different flavors.
A small piece is enough—just a refreshing reset before your next bite.

6. Eating Order｜From Light to Rich

6-1. General rule: delicate → rich

To enjoy sushi fully, follow the natural progression of flavors:

  • white fish
  • shellfish
  • lean tuna
  • silver-skinned fish
  • toro, anago, or rich flavors
  • tamago or rolls as a soft finish

In an omakase course, the chef manages this flow—so simply follow the sequence.

7. Counter Etiquette & Talking to the Chef

7-1. Keep the counter clean

The counter is the chef’s sacred workspace.
Only the dishes and sushi should be on it—avoid placing phones or personal items.

7-2. Good questions vs. awkward questions

Chefs enjoy thoughtful questions like:

  • “What’s the highlight of today’s selection?”
  • “Where is this fish from?”

Avoid topics like cost, Michelin status, or business secrets.
Keep the conversation centered on food and appreciation.

8. Ordering More & Saying “I’m Full”

8-1. Understanding “omakase” and “okonomi”

Omakase: chef decides the order and selection
Okonomi: you choose individual pieces

If it’s your first visit, omakase is the best way to experience the restaurant’s style.

8-2. How to politely say you’re full

If you’re reaching your limit, say:

“Everything is delicious, but I’m getting full. Could we slow down or finish soon?”
Chefs prefer honesty over leaving food untouched.

9. Paying the Bill & Leaving Gracefully

9-1. When and how to pay

After the final dish or tea, quietly say:
“May I have the check, please?”
If someone treated you, thank them warmly and send a follow-up message the next day.
Small gestures leave a strong impression.

9-2. A simple “thank you” goes a long way

As you leave, try saying:
“Thank you, everything was truly wonderful. I especially loved the ___.”
Mentioning one memorable piece shows genuine appreciation.

10. Common Sushi Mistakes to Avoid

  • Wearing heavy perfume or strong scents
  • Leaving rice behind (it’s part of the chef’s craft)
  • Over-photographing and letting sushi sit too long
  • Speaking loudly and disturbing the calm atmosphere

You don’t have to be perfect—just be considerate.

11. Final Thoughts｜Let Etiquette Enhance, Not Restrict

Sushi etiquette is not a test—it’s a tool to make the experience more enjoyable.
If you remember only these three principles, you’re already doing great:

  • Be mindful of scents and noise
  • Treat each piece with care
  • Ask when unsure, and express gratitude

With these in mind, you can walk into any sushi restaurant—yes, even the fancy ones—with calm confidence.
Enjoy each moment, each piece, and the story behind every bite.