Complete Guide to Sushi Etiquette: Rules for Beginners to Experts and Recommended High-End Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo

Why Is It Important to Follow Sushi Etiquette?

Following sushi etiquette is essential to receiving good service at sushi restaurants. However, at casual sushi restaurants, you don’t need to worry about strict manners.

When dipping sushi in soy sauce, dip the neta (toppings) side, not the rice side.

Many foreigners put too much soy sauce on their sushi. The reason is that they dip the shari (vinegared rice) side into the soy sauce. If you dip the shari side into the soy sauce, not only will the shari absorb too much soy sauce, but the shari will also become easier to crumble. When putting soy sauce on sushi, try to put the soy sauce on the neta side.

Eat sushi in one bite.

Sushi is designed to be eaten in one bite. To fully enjoy its flavor, you should never cut sushi into smaller pieces. If the sushi feels too large, it’s better to ask the chef to make it smaller for you.

Use your hands or chopsticks to eat sushi

Sushi can be eaten with your hands or chopsticks. At high-end sushi restaurants, the rice is often lightly pressed, so using chopsticks may cause the sushi to fall apart. For this reason, it’s recommended to eat sushi with your hands at such places. If you’re concerned about getting your hands dirty, using chopsticks is perfectly fine. Sushi enthusiasts often use their hands at high-end restaurants, but they switch to chopsticks for sushi with sauce to avoid getting the smell on their hands. Note that sashimi should always be eaten with chopsticks, as some people mistakenly try to eat it with their hands.

How to Hold Sushi Properly

Hold the sushi by gently gripping the sides of the shari with your thumb and middle finger, and lightly rest your index finger on the neta (topping). This makes it easier to eat without the sushi falling apart.

If you don't like wasabi, you can order your sushi without wasabi by saying 'sabi nuki'.

Wasabi is a food that people have different preferences for. Not putting wasabi on sushi is called "sabi-nuki" in Japanese. Many conveyor belt sushi restaurants offer sushi without wasabi from the beginning, or you can choose to have it without wasabi. At other restaurants, you need to order "sabi-nuki." It is considered bad manners to peel off the neta and remove the wasabi just because it has wasabi on it.

Make sure to have both cash and a credit card ready.

In Japan, there are many restaurants that only accept cash payments or only accept credit card payments. It is recommended to check the payment methods in advance or have both cash and credit cards with you.

Intermediate Sushi Etiquette

Manners Unnecessary at Casual Restaurants but Expected at High-End Restaurants.

Make a reservation

High-end restaurants (with prices over ¥10,000) often use a reservation system to provide the best sushi. Without a reservation, you may not be able to enjoy sushi or receive perfect service. You will need to make a reservation through a booking website or by phone.

Dress code

There is no strict dress code like in French restaurants, but to receive the best service at high-end restaurants, you need to dress appropriately. Sandals, shorts, and T-shirts should be avoided. Some restaurants may have a specified dress code, so be sure to check in advance.

It is better not to wear perfume.

Strong scents like perfume or cigarette smoke can significantly affect the delicate flavors of Japanese sushi and may also disturb other diners. In Japan, the standard for wearing too much perfume is quite strict, so it’s best to avoid wearing perfume altogether. If you must wear it, limit it to 2-3 sprays. Japanese culture doesn’t emphasize wearing perfume, and strong scents can make locals uncomfortable. When traveling to Japan, it’s generally a good idea to keep perfume to a minimum, around 2-3 sprays.

Eat what is served immediately.

Sushi is at its best when served fresh. The longer it sits, the more its flavor diminishes. At high-end sushi restaurants, the order in which sushi is served is carefully planned as part of the course. Therefore, it’s important to eat the sushi as soon as it’s served.

Ask for permission before taking photos.

Recently, many restaurants allow photography, but there are still some places where taking photos is prohibited, so it's important to be aware of this. Even in restaurants where photography is permitted, it’s best to avoid using flash or engaging in actions that may disturb other guests.

Advanced Sushi Restaurant Etiquette: Many Japanese People Don't Even Know These

Avoid using technical terms.

You may know that soy sauce is called "murasaki," tea is called "agari," and the check is called "oaiso," but these are the words that are used only among sushi chefs and are not used by customers.

Etiquette for eating sushi that is difficult to dip in soy sauce, such as gunkan maki.

While it’s proper etiquette to dip the neta (topping) in soy sauce, this can be tricky with gunkan maki (battleship rolls), as the topping may fall off. In such cases, dip the gari (pickled ginger) in soy sauce and use it to lightly brush the topping. At casual sushi spots, it’s also acceptable to pour soy sauce directly over the gunkan maki.

Remove accessories such as watches and bracelets from your hands.

When sitting at the counter in a sushi restaurant, it is better to remove accessories such as watches and bracelets. The counter is considered a sacred place in a sushi restaurant, and the wood used for the counter is often very expensive. Accessories on your hands may scratch or damage the counter, so it is recommended to take them off.

Do not place your phone on the counter.

It is best not to place your phone on the counter as it may damage the counter. In recent years, some stores have smartphone stands at the counter seats, so it is best to place it there.

Recommended High-End Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo

Sushi Masashi (鮨 将司)

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

This Michelin one-star restaurant is run by a chef who trained at the Ritz-Carlton and "Sushi Wakon." Known for its meticulous attention to the balance of temperature, texture, and fat in each dish, the course menu is a standout. Don’t miss their signature dish, "Tuna Sukiyaki".

Udatsu Sushi (宇田津 鮨)

Selected Restaurant

Michelin Guide, 2025

A Michelin-listed restaurant with the concept of "Sushi and Art." Using specially prepared sushi rice and the highest quality ingredients, this restaurant offers Edomae-sushi in an artistic setting. Their signature dish, the "Herb Roll," is a truly unique creation.

Nishiazabu Taku (西麻布 拓)

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

A rare restaurant offering fully customized sushi. Enjoy an omakase course that highlights seasonal ingredients, paired with carefully selected wines and sake by the sommelier.

Edomae Sushi Hanabusa (江戸前鮨 英)

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

This Michelin one-star restaurant values the traditional techniques of Edomae-sushi. Focusing on seafood from Tokyo Bay, the chef brings out the umami through careful preparation. The specialty "zuke maguro" (marinated tuna) and tekka maki (tuna roll) are exquisite.

Sushi Kojima (鮨 こじま)

One Star

Michelin Guide, 2025

A traditional Edomae-sushi restaurant that uses carefully selected seasonal fish from Tsukiji and Toyosu markets. The owner, former head chef of "Sushi Kanesaka," showcases his craftsmanship through expertly prepared nigiri. The restaurant is known for its affordable course menus.