7. Wet Towels Before Meals
While now seen in restaurants around the world, the practice of cleaning one’s hands with a wet towel before a meal is a distinctly Japanese tradition. Placed beside you on the table, the “oshibori” allows diners to wipe their hands and freshen up before starting the main course. Often warmed in winter or chilled in summer, these towels are a small but thoughtful touch that many guests truly appreciate.
While it’s tempting to use it as a napkin too—and don’t feel embarrassed if you really need to—Japanese etiquette dictates that oshibori is for hand use only. Respecting this subtle custom adds to the experience of dining in Japan and highlights the country’s attention to courtesy and detail.
