Japan is a country renowned for its polite hospitality. You may never meet anyone as polite as the Japanese are, and they can be very strict with their rules of etiquette – particularly when it comes to dining. Here’s a round-up of the key things you should know before you sit down to a meal in Japan:

Respect your chopsticks…

Chop sticks are much more than the ‘knifes and forks’ of Asia – they have a serious cultural significance in Japan. Don’t play with your chopsticks, or wave them in the air, and certainly don’t point with them, as people may take offence. Instead, when you have finished eating with them, lay your chopsticks in front of you with their tips to the left, or place them across the lowest plate at your place setting. Don’t leave your chopsticks stood up in a bowl of rice, or use them to pass food to another set of chopsticks – these are both actions associated with Buddhist funerals!

Show your appreciation…

It’s perfectly acceptable to slurp your soup in Japan! In fact, it’s expected – it’s seen as a sign that you enjoy the meal. Similarly, it’s polite to eat everything in your bowl, but emptying it is a signal that you want more food. This is the same with drink – when you are finished with your drink, just turn the cup upside down. The Japanese don’t like waste, so if you are serving yourself or pouring yourself some soya sauce, only take what you will need.

Don’t be too noisy…

Apart from the slurping of noodles, the Japanese don’t make much noise when eating. It’s considered very rude to burp at the table, although in other parts of Asia it is most acceptable. It’s also considered rude to blow your nose (even away from the table) or talk about bodily functions – it puts people off their food!

Don’t walk, or run…

Although Westerners now have a prolific ‘food on the go’ culture, in Japan it is considered very rude to eat food standing up, especially on the street or in public. Even a little snack, is to be eaten sitting down, at a table. When you are sitting down, don’t rush to start a meal – wait until everyone is ready before you begin.

Drink with friends…

The Japanese don’t share the booze culture of the Brits and it’s considered bad taste to get drunk, although it’s not an unknown phenomenon. For this reason, drinking in Japan isn’t about becoming intoxicated – it’s about being social. Don’t pour your own drink, it means you’re an alcoholic! Instead, pour your friends drink, and they will pour yours. Then say ‘cheers’, or Kampai.

Don’t be messy…

Though it might be easier said than done, try not to make any mess when you eat! Then, when you have finished the meal, put everything back in place as it was (fold your napkin, put the lid back on the serving bowl etc).

Say thank you…

It is polite to say “itadakimasu” once before eating or drinking, and “gochisousama deshita” when you are leaving. Even in a busy restaurant, your hosts will greet you and say goodbye to you.

Amy Heritage writes about luxury travel for holidaychic.co.uk