DO put your palms together and say “Itadakimasu” before eating – it is a polite way of expressing “Thank you for the meal I am about to receive.”
DON’T burp at the table – unlike some Asian countries, burping is rude in Japan.
DO lift bowls of rice, noodles, and small plates off the table to make eating with chopsticks easier.
DON’T lift large plates off the table to eat out of them.
DO be adventurous with trying new kinds of food.
DON’T blow your nose at the table – do it in the restroom.
DO cover your mouth with your other hand when using a toothpick.
DO put your palms together and say “Gochiso sama deshita” after finishing a meal – it is a polite way of expressing “Thank you for all the effort in creating this the feast”.