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#102

How to Enjoy Washoku the Proper Way : From ‘Itadakimasu’ to ‘Gochisousama’

by Zaj Banzon

If you're a foodie in Japan, you should know that eating here is more than just filling your stomach—it’s a whole cultural experience.

From saying itadakimasu before a meal to gochisousama deshita after, Japanese dining is full of little rituals that show gratitude and respect. Add in some basic table manners and the concept of washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine), and you’re in for a truly mindful and balanced meal.

Learning these customs will not only make your dining experience more enjoyable, but also help you appreciate the care, tradition, and culture behind every dish.

Start With the Phrases : “Itadakimasu” & “Gochisousama”

Before you even touch your chopsticks, it’s common to say itadakimasu. Literally, it means “I humbly receive,” but it’s really about appreciating everyone who made the meal possible—the chef, the farmers, and even the ingredients themselves.

Itadakimasu comes from the humble verb itadaku (いただく), which originally meant “to receive” respectfully, like accepting something from a noble or a deity. When you say it, you’re showing gratitude on two levels: to the people who prepared the meal, and to the food itself, which is seen as having life that becomes your own energy.

After finishing your meal, you say gochisousama deshita. Written in kanji, it’s 御馳走様. The word chiso (馳走) literally means “to run around”—back before modern kitchens, it described the effort of gathering ingredients and preparing a meal. Adding 御 (go) and 様 (sama) makes it a polite way of saying, “Thanks for all the effort.” There’s even a Buddhist story about the speedy deity Idaten (韋駄天) running to collect ingredients for the Buddha, which shows how deep this idea of effort and care runs.

So saying gochisousama deshita isn’t just “That was tasty.” It’s honoring the people, effort, and tradition behind your meal.

Simple Table Manners to Know

When enjoying a Japanese meal, a few basic table manners make the experience smoother and more respectful.

Chopstick Manners

When picking up food, try to use just the front 1.5–3 cm of your chopsticks to keep clean. When you’re not using them, rest them neatly on a hashi-oki (chopstick rest). If there isn’t one, you can fold the paper wrapper into a small stand, lay them on a napkin, or rest them on the edge of your tray with the tips pointing to the left.

Here are some common chopstick “don’ts” you’ll want to avoid :

Sashi-bashi : Sticking chopsticks into food.
Mayoi-bashi : Moving your chopsticks over dishes while deciding what to eat.
Yose-bashi : Pulling dishes closer with your chopsticks.
Neburi-bashi : Licking food off the tips of your chopsticks.
Nigiri-bashi : Holding chopsticks too tightly in your fist.
Watashi-bashi : Resting chopsticks across small bowls or plates during a meal.
Sakasa-bashi : Using the wrong end of chopsticks when serving others.

Eating Etiquette

Finish your food : In Japan, it’s polite to eat as much as you can and avoid leaving food behind. If you think you can’t finish, it’s okay to ask for a smaller portion before you start.
Hold your bowls : Rice bowls and miso soup bowls should be held in your hand while eating—it’s considered bad manners to leave them on the table and lean in. But don’t pick up large plates like grilled fish or shared platters.
What about lids? If your soup or side dish has a lid, remove it, flip it over, and place it neatly to the side while you eat. When you’re finished, put the lid back on.

The “Ichiju Sansai” Style

When your meal is served, you might notice that there is a standard placement for Japanese dishes.

This balance of rice, soup, and side dishes is considered the ideal Japanese meal structure called ichiju-sansai (一汁三菜) style, which I will explain more about later.

Even if you don’t have exactly three side dishes, the basic placement (rice left, soup right) stays the same.

Rice → always on the left
Soup (like miso) → on the right
Main dish (meat or fish) → back right
Side dish (like pickles) → in the middle
Side dish (like salad) → back left

Washoku : Japan’s Balanced, Traditional Meal

Once you’ve got the basics of table manners down, it’s time to appreciate the meal itself. Washoku, or traditional Japanese cuisine, isn’t just about taste—it’s about balance, health, and respecting nature. It’s even recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage because it reflects the Japanese spirit of honoring nature in how food is prepared and enjoyed.

A typical washoku meal follows the ichiju-sansai structure : one soup, three sides, plus rice and pickles. This style naturally creates a balanced and nutritious meal. The main dish (usually fish, meat, or tofu) is complemented by two smaller side dishes and a soup, making the meal both healthy and satisfying.

Washoku emphasizes :

Fresh, diverse ingredients and respect for their natural flavors : Japan stretches from north to south, with mountains, seas, and rural landscapes that provide a rich variety of local ingredients. Cooking techniques and tools have been developed to highlight each ingredient’s natural taste.
Nutritional balance that supports a healthy diet : Using umami flavoring effectively allows meals to stay low in animal fats while remaining delicious, contributing to longevity and preventing obesity.
Appreciation of nature and seasonal beauty : Meals often reflect the seasons. Seasonal leaves, flowers, tableware, and decorations make dining a visually enjoyable experience.
Connection with annual traditions : Japanese food culture is tied to seasonal festivals and events. Sharing meals made from nature’s bounty strengthens family and community bonds.

Even if you’re just enjoying a simple weekday meal, following the ichiju-sansai style and being mindful of flavors, presentation, and the season makes eating a more meaningful experience.

Eating in Japan isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s a cultural experience full of meaning.

By saying itadakimasu before your meal and gochisousama deshita after, practicing simple table manners, and understanding the concept of washoku, you can enjoy a truly mindful and balanced meal.

These customs help you appreciate the effort, tradition, and culture behind every dish, making each dining experience richer and more enjoyable.

References : 何げない日常に潜む日本の文化～「いただきます」「ごちそうさま」編～ | 日本文化を探る | いろり - 人と語らうコミュニティサイト -

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Posted : 28 August 2025