Sapporo

1. General Dining Etiquette in Sapporo

• Respect for Cleanliness: Cleanliness is highly valued in Japan. Wash your hands before eating, and use the wet towel (oshibori) provided at the start of your meal to clean your hands. Do not use it to wipe your face or other parts of your body.
• Quiet and Polite Behavior: Japanese dining culture emphasizes quiet and respectful behavior. Avoid speaking loudly or causing a disturbance in restaurants.
• Wait to Be Seated: In most restaurants, you will be greeted with "Irasshaimase!" (Welcome!) upon entering. Wait to be seated by the staff, especially in formal or mid-range establishments.
• Remove Shoes When Required: In traditional restaurants with tatami mat seating, you will need to remove your shoes before stepping onto the tatami. Look for a designated area to leave your shoes.

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2. Ordering Food

• Menus: Many restaurants in Sapporo have picture menus or plastic food displays (shokuhin sampuru) outside, making it easier to choose your meal even if you don’t speak Japanese. Some menus may also have English translations.
• Pointing to Items: If you’re unsure how to pronounce a dish, you can politely point to the menu item or picture.
• Set Meals: Many restaurants offer set meals (teishoku), which include a main dish, rice, miso soup, and pickles. These are a great way to try a variety of flavors at a reasonable price.
• Specialty Dishes in Sapporo: Be sure to try local specialties like miso ramen, Genghis Khan (grilled lamb), fresh seafood (crab, sea urchin, and salmon roe), and soup curry.

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3. Dining Etiquette for Specific Types of Restaurants

Sushi Bars

• Counter Seating: If you sit at the counter, you can interact with the sushi chef (itamae). It’s polite to greet them with a simple "Konnichiwa" (Hello) or "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you) when leaving.
• Soy Sauce: Use soy sauce sparingly. Dip the fish side of the sushi into the soy sauce, not the rice, to avoid it falling apart.
• Ginger (Gari): Pickled ginger is a palate cleanser and should not be eaten with sushi.
• Chopstick Use: Avoid passing food from chopstick to chopstick, as this resembles a funeral ritual. Use the back end of your chopsticks to take food from shared plates.

Izakayas (Japanese Pubs)

• Sharing Dishes: Izakayas often serve small, shareable plates. Use the communal serving utensils provided or the back of your chopsticks to take food from shared dishes.
• Drinking Etiquette: It’s customary to pour drinks for others rather than yourself. Wait for everyone’s glass to be filled before raising a toast, often with "Kanpai!" (Cheers!).
• Pacing: Izakayas are casual, so you can order food and drinks throughout your stay rather than all at once.

Ramen Shops

• Slurping: It’s perfectly acceptable (and even encouraged) to slurp your noodles. This is seen as a sign of enjoyment and helps cool the noodles as you eat.
• Quick Dining: Ramen shops are often fast-paced. Eat your meal promptly and avoid lingering too long, especially during busy times.
• Payment: Many ramen shops use vending machines to order. Insert cash, select your dish, and hand the ticket to the staff.

Yakiniku (Grilled Meat) Restaurants

• Grilling Etiquette: If you’re sharing a grill, take turns cooking and avoid monopolizing the space. Use tongs provided for handling raw meat.
• Dipping Sauces: Dip your cooked meat into the sauces provided, but avoid double-dipping.

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4. Payment Procedures

• Pay at the Register: In most restaurants, you’ll pay at the register near the exit rather than at your table. The staff will bring you the bill (often placed face-down) when you’re finished eating.
• Cash is King: While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, many smaller establishments still prefer cash. Carry enough yen to cover your meal.
• No Tipping: Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can even be considered rude. Excellent service is the standard, and the price you see on the menu is what you pay.

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5. Expected Costs for Dining in Sapporo

• Budget Meals: ¥800–¥1,500 (e.g., ramen, curry rice, or conveyor-belt sushi).
• Mid-Range Meals: ¥2,000–¥5,000 (e.g., izakayas, casual seafood restaurants, or set meals).
• High-End Dining: ¥10,000+ (e.g., fine dining sushi, kaiseki meals, or premium crab restaurants).

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6. Unique Cultural Practices

• Seasonal Ingredients: Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonality. In Sapporo, you’ll find dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients like Hokkaido crab in winter or asparagus in spring.
• Silent Appreciation: It’s common to quietly appreciate your food rather than engaging in loud conversation. A simple "Oishii" (Delicious) is enough to express your enjoyment.
• Expressing Gratitude: Before eating, say "Itadakimasu" (I humbly receive) as a sign of gratitude. After finishing your meal, say "Gochisousama deshita" (Thank you for the meal) to show appreciation to the chef and staff.

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7. Additional Tips

• Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly. However, note that Japanese cuisine often uses ingredients like soy sauce, dashi (fish stock), and mirin, which may not be obvious in the dish.
• Queuing: Popular restaurants often have lines. Be patient and wait your turn, as cutting in line is considered very rude.
• Takeaway and Leftovers: Taking leftovers home is uncommon in Japan, so try to order only what you can finish.

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By following these guidelines, you’ll not only enjoy the incredible food Sapporo has to offer but also show respect for the local culture and customs. Bon appétit—or as they say in Japan, "Itadakimasu!"