Eating out in Kyoto
Eating out in Kyoto has a few unwritten rules. They are Japanese customs rather than Kyoto-only ones, but knowing them first means no awkward moments at the table.
Wait to be seated
Do not seat yourself. Wait at the entrance for staff to show you to a table. Popular places often have a line — join the end of it. Some shops ask you to take a numbered ticket from a machine first. To call staff, say “Sumimasen!” or press the call button on the table.
The otoshi at an izakaya
At an izakaya, a small dish may arrive before you have ordered anything. This is otoshi: a set appetizer for each guest that works as a cover charge, not a free gift. If there is something you cannot eat, say so as soon as you sit down.
Chopstick taboos
Two things matter most: never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, and never pass food from your chopsticks to someone else's. Do not stab food with them, point with them, or drag dishes around with them.
No tipping
You do not tip in Japan. The price on the bill is the price you pay, and a spoken thank-you is enough. The otoshi and any late-night surcharge at an izakaya are separate house rules, not tips.
Smoking: check the sign
Smoke only in designated areas, and never while walking. Whether a restaurant allows smoking indoors is shown by the no-smoking or smoking signs at its entrance. Some small, older shops are exempt and may allow smoking throughout.
Allergies: say so first
If you have an allergy or foods you cannot eat, tell the restaurant in advance — ideally when you book. Staff will generally do their best to accommodate an allergy, and will say so plainly if a dish cannot be changed.
Sources：京都市観光協会（DMO KYOTO）公式旅行指南 Another Kyoto：Manners in Kyoto ↗日本政府観光局（JNTO）：Etiquette（礼仪指南） ↗日本政府観光局（JNTO）：Japanese Food Etiquette Guide ↗京都府：見直してみよう！あなたの食生活（食事のマナー・お箸のタブー） ↗京都市：受動喫煙を防止しましょう！ ↗