When you visit a restaurant or izakaya in Japan, an “oshibori” (wet towel) is often served before you order your food. Since wet towels are rarely provided at restaurants in other countries, this might seem unusual to foreign visitors coming to Japan for the first time. However, it is a completely normal practice for Japanese people.
What Is an Oshibori?
An oshibori is a small towel used to wipe your hands. There are two main types: reusable cloth towels and disposable ones. Depending on the season, some restaurants offer warm oshibori or chilled oshibori.
Receiving a warm oshibori on a cold winter day or a chilled one on a hot summer day can be a comforting experience.
Where Can You Get One?
Oshibori are provided at various food establishments, including restaurants, izakayas, and cafés. They are also sometimes given out when you buy a bento box at a convenience store or with in-flight meals on airplanes.When you take a seat at a restaurant, an oshibori may already be prepared on the table, or a staff member may bring it to you. Depending on the venue, it might be presented on a small tray or handed to you directly.
How to Use It
Oshibori are primarily used to wipe your hands. While some people use them to wipe their face or neck on hot days, it is best to avoid doing this depending on the setting and situation. Especially in high-end restaurants, using them only for your hands is standard practice.
Additionally, avoid using an oshibori to wipe tables or tableware.
Oshibori as Part of Japanese Omotenashi
So why do Japanese restaurants provide oshibori?
One reason is to help customers enjoy their meals feeling fresh and comfortable. In Japan, there is a long-standing custom of wiping your hands before eating. Providing an oshibori so that guests can wipe their hands before a meal is a thoughtful gesture. Oshibori also embody the spirit of “omotenashi” (Japanese hospitality).
Omotenashi means treating everyone with genuine kindness without expecting anything in return. Even in restaurants, various thoughtful touches are made to help guests have a pleasant time, and oshibori are one example.
When you come to Japan, be sure to pay attention not only to the tourist spots and food, but also to these familiar aspects of daily culture!
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