Omakase Etiquette in Tokyo

Omakase is an intimate dining format — and a few simple etiquette conventions make the difference between an awkward first experience and one that feels natural from the first course. The Asakusa omakase experience pairs an English-speaking local guide with the meal specifically so you’re not navigating these conventions alone. But knowing what to expect before you arrive still makes the evening go more smoothly. Here’s what to know.

What to Wear

Smart casual is the right call. The FAQ is explicit: “avoid overly casual clothing like beachwear or flip-flops.” There is no strict dress code for this experience, but looking presentable is “respectful of Japanese dining culture.” A clean shirt, light trousers or a dress, and comfortable shoes covers it.

The Asakusa portion of the experience is 2.5 hours of walking — so the shoes matter. Wear something you can walk in for that full stretch through narrow backstreets and temple precincts, not dress shoes that will have you uncomfortable before the meal starts.

Arriving on Time

Punctuality is taken seriously in Japanese dining culture, particularly at omakase counters where the chef times the pacing of courses across the whole table simultaneously. Arriving late disrupts the sequence for everyone. For a guided group experience, late arrival affects the whole group’s tour timing. Your guide will be waiting at 2-chōme-18-9 Kaminarimon with a flag — arrive on time and look for the flag near the Kaminarimon Gate area.

How to Eat Each Course

Your English-speaking guide explains each dish as it arrives — the ingredient, where it came from, and the preparation method. This is what the FAQ means when it says the guide explains “the ingredients, and the cultural significance of what you’re eating.”

For the A5 Wagyu yakiniku portion: Yakiniku is typically eaten piece by piece as it comes off the grill — thin slices are best consumed immediately rather than left to cool. Dipping sauce and condiments are usually provided; your guide will walk you through how each cut is typically eaten. For the sushi courses: Nigiri can be eaten by hand or with chopsticks — either is acceptable at most Japanese sushi counters. Eat in one or two bites rather than putting it back down. Dip fish-side-down in soy sauce if using it; do not drown the rice.

The guided format means you don’t need to know any of this in advance — the guide covers it in real time. But having a rough sense of the conventions helps you relax into the meal rather than feeling uncertain about what to do with each plate.

Phones and Photography

Photography at omakase counters varies by restaurant. At high-end Tokyo omakase restaurants, some chefs permit discreet photography between courses; others prefer no phones at the counter at all. For a guided walking tour format like this experience, photography is generally more relaxed — you’ll be moving through Asakusa and the guide will flag the best spots. If in doubt, ask your guide before photographing the food.

Alcoholic Drinks

Alcoholic drinks are not included and are not part of the experience. Soft drinks and water are included for the full 2.5 hours. If you want sake or beer alongside the meal, that would be an additional cost. In a traditional omakase restaurant context, sake pairing is a significant part of the experience and can add substantially to the final bill. This guided tour format keeps the experience accessible by including all non-alcoholic drinks in the flat rate.

Tipping

Gratuities are not included and are entirely optional. Tipping is not customary in Japanese culture. In Japan broadly, tipping in restaurants can sometimes be perceived as unusual or even mildly awkward — the price you pay is considered the complete exchange. International guests sometimes tip guides if the experience was exceptional; the FAQ notes there is “no expectation or pressure to tip.”

Quick Reference: Omakase Etiquette

Ready to Book?

The Asakusa omakase experience — A5 Wagyu, fresh sushi, seasonal desserts, and an expert local guide — starts from $179 per person. Every guest has rated it 5 out of 5 stars. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.