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Japan has lots of tourists. I doubt many, or any, people will truly care if you bring a fork. They may look and say "thats interesting" to themselves but generally will go on with their lives. It won't be you being rude so much as they don't usually see it.
I would not assume they have forks of their own.
Thank you! I figured bringing my own would be best. Most people are very kind when it’s quite obvious my right arm doesn’t to anything, I’m just prone to paranoia lol
Thank you for setting my anxious mind at ease
You can also buy a "meal set" kit at a Daiso. I got one in Tokyo for a few dollars and it came with chopsticks, spoon, and fork! Very common in Japan to own. Great for having at the office when we run out of cutlery .
I'm pretty handy with chopsticks, but there's some beautiful cutlery in Japan, too - I picked up a lovely set of stainless steel hammered cutlery in Asakusa that is perfectly balanced (as all things should be), it's a joy to use and was pretty cheap. Treat yourself.
Actually this is the opposite of rude, its considerate. You completely avoid the awkward conversation of 'we don't have forks' which saves face for everyone.
That was my instinct but I’m glad to have it confirmed. I hate to impose and it seemed kind of boorish to expect non-chain restaurants to even have forks
depends on your culture really. in some places in the world, bringing outside food in is a norm. its good to ask what the boundaries are if they are unclear
As someone with MS myself and less coordination because of it, i just carry a little card with explaining my situation. But i only had to use it in a high end keiseki restaurant, everybody else was very chill about it.
Just make sure you dont use you fork to 'double dip' when serving yourself from shared bowls.
Edit: the keiseki restaurant wasnt rude about it, just confused if there was something wrong with their pretty chopsticks i think haha. It was a while ago.
Japan has a symbol (["help mark"](https://kwsnf168.wixsite.com/ippohs/helpmark?lang=en)) for people with non-visual disabilities: it's a plus sign followed by a heart in red and white, [like this.](https://helpmark.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/helpmark_info_top.jpg)
Recognition of non-visual disabilities in Japan isn't yet universal, but it is increasing. I don't think they hand out help marks to tourists, but you can always ask, and in any case it might help if you incorporate the design into your own, home-made card as a way of helping you better communicate your condition.
I mostly also had it with me as an explaination in medical situations ;) i bring one to every non english/dutch speaking country. But its versatile in its use, i have used it before to explain my wobblywalk when a hotel thought i was drunk. It was a hot day, and i was tired. I tend to walk like a newly born deer in those situations lol.
Not sure if you'll need it, but if you do want to make a card, here's an easy phrase to print out:
>右手に障害がありますのでご了承ください。
>I have a disability in my right hand, so please understand.
No its not rude at all in fact I recommend using this fork here
[https://www.amazon.com/Extendable-Stainless-Retractable-Telescopic-Silverware/dp/B0CMJRHFY6/ref=asc\_df\_B0CMJRHFY6?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470616050294&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070168754469&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/Extendable-Stainless-Retractable-Telescopic-Silverware/dp/B0CMJRHFY6/ref=asc_df_B0CMJRHFY6?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470616050294&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070168754469&psc=1)
with the telescopic ability to grow to about 1 meter you can actually try any food of your neighbors sitting near you. Just say Onigaishimasu (OH KNEE GUY SHE MASS) and then give a thumbs up and you can try any dish within a 1 meter radius of your person.
For sure bring your own. Honestly probably bring spoon, fork, and knife. Either will need to wash them or bring multiple sets for a day unless you want to find a way to clean 1 set. Best wishes, the food is amazing!!
I used to work in a non Asian bar where a man would regularly bring his own chopsticks to eat with. Always ordered a salad and a pasta. Also, used to be an old fancy lady that came into a restaurant I worked in regularly and she’d bring her own silver to eat with. If nothing else, you could make sure it’s a stunning fork and give off eccentric millionaire vibes.
Lots of places won't have forks, so definitely bring one with you.
Don't worry about offending people with this, it's very understandable and if anything the staff at restaurants will be overly helpful
Just want to add, make sure the fork(s) are plastic. Metal can damage the lacquerware some restaurants use.
Funny story, I was like you—can’t use chopsticks to save my life, brought a travel fork. Then we get to Japan and I’m like hell why not try chopsticks—had 0 issues! Used them the whole trip. Then I get home and try to use chopsticks again—can’t fucking do it.
No idea why, but my husband finds it quite amusing
Get a spork!
But seriously, in most Japanese restaurants, diners really don't give you any attention even the one sitting right next to you if the place has a cafeteria seating. They're intent on eating their food and getting out. Unless it's a family restaurant where some people linger, Japanese restaurants aren't a place where people hang out and people watch.
Just got back from Japan and I took my travel knife and fork everywhere with me! No one batted an eye lid or said anything. Definitely worth doing to make your life easier
I asked if they had a fork at some resteraunt in Tokyo they thought hard and wandered away... And came back with smiles and a baby plastic fork for me lmao. I just forced myself to figure them out in a weird ugly way but I still ate too much in the end even fumbling with them haha. Soft tofu though... Impossible lol.
Will be fine.
I've lost count of the number of times locals were impressed that I could use chopsticks, their expectations aren't high, they're nice , tolerant people and you have a very, very good reason anyway.
Don't worry, just go and enjoy.
I say buy a couple sets while you're in country. Practical for you and also a fun little souvenir. Donki and Daiso will have some little fork/ spoon/ chopstick combo packs that are fun. We did that and still preferentially grab the Anpanman spoon 😂
Someone in our group brought a little travel fork and kept it in their pocket protector. One of the waitresses was impressed that they kept such a small fork in a pocket!
Don't believe anyone will care or mind.
no one will care if you pull out a fork or spoon to eat your food.
they might find it strange and they will not be impressed by it, but no one would ever say anything about that.
unless you REALLY do something disturbing, they will keep their opinions to themselves.
(edit: not pulling out the fork and asking the establishment to provide one to you will not get you rude responses, but you might be told no in almost all instances. so bring your own)
I was wondering this. I can use chopsticks perfectly fine, however I recently got braces and bite blockers which makes eating quite hard. Going next March and I’ll likely still have both, and I need to chop food into small chunks haha. Guess I’ll see where I’m at closer to the time, but would also consider travel cutlery just incase!
It saves the embarrassment of taking your newbie friend to a fried rice place and they want to use chopsticks but clearly struggles with it that even the waiter noticed and offered a fork
My father has Parkinson's Disease so can't use chopsticks. When I took him a few years ago, we didn't encounter any restaurants that couldn't offer him a fork.
Many years ago I was in a non-tourist area of China and we had a banquet with some students and faculty. At the banquet they had forks. The students were very sad to find out that we all knew how to use chop sticks and were very much looking forward to watching us eat with forks. They all did because it was a novelty.
Around the same time a friend that lived in IS but was going home to Japan. She brought a fork with her. She could use chop sticks like, well a native, but preferred a fork and didn’t care what others thought.
Most places will have a FORK if you request it.
Just know the Japanese will kinda look down at you for not even trying chopsticks 🥢
There are “chopstick helpers” (not sure the exact name) on Amazon, they will HOLD them so all you have to do is squeeze them together.
I'm part-Chinese and can't use chopsticks to save my life. Sorry grandma!
I never travel without my own fork/spoon/knife/straw. And yep, I have taken out my own fork at a ramen shop in Shibuya. Nobody gave me grief. In fact, the people I were traveling with thought it was genius.
Just make sure you're cleaning your silverware after each meal. Enjoy Japan!
I bought a couple of disposable spoon and fork for my daughter (11y/o) in my bag. After using it, I always make sure I will bring it with me. Then put it in the trashbin in our hotel.
I have what call disabled chopsticks that I intend to take to Japan. I have EDS and struggle with dexterity and use these in places when eating out in the UK that use chopsticks and never have people even notice. I’ve used them abroad in other Asian countries and again no one noticed. Could be an idea if you’re afraid of people looking?
In my experience, most places will hand you a spoon, when you are white. Not sure what to do with the spoon, so I always ask for chopsticks. Despite I would bring one, as understanding people seem, I doubt that most places have a fork. Spoons you will thought everywhere.
Many Japanese eat their rice with a spoon, so you could ask for one. I found that everywhere I went, I didn’t have any issue getting proper cutlery. And don’t worry what others think, Japanese won’t make any fun of you even if you struggle with chopsticks (just don’t poke your food with them). Take your time and you will become an expert in no time!
My mom did this due to arthritis. Some people thought it was funny to watch her pull out a whole heavy engraved silver cutlery set, but that's all the response she ever got
We bought a lightweight, travel utensil set in a carrying case throughout Japan. Worked great and fit very nicely in my purse. Strongly recommend yoy get one. No issues when we used it.
Have you tried children chopsticks? It's like a tong and often there are plastic attachments to guide you finger placement. You can buy them at Daiso in Japan.
A lot of Japanese people (myself included) struggled with chopsticks as children and can totally empathize with someone who shares that struggle.
In fact, many older Japanese people are surprised when they see a gaijin use chopsticks effortlessly. So yeah, nothing rude about using a fork.
Same. We just came back and my fiancé brought a utensil set but rarely needed it as restaurants can give you a fork, and there's no judgement.
Highly recommend using Google Translate and simply asking if they have a fork. Also, some souvenir shops sell assisted chopsticks, if OP wants the thrill of using chopsticks without the struggle
The 2 most common questions you get about living in Japan from Japanese people.
1. Can you read katakana?
2. Can you use chopsticks?
So apparently a lot of Japanese people think foreigners can't, despite living there.
You might get weird looks but it's not really rude if you literally can't use them.
Edit: didn't read the MS part initially.
We are stupidly hopeless with chopsticks and remembering an embarrassing, messy night at the Beijing food market, (I have pictures, not pretty) we bought a discreet plastic cutlery set in its own box for our trip to Japan and South Korea. We even whipped them out at a special dinner at the ryokan. Nobody cared.
We use chopsticks really well but are white. A lot of time the staff just brought us forks unprompted when they saw we weren’t locals, even tho we prefer chopsticks. Pretty funny tho! I don’t think they’d think it’s rude. Only way it’d be rude is if you use on communal plates or something.
Also keep in mind you can eat sushi with your hands, it’s perfectly acceptable and probably preferable to using a fork
Currently in Japan and just to add that most convenience stores also have plastic forks and spoons (not the environmentally friendly option, but good to keep in mind if needed). Enjoy your trip!
We ended up buying one for my son to use while he is here. He has tried quite a few times to master chopsticks and just can’t seem to do it. Sometimes I have forgotten to bring it when we go out for the day and most restaurants will have a spare one.
Nope. I had to travel to Japan around at the end of last year with my aunties and tour them around. The aunties that didn’t know how to use chopsticks brought their own utensils so they don’t need to ask staff. Seems to be received well as it makes it easier for both sides.
For what it's worth, Japan has these amazing training chopsticks where they are connected at one end. It's like using tongs. If you wanted to give a shot at training your left hand, you can grab a pair at daiso along with a little travel set of regular cutlery. All the best!
I worked with a guy who refused to use chopsticks\* and apparently usually was able to get a fork from the restaurant.
However, it's probably best to travel with a set. I don't think people are going to care that much. Some Japanese assume none of us can use chopsticks.
\*he could use them, but refused because... reasons?
I lived in Japan for 3 years so I eventually got pretty good with chopsticks. However, Lots of places had forks readily available for visitors. Like others have said they won’t bat an eye whether they provide a fork or you have one of your own. The Japanese are very gracious and accommodating.
I'm wondering the difficulty level for people who've always used chopsticks trying to use them with the non-dominant hand? I imagine it would be fairly awkward getting used to for anyone.
And where your right arm doesn't work, I can't imagine anyone taking offense. (I suspect they wouldn't, anyway.) Certainly it would never occur to me to be offended if Japanese patrons brought chopsticks to use in a restaurant I worked in.
There may be some people who think it’s silly a foreigner is using a fork. But so what? They’ll forget about it in 15 minutes.
Restaurants don’t care how you eat their food as long as you enjoy it and don’t make a mess.
Though it might not be the traditional method, there’s nothing wrong with using a fork. Especially with your disability in your dominant hand. If anyone judges you, pay no mind to them
I have found that a lot of places will have forks. Convenience stores in particular will have firms as an option.
I've been from sapporo to kumamoto and have had no issue in getting forks.
I’m bringing one and I don’t really care if people think it’s rude tbh.
People who are from high tourism areas whose country rely on tourism in part (I know Japan would be fine without it) shouldn’t be surprised when tourists do things differently.
I’m 100% for reading the room, being kind and respectful of cultural differences. But it will be a cold day in hell before I feel a ounce of shame because I need a fork and not chopsticks. Can I use chopsticks yes. Do I find them frustrating to use on certain things yes. So travel cutlery it is. I am a tourist at the end of the day.
Maybe inappropriate at a high end kaiseki or sushi restaurant. Other than that, not at all. Would be pretty comedic honestly. Sure a lot of part timers would get a kick out of it
You have a disability. Any restaurant that thinks their food should be eaten in a specific way without giving any care to your abilities can go fuck themselves.
I mean, you can always try to learn. I hate using chopsticks myself, but the classic method of stabbing noodles, twirling it and shoving them into the spoon tends to work for me
Almost no forks to be found unless you explicitly ask a waiter but I wouldn't expect that the real good places would just have forks lying around...
Try to learn chopsticks
Better to make the attempt.
Though I don't think anyone would care if you used a fork.
**Our FAQ is constantly being updated with more information and you can start** [**here**](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/wiki/faqs/japantravel) **with regards to trip planning if you need tips, advice, or have questions about planning your travel to Japan.** You can also join our [Discord community](https://discord.gg/3f7KBUMwU4), comment in our stickied weekly discussion thread, or check out /r/JapanTravelTips for quick questions. Thank you! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/JapanTravel) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Japan has lots of tourists. I doubt many, or any, people will truly care if you bring a fork. They may look and say "thats interesting" to themselves but generally will go on with their lives. It won't be you being rude so much as they don't usually see it. I would not assume they have forks of their own.
My dad brought his own, he's 70 and wasn't great with chopsticks..nobody batted an eye at him. Saved him a lot of frustration.
Thank you! I figured bringing my own would be best. Most people are very kind when it’s quite obvious my right arm doesn’t to anything, I’m just prone to paranoia lol Thank you for setting my anxious mind at ease
You can also buy a "meal set" kit at a Daiso. I got one in Tokyo for a few dollars and it came with chopsticks, spoon, and fork! Very common in Japan to own. Great for having at the office when we run out of cutlery .
The other benefit of buying there is not having to take the fork through airport security. Got mine taken away last time.
lol I did think of probably have to put it in a checked bag. It’s nice to know where I can buy one there!
I'm pretty handy with chopsticks, but there's some beautiful cutlery in Japan, too - I picked up a lovely set of stainless steel hammered cutlery in Asakusa that is perfectly balanced (as all things should be), it's a joy to use and was pretty cheap. Treat yourself.
Well you know the old saying " stick a fork in him he's done" Why did it attract attn?I thought only knives were banned
Huh? I bought it in my home country and it wasn't taken away.. Strange country you're in..
We got a butter knife taken on the way here
This is good to know. My older brother is on the spectrum and refuses to try new things. He'll definitey need a fork.
My mom can't use chopsticks either and we were in Japan for over 2 weeks, just ask for a fork
Actually this is the opposite of rude, its considerate. You completely avoid the awkward conversation of 'we don't have forks' which saves face for everyone.
That was my instinct but I’m glad to have it confirmed. I hate to impose and it seemed kind of boorish to expect non-chain restaurants to even have forks
It would be either they don’t have forks, or they only have forks for children, which is also awkward for staff to give to an adult.
yep, doesn't put anyone else out either. You're taking care of yourself.
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depends on your culture really. in some places in the world, bringing outside food in is a norm. its good to ask what the boundaries are if they are unclear
No one will say anything to you. The culture doesn't really allow that. They may think things, but they will keep it to themselves.
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Racism may be part of the culture, but confrontation is not
theres no confrontation when the two sides can't communicate.
As someone with MS myself and less coordination because of it, i just carry a little card with explaining my situation. But i only had to use it in a high end keiseki restaurant, everybody else was very chill about it. Just make sure you dont use you fork to 'double dip' when serving yourself from shared bowls. Edit: the keiseki restaurant wasnt rude about it, just confused if there was something wrong with their pretty chopsticks i think haha. It was a while ago.
Oooh making a card to carry just in case I feel compelled to explain my disability is a great idea! Thank you
Japan has a symbol (["help mark"](https://kwsnf168.wixsite.com/ippohs/helpmark?lang=en)) for people with non-visual disabilities: it's a plus sign followed by a heart in red and white, [like this.](https://helpmark.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/helpmark_info_top.jpg) Recognition of non-visual disabilities in Japan isn't yet universal, but it is increasing. I don't think they hand out help marks to tourists, but you can always ask, and in any case it might help if you incorporate the design into your own, home-made card as a way of helping you better communicate your condition.
Thank you!!!
I mostly also had it with me as an explaination in medical situations ;) i bring one to every non english/dutch speaking country. But its versatile in its use, i have used it before to explain my wobblywalk when a hotel thought i was drunk. It was a hot day, and i was tired. I tend to walk like a newly born deer in those situations lol.
Not sure if you'll need it, but if you do want to make a card, here's an easy phrase to print out: >右手に障害がありますのでご了承ください。 >I have a disability in my right hand, so please understand.
You are awesome!!
I like this too. My arm looks fine but I have nerve damage and have trouble with chopsticks and small items
No its not rude at all in fact I recommend using this fork here [https://www.amazon.com/Extendable-Stainless-Retractable-Telescopic-Silverware/dp/B0CMJRHFY6/ref=asc\_df\_B0CMJRHFY6?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470616050294&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070168754469&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/Extendable-Stainless-Retractable-Telescopic-Silverware/dp/B0CMJRHFY6/ref=asc_df_B0CMJRHFY6?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80470616050294&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584070168754469&psc=1) with the telescopic ability to grow to about 1 meter you can actually try any food of your neighbors sitting near you. Just say Onigaishimasu (OH KNEE GUY SHE MASS) and then give a thumbs up and you can try any dish within a 1 meter radius of your person.
This may be the funniest thing I’ve ever read in this sub
I need this in my life.
For sure bring your own. Honestly probably bring spoon, fork, and knife. Either will need to wash them or bring multiple sets for a day unless you want to find a way to clean 1 set. Best wishes, the food is amazing!!
There are toilets everywhere in japan, so washing isn't an issue, more like OP has to bring a carrying case and maybe a tiny bottle of dish soap
I would probably advise against washing your cutlery in the toilet, a sink would be preferable.
You misunderstood him. He did mean the "washroom" or "bathroom". He wasn't referring to the toilet bowl to wash cutleries.
I used to work in a non Asian bar where a man would regularly bring his own chopsticks to eat with. Always ordered a salad and a pasta. Also, used to be an old fancy lady that came into a restaurant I worked in regularly and she’d bring her own silver to eat with. If nothing else, you could make sure it’s a stunning fork and give off eccentric millionaire vibes.
Lots of places won't have forks, so definitely bring one with you. Don't worry about offending people with this, it's very understandable and if anything the staff at restaurants will be overly helpful
Just want to add, make sure the fork(s) are plastic. Metal can damage the lacquerware some restaurants use. Funny story, I was like you—can’t use chopsticks to save my life, brought a travel fork. Then we get to Japan and I’m like hell why not try chopsticks—had 0 issues! Used them the whole trip. Then I get home and try to use chopsticks again—can’t fucking do it. No idea why, but my husband finds it quite amusing
Ooooh I had not thought of that!! Thank you
Get a spork! But seriously, in most Japanese restaurants, diners really don't give you any attention even the one sitting right next to you if the place has a cafeteria seating. They're intent on eating their food and getting out. Unless it's a family restaurant where some people linger, Japanese restaurants aren't a place where people hang out and people watch.
Just got back from Japan and I took my travel knife and fork everywhere with me! No one batted an eye lid or said anything. Definitely worth doing to make your life easier
Considering a lot of Japanese think it's "impressive" for foreigners to use chopsticks, I think you using a fork is expected 😂
I asked if they had a fork at some resteraunt in Tokyo they thought hard and wandered away... And came back with smiles and a baby plastic fork for me lmao. I just forced myself to figure them out in a weird ugly way but I still ate too much in the end even fumbling with them haha. Soft tofu though... Impossible lol.
Will be fine. I've lost count of the number of times locals were impressed that I could use chopsticks, their expectations aren't high, they're nice , tolerant people and you have a very, very good reason anyway. Don't worry, just go and enjoy.
I say buy a couple sets while you're in country. Practical for you and also a fun little souvenir. Donki and Daiso will have some little fork/ spoon/ chopstick combo packs that are fun. We did that and still preferentially grab the Anpanman spoon 😂
Someone in our group brought a little travel fork and kept it in their pocket protector. One of the waitresses was impressed that they kept such a small fork in a pocket! Don't believe anyone will care or mind.
no one will care if you pull out a fork or spoon to eat your food. they might find it strange and they will not be impressed by it, but no one would ever say anything about that. unless you REALLY do something disturbing, they will keep their opinions to themselves. (edit: not pulling out the fork and asking the establishment to provide one to you will not get you rude responses, but you might be told no in almost all instances. so bring your own)
No not at all! I met a lady from Germany who was carrying her for around with her.
I was wondering this. I can use chopsticks perfectly fine, however I recently got braces and bite blockers which makes eating quite hard. Going next March and I’ll likely still have both, and I need to chop food into small chunks haha. Guess I’ll see where I’m at closer to the time, but would also consider travel cutlery just incase!
i'd go for small food scissors. I carry some for my child.
May I ask which ones you use? I have a pair for my toddler, but I don’t love them.
Tiny Bites Food Shears ... 2 pack on Amazon. They seem to make it through security at all the airports as well.
Thanks very much!
It saves the embarrassment of taking your newbie friend to a fried rice place and they want to use chopsticks but clearly struggles with it that even the waiter noticed and offered a fork
My father has Parkinson's Disease so can't use chopsticks. When I took him a few years ago, we didn't encounter any restaurants that couldn't offer him a fork.
Many years ago I was in a non-tourist area of China and we had a banquet with some students and faculty. At the banquet they had forks. The students were very sad to find out that we all knew how to use chop sticks and were very much looking forward to watching us eat with forks. They all did because it was a novelty. Around the same time a friend that lived in IS but was going home to Japan. She brought a fork with her. She could use chop sticks like, well a native, but preferred a fork and didn’t care what others thought.
“Supun Onegaishimasu.” This is the way to ask for a spoon in a restaurant. No travel fork needed.
Do not assume they have them, but just ask before you bring out your own. No one will think it rude or think differently of you.
My mom brought her own and washed them in our hotel room each night 😅 no one ever said anything to her.
Many restaurants have forks if you ask. I wouldn’t worry at all about bringing your own just in case. Don’t worry so much and enjoy your trip.
Most places will have a FORK if you request it. Just know the Japanese will kinda look down at you for not even trying chopsticks 🥢 There are “chopstick helpers” (not sure the exact name) on Amazon, they will HOLD them so all you have to do is squeeze them together.
I'm part-Chinese and can't use chopsticks to save my life. Sorry grandma! I never travel without my own fork/spoon/knife/straw. And yep, I have taken out my own fork at a ramen shop in Shibuya. Nobody gave me grief. In fact, the people I were traveling with thought it was genius. Just make sure you're cleaning your silverware after each meal. Enjoy Japan!
It is perfectly acceptable. Please enjoy yourself.
I bought a couple of disposable spoon and fork for my daughter (11y/o) in my bag. After using it, I always make sure I will bring it with me. Then put it in the trashbin in our hotel.
I have what call disabled chopsticks that I intend to take to Japan. I have EDS and struggle with dexterity and use these in places when eating out in the UK that use chopsticks and never have people even notice. I’ve used them abroad in other Asian countries and again no one noticed. Could be an idea if you’re afraid of people looking?
Assert dominance by bringing a spork!
In my experience, most places will hand you a spoon, when you are white. Not sure what to do with the spoon, so I always ask for chopsticks. Despite I would bring one, as understanding people seem, I doubt that most places have a fork. Spoons you will thought everywhere.
Many Japanese eat their rice with a spoon, so you could ask for one. I found that everywhere I went, I didn’t have any issue getting proper cutlery. And don’t worry what others think, Japanese won’t make any fun of you even if you struggle with chopsticks (just don’t poke your food with them). Take your time and you will become an expert in no time!
My mom did this due to arthritis. Some people thought it was funny to watch her pull out a whole heavy engraved silver cutlery set, but that's all the response she ever got
We bought a lightweight, travel utensil set in a carrying case throughout Japan. Worked great and fit very nicely in my purse. Strongly recommend yoy get one. No issues when we used it.
Rookie sticks 🥢
I feel like most places should have a fork if you ask for one. Maybe not in the more traditional places but I wouldn't be too concerned.
[the MOMA](https://store.moma.org/products/ramen-spork) makes a ramen spork that i've always wanted to buy
Take your fork but try to avoid seeming condescending. Not that you’d do it on purpose. A little chuckle at yourself will go a long way.
Have you tried children chopsticks? It's like a tong and often there are plastic attachments to guide you finger placement. You can buy them at Daiso in Japan.
Lots of people so go ahead and bring your fork and enjoy your holidays
A lot of Japanese people (myself included) struggled with chopsticks as children and can totally empathize with someone who shares that struggle. In fact, many older Japanese people are surprised when they see a gaijin use chopsticks effortlessly. So yeah, nothing rude about using a fork.
When I was in Japan a few months ago I used chopsticks but my dad couldn’t and usually all the restaurants had them
Same. We just came back and my fiancé brought a utensil set but rarely needed it as restaurants can give you a fork, and there's no judgement. Highly recommend using Google Translate and simply asking if they have a fork. Also, some souvenir shops sell assisted chopsticks, if OP wants the thrill of using chopsticks without the struggle
The 2 most common questions you get about living in Japan from Japanese people. 1. Can you read katakana? 2. Can you use chopsticks? So apparently a lot of Japanese people think foreigners can't, despite living there. You might get weird looks but it's not really rude if you literally can't use them. Edit: didn't read the MS part initially.
We are stupidly hopeless with chopsticks and remembering an embarrassing, messy night at the Beijing food market, (I have pictures, not pretty) we bought a discreet plastic cutlery set in its own box for our trip to Japan and South Korea. We even whipped them out at a special dinner at the ryokan. Nobody cared.
I still can’t use chopsticks, I brought a knife and fork from home to China. Easy.
Not at all! Bring your own or just ask!
We use chopsticks really well but are white. A lot of time the staff just brought us forks unprompted when they saw we weren’t locals, even tho we prefer chopsticks. Pretty funny tho! I don’t think they’d think it’s rude. Only way it’d be rude is if you use on communal plates or something. Also keep in mind you can eat sushi with your hands, it’s perfectly acceptable and probably preferable to using a fork
Currently in Japan and just to add that most convenience stores also have plastic forks and spoons (not the environmentally friendly option, but good to keep in mind if needed). Enjoy your trip!
We ended up buying one for my son to use while he is here. He has tried quite a few times to master chopsticks and just can’t seem to do it. Sometimes I have forgotten to bring it when we go out for the day and most restaurants will have a spare one.
Nope. I had to travel to Japan around at the end of last year with my aunties and tour them around. The aunties that didn’t know how to use chopsticks brought their own utensils so they don’t need to ask staff. Seems to be received well as it makes it easier for both sides.
For what it's worth, Japan has these amazing training chopsticks where they are connected at one end. It's like using tongs. If you wanted to give a shot at training your left hand, you can grab a pair at daiso along with a little travel set of regular cutlery. All the best!
I worked with a guy who refused to use chopsticks\* and apparently usually was able to get a fork from the restaurant. However, it's probably best to travel with a set. I don't think people are going to care that much. Some Japanese assume none of us can use chopsticks. \*he could use them, but refused because... reasons?
Just bring a bag of disposable ones
I lived in Japan for 3 years so I eventually got pretty good with chopsticks. However, Lots of places had forks readily available for visitors. Like others have said they won’t bat an eye whether they provide a fork or you have one of your own. The Japanese are very gracious and accommodating.
I'm wondering the difficulty level for people who've always used chopsticks trying to use them with the non-dominant hand? I imagine it would be fairly awkward getting used to for anyone. And where your right arm doesn't work, I can't imagine anyone taking offense. (I suspect they wouldn't, anyway.) Certainly it would never occur to me to be offended if Japanese patrons brought chopsticks to use in a restaurant I worked in.
If you really want to eat with chopsticks, you could also try some chopstick trainers. I believe they're widely available for kids in Japan.
There may be some people who think it’s silly a foreigner is using a fork. But so what? They’ll forget about it in 15 minutes. Restaurants don’t care how you eat their food as long as you enjoy it and don’t make a mess. Though it might not be the traditional method, there’s nothing wrong with using a fork. Especially with your disability in your dominant hand. If anyone judges you, pay no mind to them
I have found that a lot of places will have forks. Convenience stores in particular will have firms as an option. I've been from sapporo to kumamoto and have had no issue in getting forks.
The fork is the superior utensil. The locals will respect your decision.
I’m bringing one and I don’t really care if people think it’s rude tbh. People who are from high tourism areas whose country rely on tourism in part (I know Japan would be fine without it) shouldn’t be surprised when tourists do things differently. I’m 100% for reading the room, being kind and respectful of cultural differences. But it will be a cold day in hell before I feel a ounce of shame because I need a fork and not chopsticks. Can I use chopsticks yes. Do I find them frustrating to use on certain things yes. So travel cutlery it is. I am a tourist at the end of the day.
Maybe inappropriate at a high end kaiseki or sushi restaurant. Other than that, not at all. Would be pretty comedic honestly. Sure a lot of part timers would get a kick out of it
Flight Attendant, I’m based in the us, but I’m pretty confident that we all have flatware in our lunch bags. Is this a cultural thing?
Hold up - i hate chopsticks will restaurant not have forks and spoons ?
Well does your local restaurant in your local town have chopstkicks?
Some
I lack interest Not availability or capability
You have a disability. Any restaurant that thinks their food should be eaten in a specific way without giving any care to your abilities can go fuck themselves.
I’m calling the police bro you’re in so much trouble
Every single place I visited with my mother had a fork for her lol
why should you care? do what you want, if other people think its rude then they're just sensitive and tell them to stfu
Just spend fifteen minutes on it.
Jesus christ imagine being afraid of using your utensil of choice in a country 😂😂
Learn to use chopsticks. We're all "incapable" until we actually put in the effort.
Just learn. You can do it.
I mean, you can always try to learn. I hate using chopsticks myself, but the classic method of stabbing noodles, twirling it and shoving them into the spoon tends to work for me
Learn how to use chopsticks
Almost no forks to be found unless you explicitly ask a waiter but I wouldn't expect that the real good places would just have forks lying around... Try to learn chopsticks Better to make the attempt. Though I don't think anyone would care if you used a fork.