Why Shouldn’t You Stick Chopsticks Upright in a Bowl of Rice?

Every culture has its own dining etiquette rules, and Japan is no exception. One important point of etiquette to remember when dining in Japanese restaurants is to never put your chopsticks pointing upwards in a bowl of rice. For people who are not accustomed to eating with chopsticks, this can seem like a natural thing to do, but it is actually a faux pas in many Asian countries.

Putting chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice is done at a person’s deathbed, just after their death, or in front of a picture of him or her at a Buddhist alter. The tradition, called tsukitate-bashi, is meant as an offering to the person’s soul. It is also considered to be bad luck. Note that placing chopsticks in rice this way is also an etiquette faux pas in China.

Test out your knowledge of chopstick etiquette while enjoying delicious Japanese food at House of Genji. Get more information about Japanese dining in San Jose by calling (408) 453-8120.

Off-the-Radar Places to Visit in Japan

If you’re visiting Japan, you will naturally want to see all of the usual tourist attractions, such as eating Japanese food at some of the top restaurants in Tokyo or exploring Mt. Fuji. However, there are plenty of off-the-radar places that deserve your attention as well. Visiting these places will give you a unique spin on the tourist experience in Japan and give you plenty of stories to share about unbelievable places once you’ve returned home. Consider putting some of these unusual places in Japan on your itinerary.

Wisteria Tunnel

You can find the Wisteria Tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Gardens in Kitakyushu, which is easily reachable on the Shinkansen. The tunnel features a long pathway of hanging, pastel wisteria flowers, with benches along the way to enjoy the view. The best time of year to visit is April and May, during the Fuji Matsuri festival. This is the time at which the wisterias are in full bloom. Keep in mind that the flowers don’t bloom all year long, so check with a local before you go to avoid disappointment.

Tashirojima Island

If you’re a cat lover, Tashirojima Island, or Cat Island, as it is sometimes called, cannot be missed. There are fewer than 100 people living on the island, but an enormous population of feral cats roams freely. The cats are well cared for and considered to be a symbol of luck. Visitors to the island can bring food and treats for the cats to bring luck to themselves.

Sagano Bamboo Forest

The Sanago Bamboo Forest is only a 30-minute journey from Kyoto, and although it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, you can still find quiet spaces among the sky-high bamboo stalks. The sound of the bamboo stalks knocking together as the wind rushes between them is a governmentally recognized soundscape in Japan.

For a taste of Japanese culture a bit closer to home, try a teppanyaki lunch or dinner at House of Genji. In addition to teppanyaki in San Jose, we offer hibachi and a full menu of appetizers and side dishes. To learn more about our menu, please call (408) 453-8120.

See How Chef Johnny Does Teppanyaki

If you’ve never had teppanyaki before and wondered what the experience is like, this video will give you some insight on what to expect. Teppanyaki dining isn’t just about delicious Japanese food but also the entertainment that comes with it.

This video is filmed in a teppanyaki restaurant in the Cayman Islands, but although every chef brings his or her own style to the process, you can always expect to see amazing knife skills and an interactive experience between diners and the chef.

You can experience teppanyaki for yourself by visiting House of Genji. If you’re intrigued, you can also learn more about our Japanese restaurant in San Jose by calling (408) 453-8120.

How to Eat Edamame

A popular appetizer and snack you’ll find on the menu at most Japanese restaurants is edamame. Many people are familiar with seeing these young soybeans after they have already been shelled on salad bars and mixed in dishes, but when they are served as appetizers, they are still in their shells. This leaves people who are new to Japanese food wondering how to eat them.

The easiest way to eat edamame in their shells is to put the shell into your mouth and use your teeth to gently slide the beans out of the pod. Usually, the shells are salted, so you will get some of the salt while you eat the edamame. Some people like to dip the shells in soy or another sauce before eating as well.

Come experience the tastes of Japan at House of Genji. Our teppanyaki restaurant and Japanese steakhouse in San Jose offers a full menu of new flavors for you to try. Call us at (408) 453-8120 to learn more.

How to Use an ATM in Japan

Say you’re visiting Japan and you want to try some Japanese food in a restaurant that only accepts cash. If you don’t have any money on you, you will need to withdraw some from an ATM. The trick is that most ATM machines at banks don’t accept cards issued outside of Japan.

Watch this video to find out how to withdraw money with a foreign card in Japan. If you want to enjoy some cash-only Japanese dining, look for a 7-11. These stores have ATMs that take cards from around the world, and they are open every day, around the clock.

For a taste of Japan closer to home, try House of Genji for authentic teppanyaki dining. Find out more about the menu at our Japanese restaurant in San Jose by calling (408) 453-8120.

Planning a Work Party at Our Teppanyaki Restaurant

If you’re looking for a fun way to bond with coworkers, consider holding a work party at House of Genji. Whether you’re looking for a unique experience for a holiday party or just an excuse to spend some time with your work friends out of the office, our teppanyaki restaurant is an essential ingredient in an event to remember. Here is what you need to know about planning a work party around our teppanyaki dining experience.

What exactly is teppanyaki?