“Wet towel” is called “Oshibori” in Japanese.
When visiting a restaurant and taking a seat, it is common for many establishments to provide complimentary water and “o-shibori” to guests. This often surprises foreign tourists as it is provided free of charge.
O-shibori has several uses, but it is primarily used to wipe hands before eating a meal. Some people, particularly men, also use it to wipe their faces.
Depending on the season, o-shibori can be warm or cool, and some places even add fragrance to it.
Since it is often provided as a thick towel, it is common to use o-shibori to wipe around the mouth or hands during the meal. Japanese people are accustomed to using o-shibori frequently during meals.
However, not all restaurants provide o-shibori. Chain restaurants such as fast food outlets or coffee shops may not offer it. Please understand that it is not provided at every establishment.
It’s important to note that o-shibori is not meant to be taken home, so please be careful not to accidentally take it with you.
If you feel the need to clean your hands or mouth with a fresh o-shibori after finishing your meal, you can ask for a replacement free of charge. Feel free to ask the staff for assistance as it is perfectly acceptable in Japan and not considered rude.
Sometimes, disposable o-shibori that comes in a packet is also provided.
Of course, these are also provided free of charge.
Sometimes, you may receive one packet containing a single o-shibori per person, while in other cases, there may be a box with around 20 packets of o-shibori inside, and you can take them yourself as needed.
Although they are free, it’s important to note that it’s not encouraged to use them excessively. Please use only what you need.