When you go to a restaurant in Japan, one of the first things you’ll be served is not a menu or a glass of water. Instead, you are simply passed a small towel. It’s a towel, called an oshibori, and it’s also much, much more than that. In the same light as our flipbook, the oshibori in Japan symbolises ‘cleanliness, care, and hospitality’.
So in this blog post, we’re going to look at what an oshibori towels are, how it came about, what the etiquette is with using it, and why it holds such significance to Japanese culture. Today, whether you are a traveller, a restaurant owner, or an inquisitive soul interested in global traditions, I’m going to help you make sense of the humble charm of the oshibori.
What is an Oshibori?
An oshibori (おしぼり) is a wet towel you are given to wipe your hands before a meal. In English, it is also referred to simply as a “wet towel” or “moist towel”. It’s cold and hot, depending on the season.
- In the winter, you’ll often receive a warm oshibori to take the chill off.
- In the summer, a cold oshibori will chill you down from the heat.
The oshibori is a simple but considerate way of saying, “Welcome, please relax and enjoy your meal.”
A Brief History of Oshibori
The Japanese optical oshibori in Japan has hundreds of years of history. The term “oshibori” is derived from the verb shiboru (絞る), “to wring out.”
Old Times
During the Edo period (1603–1868) travellers, such as wanderers and soldiers, stopped and stayed the night in inns or tea houses along their way. Hosts would supply a warm towel to wash the dirt from their hands and faces. This put the traveller at ease. To this day, that concept of providing comfort and care plays out.
Modern Times
Oshibori can now be found all over Japan, in restaurants, bars, hotels and even aeroplanes and salons. Some places have cloth towels, some have them folded really pretty, and others have disposables in a rack called oshibori, and they generally have a product name on them. But the intent is the same: showing the guest respect and care.
Types of Oshibori
There are two main types of oshibori: cloth and disposable.
1. Cloth Oshibori
- Reusable
- Usually rolled neatly and sometimes placed in a tray
- Found in higher-end restaurants, hotels, or traditional places
- Can be heated or chilled in a special warmer
2. Disposable Oshibori
- Made from paper or non-woven fabric
- Hygienic and often individually wrapped
- Common in casual restaurants or takeaway shops
- Easy to carry in bags or give to customers
Both types are appreciated, and each suits a different purpose or environment.
How to Use an Oshibori
The oshibori is very easy to use, however there is also a polite way to use it in Japan.
- Unwrap or unfold the oshibori carefully.
- Your hands, clean them before you eat. It can also be used to clean your fingers at the table as necessary.
- Don’t wipe your face or neck with it, especially in formal situations.
- When partaking is finished, fold it up tidily and lay it on the table or tray.
And though in casual situations some will use it to wipe their face, (especially in summer) the polite version should be followed if in doubt.
Oshibori and Omotenashi: The Spirit of Japanese Hospitality
To understand the importance of oshibori, we must also understand omotenashi, which is the Japanese spirit of hospitality. This word means offering service from the heart, without expecting anything in return.
An oshibori is one of the simplest and clearest ways to show omotenashi. It tells the guest:
- “We care about your comfort.”
- “We want you to feel refreshed.”
- “We welcome you warmly.”
No words are needed. Just a warm or cool towel, and the message is delivered.
Oshibori Around the World
While oshibori has its origins in Japan, the tradition is catching on worldwide. Many non-Japanese restaurants worldwide now also have oshibori as part of the dining experience.
In Western nations, the oshibori can be perceived as a “luxury touch.” An increasingly high-end roster of restaurants, airlines and spas is beginning to offer warm towels to make patrons feel special.
Suppliers of oshibori, both reusable and disposable, now ship them around the world. There are even oshibori dispensers that automatically warm the towels to the correct temperature before serving.
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Why Oshibori Matters in Today’s World
Small gestures can sometimes get lost in a fast-paced, high-tech world. Yet the oshibori, not a mint, is a reminder that hospitality need not be complicated. One easy click of a towel, at the right moment, can make all the world a Host for you.
Benefits of Offering Oshibori
- First impression: It creates a friendly vibe.
- Cleanliness: Hands are easy to clean for guests.
- Comfort: Hot towels in the winter, cold towels in the summer.
- Brand impression: Signals an eye for detail and customer service.
What Other Than Sushi Bars Serve Oshibori? Restaurants are not the only businesses that do better by serving oshibori. It’s a minor expense with a major payoff.
Eco-Friendly Oshibori Options
Some people worry that using oshibori means more waste. But many companies now make eco-friendly disposable towels, which are:
- Biodegradable
- Made from natural fibers
- Free from harmful chemicals
Reusable oshibori are washed and sterilized by professional services. So, whether you choose cloth or paper, there are green choices available.
Fun Facts About Oshibori
- Airlines: Japan Airlines and ANA offer oshibori even in economy class.
- Scented Towels: Some high-end places scent their oshibori with lavender or green tea.
- Oshibori Culture: There’s even an Oshibori Art movement, where people fold them into shapes, like origami!
- Vending Machines: In Japan, some vending machines offer hot and cold oshibori for tired travellers.
Conclusion: A Small Towel With Big Meaning
The oshibori is tiny, but its message is a huge one: welcome, and we care about you. It’s a habit based on consideration and respect for others. Whether you’re travelling around Japan, running a restaurant, or simply like to infuse the world with a little extra hospitality, oshibori is a universal way to convey care. Sometimes, it’s the little things that have the greatest impact. So, rather than reach for that warm oshibori you’re handed, take a second to enjoy it: It is more than a towel. It’s a warm hello.
