This is the ultimate guide to Japanese tableware and table set-up. You’ll learn about the important components (what bowls and plates to use, their sizes & functions), and table arrangement on how to set up a Japanese meal.
Are you interested in serving the Japanese meal (or known as Washoku 和食) in a traditional Japanese setting? Imagine re-creating the dining experience you’ve had from your memorable ryokan stay from your very own home? In this post, I’ll show you exactly what you will need for tableware to present a typical Japanese meal. I also included the measurements so you can find similar-size western plates and bowls if you have to use them.
Trust me, everyone can pull off a Japanese-style table setting with ease and confidence. Let’s get to it!
The Must-Have Japanese Tableware
1. Rice Bowl (Ochawan or Chawan) お茶碗
The most “personal” element among Japanese tableware is the rice bowl. In Japan, each family member may have their own personal rice bowl dish with different sizes and materials. Dad may get a big ceramic rice bowl, mom may use a porcelain rice bowl with sakura pattern, the daughter may use a modern cat design rice bowl, and the son may use a character print on the rice bowl.
There is a couple of rice bowl set called Meoto Chawan (夫婦茶碗). The husband gets the big bowl and the wife gets the smaller bowl. There are also rice bowls for children, while toddlers use plastic rice bowls (yes, Japanese toddlers can be picky and temperamental during mealtime too).
The concept here is about customization for personal liking, which I think makes the dining fun and intimate. Since Japanese cuisine focuses on seasonality, you may change up the bowls based on the seasons.
Size:
- 12 cm/4.7″ (4寸) in diameter, 6 cm/2.4″ in height, contains 150 g/5.3 oz of steamed rice.
- 11.4 cm/4.5″ in diameter, 5.7 cm/2.3″ in height, and contains 130 g/4.6 oz of steamed rice (for a female bowl of Meoto Chawan)
2. Soup Bowl (Shiruwan or Owan) 汁椀・お椀
Since shiruwan or owan is used to serve hot soup, it is often made with the wooden material. Unlike rice bowls, everyone in the family typically uses the same type.
On a special day or holiday, soup is served in a shiruwan/owan with a lid. It is usually lacquered and has beautiful designs such as flowers.
Size:
- 12 cm/4.7″ (4寸) in diameter, 6 cm/2.4″ in height, contains 220-280 ml/roughly 1 cup of liquid.
3. Medium Plate (Chu-zara) 中皿
This plate is mainly used to serve the main dish (主菜). When you have a table with big serving plates and bowls in the middle, these medium plates can be used as an individual plates.
When used in a non-typical Ichiju Sansai setting, you can use this medium plate for a toast, etc.
This plate is very helpful so it’s nice to have variations of designs, shapes, and materials for different seasons and table settings.
Size:
- 21 cm/8.3″ (7寸皿) – A perfect dish for Ichiju Sansai’s main dish. A serving plate for a la carte.
- 18 cm/7″ (6寸皿) – A dish to fit Shokupan (Japanese pullman loaf). Good size for single serving salad and side dish.
Side Notes for Big Plate (Oh-zara 大皿):
- 30 cm/11.8″ (10寸皿・尺寸皿) – A serving platter for a big party, sashimi platter.
- 27 cm/10.6″ (9寸皿) – A serving platter for 4, great for plating ingredients for hot pot.
- 24 cm/9.4″ (8寸皿) – A one-plate dish for pasta and curry.
4. Small Plate (Ko-zara) 小皿
These small plates are perfect for side dishes, desserts, and snacks, or you can use them as an extra plate to share.
Smaller plates can be used as an accent for the table setting. Have fun collecting different colors and shapes to spice up your table.
Size:
- 15 cm/5.9″ (5寸皿) – Good size for an extra plate to share or a slice of cake.
- 12 cm/4.7″ (4寸皿) – Good for small dishes like Cold Tofu, pickles, and Japanese sweets (wagashi).
5. Tiny Plate (Mame-zara) 豆皿
Mame-zara is used for soy sauce for sashimi, spice/condiments, or garnish (green onion, grated ginger) for Cold Soba, or small ingredient.
Size:
- 9 cm/3.5″ (3寸皿) – Good for bite-size dishes or condiments like soy sauce.
- 6 cm/2.4″ (2寸皿) – Good size for putting a garnish. It can be used as a chopstick rest.
6. Small Bowl (Kobachi) 小鉢
Kobachi is a small bowl normally used to hold Sunomono (vinegared salad), Aemono (dressed dish), Nimono (simmered dish), or Chinmi (special delicacies). It also can be used as an individual dish for hot pot.
There is no “specific” size for kobachi bowls, but there are three rough sizes listed here.
Size for Small Kobachi: Roughly 12 cm/4.7″ in diameter.
Side Notes for Medium & Big Kobachi Bowls:
- 15 cm/5.9″ (5寸) in diameter (Medium Bowl, 中鉢) – Perfect for a two-serving main dish (with soup/sauce) or single-serving soup and donburi dish.
- Roughly 22 cm/8.7″(7寸) in diameter (Big Bowl, 大鉢) – Perfect for a four-serving main dish (with soup/sauce) or single-serving noodle soup dish.
How to Set up the Table For Japanese-style Dining
Before setting up the table, it is helpful to understand the elements of a Japanese meal. Known as the Ichiju Sansai, a typical Japanese meal at home involves one rice with several side dishes and a soup. I included a more in-depth article on Ichiju Sansai for your reference.
The location of each dish is set for Ichiju Sansai: Steamed rice on the left front, and soup on the right front. Then the main dish is behind the soup, and side dish 1 is behind the steamed rice. Side dish 2 and pickles are located in the middle space.
Chopsticks & Chopstick Rest
When you serve a meal in Japanese table setting, chopsticks and chopstick rests (hashioki) are a must-item. You may ask if chopstick rests are necessary. Well, chopstick rests are there for hygiene reason so the used chopsticks don’t touch the table. Plus, don’t you think they add a nice accent to the setting?
There are so many designs for chopsticks and chopstick rests, and it’s fun to collect them so you switch them up for different seasons and occasions.
Bonus: Nice-to-Have Tableware
These are not essential, but they are a great add-on for those of you who cook Japanese dishes regularly. If you have the kitchen space, you should consider getting them:
1. Rice/Noodle Bowl (Donburi) 5寸深丼
A large bowl used for soba or udon noodle soup as well as rice bowl (donburi) dish.
Size: 15 cm/5.9″ in diameter, 8.5 cm/3.3″ in height contains 900 ml.
2. Ramen Bowl (Ramen Bachi) ラーメン鉢
A large bowl used for ramen.
Size: 18 cm/7″ in diameter, 9.5 cm/3.1″ in height, contains 1400 ml.
For Ramen Bowls, check out these online shops like MTC Kitchen or MIYA Japanese Tableware and Gifts.
3. Soba Dipping Dish (Sobachoko) 蕎麦ちょこ
A tube-shaped dish used for soba dipping sauce and small dishes.
Size: 8 cm/3.1″ in diameter, 7 cm/2.8″ in height, contains 180-200 ml.
4. Steamed Cup (Mushi Wan) 蒸し碗
A cup designed for steaming, and comes with a lid. It’s used for dishes like chawanmushi.
Size: 8 cm/3.1″ in diameter, 8.5 cm/3.3″ in height, contains 200-230 ml.
5. Teacup (Yunomi Jawan) 湯呑み茶碗
A cup used for Japanese green tea.
Size: The size varies depending on the occasion.
Measurement
Japanese tableware comes in various sizes and shapes, but they are guided by these measurements to create a well-balanced meal.
The measurement unit sun (寸) is used for Japanese tableware and it was introduced in the ancient history of Japan derived from measurements and proportions of the human body, collectively known as “Shindoshaku” (身度尺).
- 1分 = 0.1寸 = roughly 0.3 cm
- 1寸 = 10分 = roughly 3 cm
- 1尺 = 10寸 = roughly 30 cm
Additional Tips & Resources
1.Mix & Match – When comes to table set up, you don’t have to follow the strict rule of using only Japanese designed tableware. Some of the western-style plates and bowls can work to complement the table. Consider white or earth tones when choosing your colors. Handmade ceramic bowls and plates by your local artisans make an excellent choice too. You may be able to pick out designs that are very similar to Japanese tableware or in symmetry with Japanese elements.
2. Think harmony – In addition to colors, shapes, and textures, you will learn that the Japanese dining aesthetic places an emphasis on harmony. Which is what washoku 和食 all about. Everything has a place and purpose. When selecting your tableware, you don’t have to look for overly ornated choices but work on creating a balance to guide your artistic arrangement.
Where to Find Japanese Tableware?
Outside of Japan
Daiso and Muji are two major international Japanese stores that carry a wide selection of kitchen and dining items at affordable prices. If you are in the US, you can also look up MTC Kitchen (use “JOC10” for 10% off) in NYC, World Market, cb2, Crate & Barrel, or Etsy for Japanese-designed bowls and plates.
If you’re in the Bay Area, Soko Hardware is a great shop to check cookware and tableware.
If you are looking for one-of-kind tableware, check out POJ STUDIO.
If you’re in Australia, our reader Bill suggested checking out a handcrafted Japanese tableware shop called Made in Japan.
In Japan
If you have the opportunity to visit Japan, check out my article on 10 Cookware & Tableware You Should Get from Japan.
The easiest place to find Japanese ceramics and kitchen items is to go to the kitchen floor (usually 7th or 8th floor) of the nearest department stores or Tokyu Hands. If you can spend some time to shop ceramics during your trip, you may want to find ceramic shops in the cities you are visiting.
If you are in the Tokyo area, I would suggest checking out Kappabashi Kitchen Town, and here’s a small list of popular ceramic shops in Tokyo.
- Allegory Home Tools in Ebisunishi, Shibuya-ku
- Amahare in Shirokanedai, Minato-ku
- Aoba-do in Shirakawa, Koto-ku
- At Kiln Aoyama in Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Beniya Mingeiten in Komaba, Meguro-ku
- Bloom & Branch in Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Bondo in Kichijoji Hon-cho, Musashino-shi
- Casica in Shinkiba, Koto-ku
- Chidori in Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku
- CLASKA Gallery & Shop “DO” in Chuo-cho, Meguro-ku
- Dengama in Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku
- FALL in Nishiogikita, Suginami-ku
- Fragile in Ginza, Chuo-ku
- Gyokusendo in Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Japanese Pottery shop (Aritayaki Yakimono Ichiba) in Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
- Jokogumo in Shirogane-cho, Shinjuku-ku
- Kagure Omotesando in Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
- Kahahori in Kichijoji Minami-cho, Musashino-shi
- Kakesu Zakkaten in Kappabashi Kitchen Town, Asakusa, Taito-ku
- Kappabashi Kitchen Street in Asakusa, Taito-ku
- KnulpAA Gallery in Shakujiimachi, Nerima-ku
- Koharuan in Yarai-cho, Shinjuku-ku
- Kohoro in Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku
- La Ronde d’Argile in Wakamiya-cho, Shinjuku-ku
- Lion Pottery in Chuo-cho, Meguro-ku
- MARKUS in Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi
- Migo Labo in Gohongi, Meguro-ku
- Migratory in Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku
- Mist∞ in Kichijoji Kitamachi, Musashino-shi
- Monsen in Tamagawa, Setagaya-ku
- Outbound in Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino-shi
- Pond Gallery in Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku
- POTPURRI in Shirakawa, Koto-ku
- Proto Tablewares and Precious in Kuramae, Taito-ku
- Roundabout in Uehara, Shibuya-ku
- Rozan in Nishiogikita, Suginami-ku
- Shouan Bunko in Shouan, Suginami-ku
- SML in Aobadai, Meguro-ku
- Sonomono in Nagasaki, Toshima-ku
- Sora in Himonya, Meguro-ku
- Spiral Market in Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Style Hug in Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
- Syuro in Torigoe, Taito-ku
- Takahashi Sohonten in Kappabashi Kitchen Town, Asakusa, Taito-ku
- Takumi in Ginza, Chuo-ku
- Tasogare-do in Nezu, Bunkyo-ku
- Tenoha in Daikanyama-cho, Shibuya-ku
- Teshigoto in Todoroki, Setagaya-ku
- Touan Yabukita in Kappabashi Kitchen Town, Asakusa, Taito-ku
- Utsuwa Aoba-do in Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Utsuwa Daifuku in Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Utsuwa Dokoro Kurumi in Kamiogi, Suginami-ku
- Utsuwa Kaede in Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
- Utsuwa Kenshin in Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
- Utsuwa Shizen in Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
- Utsuwa Party in Komaba, Meguro-ku
- Vada Antiques in Kichijoji Hon-cho, Musashino-shi
- Wise Wise Tools in Akasaka, Minato-ku
- Yuyujin in Takaban, Meguro-ku
- Zakka Tsuchi no Kioku in Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku
Japanese Online Shop
- Japanese Pottery Shop (ships internationally)
- Monsen
- Tojian
- Tableware East
- Uchill
- Utsuwaya Nishiyama
With this, I hope you’re inspired to do a Japanese table set-up the next time you prepare a Japanese meal at home. And if you do, don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with #justonecookbook on Instagram. I’d love to see them!
Also, if you know where to find gorgeous Japanese tableware in your local area, share it with us in the comments below.
Starting to build your kitchen for Japanese cooking? Here is my recommendation for the kitchen essentials.
How to Build a Kitchen for Cooking Japanese Food – A Beginner’s Guide
I’ve been collecting dishware for the past couple years. Everytime I go to the international food store, it’s a struggle not to buy the imported dishware. I do end up mixing the Japanese and Korean dishware because they are all so cute though. Thanks for posting what is essential for a traditional setting. It’s a great help.
Hi Aya! Haha I share the same struggle! 🙂 It makes me happy, and it’s a small joy we need in our life! 😉
Love your website, recipes and videos! We go to Uwajimaya when we can. The original store in Seattle is huge and amazing!
Hi Jen! I’d love to visit the store one day when I’m in the area! I heard so much about the store from all the readers in the area. 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words!
Thank you for a great lesson in Japanese tableware. It kind of reminds me of the 1st time my grandmother taught me how to set a table for dinner.
I’m in south florida (boca Raton to be exact) and sometimes its hard to get to a good store for those items, but I’ll keep trying.
Thanks Again for this and your blogs. I love the pictures. Beautiful
Susan
Hi Susan! Your words are too kind. Thank you so much. I’m glad to hear you enjoy my blog. 🙂 Hope there will be more online shops available for unique tablewares from Japan… 🙂
I HAVE BEEN VERY LUCKY TO FIND ORIENTAL TABLWARE AT GOODWILL !
Hi Russ! That’s wonderful! So glad to hear you get to find good ones at goodwill!
Hi Nami, your dishes and tablesetting is so awesome.
I live in Canada in a rural area on a farm so I dont have access to purchase.
I love your soup bowls and teacups. Thanks for posting, so interesting.
I still make your wontons and soup. Amazing recipe. I have oh so many compliments.
Thank you again and enjoy the rest of the summer
Hi Sharon! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad to hear you enjoy my wonton soup recipe! 🙂 I wish there are good ceramic shops online… if I find one, I’ll share! 🙂
Hello, I was wondering if you could please explain the use of warizanshou 「割山椒」- those beautiful lobed dishes (bowls?) that are in the shape of a split pepper.
I understand they are often used for mukouzuke in Japanese tea ceremony (which I study), but how are they used in Japanese daily life? In other words, where would they fit into the setting above – if they do? Many thanks!
Hi Julia! Warizansho is perfect “Kobachi” for condiments and Aemono (dressed dishes). I would use it for chinimi (珍味 delicacy?) too, such as Shiokara etc. Remember this dish is considered for a fall/autumn dish. 🙂
Where can I find info about a covered bowl with an inverted cone in the center? Please I can’t attach a picture of it.
Hi Linda! Are you talking about Chawanmushi cups in this post? It’s used for this recipe: https://www.justonecookbook.com/chawanmushi-savory-steamed-egg-custard/
Let me know if you were talking about something else. 🙂
Hello Nami, I am having a Cherry Blossom themed luncheon for 12-14 ladies in March. I am looking for picnic-style Japanese food and have collected some great recipes from you. If anyone has recipe recommendations I would appreciate some!
This morning I found your article on Japanese pottery. I live in the East Bay SF so the information from you and your followers will be so helpful.
Your site is just what I need for inspiration and guidance! I have learned so much in a short time about Japanese food and customs.
Thank you so much!
Hi Peggy! That’s wonderful! What a fun event you’re hosting! You may have found this recipe roundup but hope that’s helpful to start.
https://www.justonecookbook.com/cherry-blossom-viewing-hanami-recipes/
You have no idea how much your kind words mean to me! Thank you for reading my blog!
I’m thankful that your article differentiates the different types of plates that are used in Japanese tableware. My spouse and I are interested in giving our kitchen a Japanese flair. We’ll look further into plate sets to find one that will be the most beneficial for what we cook.
Hi Lloyd! I’m glad this article helps! Thank you for your kind feedback! Hope you two find some beautiful Japanese tableware. 🙂
This post really inspired me! Because I’m obsessed about Japanese pottery and tableware 😊
Hi Anindita! Thank you for your kind words! 🙂
[…] about Japanese tableware? In The Ultimate Guide to Japanese Tableware post, you’ll learn about the important components (what bowls and plates to use, their sizes […]
Hi
When purchasing, is it normal to buy enough for 4 or 6 or a dozen?
Thanks,
Judy
Hi Judy! In Japan, a set comes with 2 or 5. 4 is a bad number (death), and 6 is not a common number to have as a set. A dozen is rare because Japanese houses are small to store or host many people…
Hi Nami,
I’m trying to figure out what the woven sedge grass preparation plates that the Japanese use are called.
I’m trying to do a price comparison between Kappabashi and Amazon but don’t know what to search for on Amazon.
Thanks
Hi Angelo! What’s sedge grass? I tried to find Japanese translation but can’t find it. I also searched for woven kitchen goods but I am not sure what you’re talking about – it’s not woven bamboo, right? You mentioned “plates”… what is served on?
I think it may be bamboo. Its the plates you use during food preparation to put the chopped vegetables on. I read “O Fune Sama” and he described their hats as being made of sedge grass so I thought it might be the same thing. They look similar to those you used in your shabu-shabu video.
Hi Angelo! Then it’s bamboo. There are many bamboo products, so it may not look like the bamboo products that look familiar, but most of woven kitchen products are made of bamboo. Ohhh those hats are made of “wara 藁” and maybe that’s sadge grass?
Search the kitchen products made of bamboo: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=bamboo+sieve
You’re right, they are bamboo and they’re called “Zaru” as well, which is basket as you’ve pointed out in the zaru soba recipe.
Bizarrely, Amazon Japan’s English version has the translation as “monkey” which they got from “Saru”. Weird but funny.
https://www.amazon.co.jp/3%E5%80%8B%E3%82%BB%E3%83%83%E3%83%88-%E3%81%8A%E3%82%8F%E3%82%93%E5%9E%8B%E7%AB%B9%E3%82%B6%E3%83%AB%E7%99%BD-20cm-200-65mm/dp/B07CG4SQDN/ref=sr_1_116?s=home&ie=UTF8&qid=1551226922&sr=1-116&refinements=p_n_feature_ten_browse-bin%3A2225732051
OMG that is a funny story!!!! Yes, monkey is sometimes called saru and zaru. Monkey itself is always “saru” but if you add the word Japanese, then it becomes “nihon zaru”. Oh google!!! One day google will be smart enough to know it’s not monkey you’re searching for. 😀
Some great Japanese tableware stores in San Francisco:
1. Sanko Kitchen Essentials – This store in Japantown used to have shelves of typical Japanese cooking utensils and serving bowls. However it recently changed ownership and the quality has increased dramatically! They now carry a mix between high quality Japanese tableware and local artist creations (bowls, plates, etc). Sanko’s selection reminds me most of Loft or Tokyu Hands.
2. Kamei Restaurant Supply – Kamei has a mind-boggling selection of asian plates, bowls, spoons at great prices. I’ve seen some of the same selection in Kamei as I’ve seen in Kappabashi. The tableware sold here is mass produced.
3. Soko Hardware & Daikoku by Shiki Inc – Both are in Japantown and both carry Japanese Tableware. Daikoku by Shiki Inc’s tableware section is larger, but they’re both the visit. I suspect that the inventory at Soko, Daikoku, and Kamei all come from the same distributors.
4. There’s a really impressive tableware section in the large Daiso in Japantown. The inventory rotates, so it’s good to check there often. I love Daiso.
6. Although not explicitly Japanese, “MM Clay” in San Francisco is worth. It’s on the expensive side.
4.
Hi Bret! Thanks so much for sharing the SUPER DETAILED information with us! I’m sure local JOC readers will be happy to see this list! I’ve been to 1-4 but never visited MM Clay before (but seen their work in restaurants) so I should check it out! Thank you again, Bret!
Where can I buy the pretty white, black and red bowls used in the Instant Pot Kuromame video? Thanks!
Hi Lisa! White/blue one is from Japan (I purchased it from Takashimaya department store – roughly $20 or so). The red square bowls are from Daiso (Japanese dollar store, it was probably $3-4 each).