I know we should be prepared to use chopsticks and if left to my own devices, I would go with the flow. I am traveling with a visually impaired person and he was asking me today about whether or not he should bring plastic knives, forks, etc. I kind of thought this was over planning and said so.

However, I was assuming that places like Denny's and TGIFridays would have silverware or chopsticks. And that western hotels such as Courtyard would have silverware for breakfast.

If we go into a Japanese restaurant, obviously plan to use chopsticks. Or go to places that you can use your fingers.

Is my assumption correct?

Thank you.

I think that your assumption is correct. Probably more than 95% of all places that you will go to will have spoons and forks available, if you ask, though they might be children's versions. On the other hand, if you don't want to bother asking, you could probably bring your own with you, just in case chopsticks don't work. If it's designed to eat with chopsticks, you won't need a knife. Soup is generally drunk from the bowl. Rice other than typical Japanese white is generally served with a spoon. Western food will also be served with at least a spoon and/or fork. Very little finger food in Japan. Some will eat sushi with their fingers, other than that, I can't think of something else off the top of my head, except for snacks like chips, nuts, etc.

I will say pretty much most restaurants will have forks and spoons in Japan, although some places you have to ask for one. I think bring your own fork and spoon will save you trouble of asking at restaurants. Although phrases for fork and spoon in Japanese are same, with your native English speaker pronunciation Japanese person may ask back few times before getting that you are asking for fork or spoon.

But again, when servers see that you are Gaijin (non-Japanese) then they may place forks and spoons on your table without asking for one.

Due to a bad tremor with my hands, it's usually very difficult or almost impossible for me to manage with chopsticks (and sometimes hard to eat even with spoons and forks!). I took a travel size metal spoon and fork with me to Japan last time in case I needed it. They're unobtrusive enough to carry around with me and I would just wash them off after use. But as others have noted they're often available in some restaurants so I didn't use my travel items that much.

Agree with the above. It doesn't hurt, just in case, to bring along a spoon or fork in purse or pocket but many places will provide them. If the place serves curry rice and similar dishes, they will definitely have them as such dishes are always served with tableware.

This was about about what I was thinking. Thank you for confirming this.

Note also that there are conventions about what is eaten with chopsticks and what is not.

If you eat Western food or food that the Japanese classify as "Western," you will receive Western utensils.

Curry rice is eaten with a spoon.

That's true - there are many different kinds of Japanese food, so don't think automatically think you have to eat with chopsticks in a Japanese restaurant! It really depends on what you order.

But they're not going to be offended if you just eat everything with a fork or spoon anyway. They know that not all westerners can even use chopsticks, so unless you're in a particularly snooty Japanese restaurant, you shouldn't have any problem. They might look down on a *Japanese* person who fails to use chopsticks when convention suggests it, but they're not going to care about a westerner.

Have you considered one of these Liftware utensils? My tremor is so far rarely bad enough to interfere with eating, but I'll definitely get one if it continues to progress.

we have eaten in 50+ restaurants in tokyo and kyoto in the pqst year and a half. we have on every occasion been served with forks snd knives. the most important thing to do in japan in better restaurants, is to reserve at least one day in advance, as the restaurant wants to buy fresh for for the meal.

Not everyone eats in Michelin starred or otherwise higher-end restaurants. The little mom-n-pop diners that are found on every side street may not provide forks and knives unless asked. Almost all will have those things available but one must ask in many places.

Have to say that my experience seems to differ from many here. Unless I've been in a restaurant which justifies western utensils it would be highly unusual to be offered them (i can't recall a time thats ever occured) and when I've travelled with americans or europeans who requested western utensils its been unusual that they were available. Given the circumstances I'd strongly reccomend travelling with a fork and spoon (if a knife makes sense it will be provided) otherwise I think your choice of restaurants will be severely restricted.

Yes, I had a student who was averse to chopsticks and carried a fork and spoon in a plastic bag on his trip to Japan.

Wow that looks like a game change for me! Thanks!

I hope it works for you. If you get one, how about posting something about it in the Travel Technology forum?