Depends where you go

Sushi places are generally smoke free. Many restaurants and cafes have non smoking sections but the table at the edge of this area could easily be right next to a table 'outside' this area so worth checking if their set-up is acceptable for you first. A lot of places don't segregate at all but can also be amazing places to try so I'd really recommend not making it a red line if possible; not the whole trip anyway.

Dunno how old you are but if you are fairly young and don't recall a time when uk was like this, it might be a bit harder to get used to. I still hate going out to bars there and stinking of smoke when I get home.

Learn and use the word kin'en. This means no smoking. Kin'en seki means no smoking area or literally no smoking seat.

'kin'en seki arimasu ka?' - do you have a no smoking area? If they shake their heads and say no, you can go somewhere else.

'kin'en seki kudasai'- no smoking area please. They will show you to what they have. If you don't like it, just politely decline and make your excuses.

As I say, sushi bars are almost all no smoking, especially the conveyor belt chain stores.

Where in Japan are you going? It's a brilliant place and I miss it every day but I came back to watch City and settle for going back whenever I can...

Posted By: Jester, Feb 2, 23:39:20