Oshibori

Steaming in the winter and chilled in the summer, wet towels are standard fare in most restaurants, cafes or bars in Japan. As soon as you take your seat, get ready for some refreshment.

Japanese airlines started to serve oshibori on international flights after World War II, and now this service has spread to other overseas carriers. The trays that hold oshibori are also part of the motenashi ritual.

In Edo period, pails filled with water and towels were prepared for travelers by inns and tea houses. The travelers treated their tired feet and hands by squeezing a wetted towel. The name for the wet towels common in Japan, oshibori, comes from the word shiboru ( to squeeze).

Wet, towel, oshibori, are usually served to customers in restaurants. They are not only intended for hygienic purposes. Oshibori are also intended to create an opportunity for the restaurant and guests to exchange motenashi and furumai.