Oshibori (おしぼり) is a warm or cold hand towel, , typically made of cotton, given to guests in Japan, often before meals in restaurants or on flights, during boarding: as an exclusive welcome gesture for refreshing their hands and face.
In aviation, especially in premium services like private jets or first-class cabins, oshibori is offered to passengers as a gesture of hospitality and luxury.
Offering an oshibori enhances the passenger experience, creating a sense of comfort, exclusivity, and cultural refinement.
How to Prepare It?
• Hot Oshibori: Soak the towels in warm water with a drop of essential oil (e.g., lavender or eucalyptus), wring them out, roll them, and heat them in an oshibori warmer or a low-temperature oven.
• Cold Oshibori: Soak them in cold water with refreshing essences (e.g., mint or citrus), wring them out, and store them in the fridge.
How to Serve It?
• Use tongs or gloves ( for hygiene) to place the oshibori on a small plate or elegant tray.
• Present it with a warm smile and a polite phrase, such as:
“Here’s a refreshing oshibori for you, I hope you enjoy it.”
• Offer it before takeoff, during meal service, or upon request.
• Ensure the temperature is appropriate for the climate (warm for colder environments, cold for hot weather).
• Scented essences can be added if desired
• Discreetly collect the used towels afterward.
Luxury Details
• Use high-quality cotton towels.
• Add a decorative touch (e.g., a small flower, a mint leaf, or a lemon slice on the tray).
• Adjust the scent based on the time of day and season (citrus in the morning, lavender in the evening).
The oshibori is a small gesture, but in luxury service, details make all the difference!