How to Order at a Japanese Restaurant: Complete Guide for Tourists (2026)

Ordering food in Japan is much easier than you think — even with zero Japanese. Over 35 million tourists visited Japan in 2024, and they all managed to eat very well. This guide covers every restaurant type you will encounter, with exact phrases, real budget numbers, and links to book restaurants right now.

The 60-Second Version (If You Read Nothing Else)

These five phrases will get you through 95% of restaurant situations in Japan:

1. Sumimasen (すみません) = Excuse me — to call staff

2. Kore kudasai (これください) = This one please — while pointing at menu

3. Okaikei kudasai (お会計ください) = Check please

4. Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) = Thank you for the meal — say when leaving

5. Eigo no menu arimasu ka? (英語のメニューありますか？) = English menu?

That’s it. You can stop reading here and survive. But if you want to eat like a local, keep going.

Step 1: Choosing a Restaurant

Look for these signs of tourist-friendliness

Plastic food displays (食品サンプル / shokuhin sanpuru): Hyper-realistic food models in a glass case outside. These show exactly what you will get, with prices. You can go outside, remember what looked good, and point at the menu inside. This is the easiest way to order if you cannot read Japanese.

Photo menus: Many restaurants in tourist areas have menus with photos. If you do not see photos on the menu, ask: Shashin tsuki no menu arimasu ka? (写真付きのメニューありますか？)

Tablet ordering systems: Increasingly common at chain restaurants. Look for a language switch button (usually a flag icon). These often have full English menus.

Reservations: When you need them

No reservation needed: Ramen shops, gyudon chains (Yoshinoya, Matsuya), udon chains, fast food, convenience stores, food courts, conveyor belt sushi.

Reservation recommended: Popular izakaya on Friday/Saturday, yakiniku restaurants, any restaurant you specifically want to visit. Book through HotPepper (Japan’s largest restaurant platform) — most restaurants on our site can be booked directly.

Reservation required: High-end sushi counters, kaiseki restaurants, Michelin-starred restaurants. Book 1-4 weeks ahead.

Step 2: Entering the Restaurant

Staff will greet you loudly with Irasshaimase! (いらっしゃいませ！/ Welcome!). This is a one-way greeting — no response is expected. Just smile.

They will ask how many people: Nan-mei sama desu ka? (何名様ですか？)

Answer with fingers or these phrases:

Hitori desu (ひとりです) = 1 person. Futari desu (ふたりです) = 2. San-nin desu (3人です) = 3. Yo-nin desu (4人です) = 4.

If asked about smoking: Kin-en (禁煙) = non-smoking. Kitsu-en (喫煙) = smoking.

Then follow the staff — Kochira e douzo (こちらへどうぞ / This way please).

Step 3: The Four Ordering Systems

System A: Ticket Machines (食券機 / Shokkenki)

Where: Ramen shops, udon chains (Marugame Seimen), gyudon chains (Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Sukiya), some curry shops (CoCo Ichibanya).

How it works step by step:

1. Find the machine near the entrance (before you sit down)

2. Insert cash — most accept 1,000 yen bills and coins. Newer machines accept IC cards (Suica/Pasmo). Credit cards are rare on these machines.

3. Press the button with a photo of what you want. Pro tip: the top-left button is almost always the most popular item. If buttons have no photos, look for おすすめ (recommended) or 人気 (popular).

4. Take the ticket(s) and change

5. Sit down and hand the ticket to staff when they come

6. Your food arrives in 2-5 minutes. No further interaction needed.

Zero Japanese required. This is the easiest ordering system in the world.

System B: Paper Menu + Waiter

Where: Izakaya (居酒屋), traditional restaurants, family restaurants (Gusto, Saizeriya, Denny’s Japan).

How to order:

1. Look through the menu. Use Google Translate camera mode for instant translation.

2. When ready, press the call button (呼び出しボタン) on your table — it is a small device, usually with a chime icon. If no button exists, raise your hand and say Sumimasen! (すみません！)

3. Point at menu items and say Kore kudasai (これください / This please). For multiples: Kore, futatsu kudasai (これ、2つください / Two of these please).

4. Staff will repeat your order back for confirmation. Nod or say Hai (はい / Yes).

5. When done ordering: Ijou de (以上で / That’s all).

System C: Tablet Ordering

Where: Chain restaurants, yakiniku, kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi), some izakaya.

Look for a language button (usually a flag icon or 言語 / gengo). English menus are increasingly common. Add items to cart and submit. Food arrives automatically. This is often the most comfortable system for tourists because you can browse at your own pace without feeling rushed.

System D: Counter Ordering

Where: Cafes (Starbucks, Tully’s, Doutor), fast food (McDonald’s, MOS Burger), bakeries, food courts.

Order at the register, pay, then wait for your number or name. Photo menus or display cases make ordering easy. Pointing works perfectly.

Step 4: During the Meal

Free water and tea

Every restaurant in Japan provides free water or tea. Look for a self-service water pitcher (often labeled お水 / omizu) or a tea dispenser. At izakaya, staff bring water. You never need to order or pay for water in Japan.

Oshibori (おしぼり / Wet Towel)

A hot or cold damp towel served before your meal. Use it to clean your hands. At casual places, nobody cares if you wipe your face. At formal restaurants, hands only. Fold it neatly and set it aside. This is one of those small Japanese hospitality touches that visitors love.

Chopsticks vs Fork

Disposable chopsticks (割り箸 / waribashi) are provided everywhere. Snap them apart. If you prefer a fork, say Foku kudasai (フォークください / Fork please) — no shame in this, staff will happily provide one.

Key chopstick rules: Never stick them upright in rice (funeral ritual). Never pass food chopstick-to-chopstick. For more details, see our Japanese Dining Etiquette Guide.

Ordering more / Refills

Okawari kudasai (おかわりください) = Another one please / Refill please

Kaedama (替え玉) = Extra noodles at ramen shops (100-150 yen)

Mou ikko kudasai (もう一個ください) = One more please

Step 5: Paying the Bill

In Japan, you almost never pay at the table. Take your bill (伝票 / denpyou) to the cash register near the entrance.

If you need the bill brought to you: Okaikei kudasai (お会計ください / Check please). Some restaurants have the bill already on your table in a small tray.

Payment methods

Cash (現金): Accepted everywhere. Always carry 3,000-5,000 yen in cash. This is the safest option.

Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard): Accepted at most mid-range and chain restaurants. Small ramen shops and old-school izakaya may be cash only.

IC cards (Suica/Pasmo/ICOCA): Accepted at many chain restaurants, convenience stores, and fast food. Tap to pay.

QR code (PayPay): Japan’s most popular mobile payment. Tourists can use it by downloading the app and linking a credit card.

No tipping — ever

There is zero tipping culture in Japan. Do not leave money on the table. Staff may chase you outside thinking you forgot your change. Service quality is consistently high because it is considered professional pride, not something that requires a tip.

Splitting the bill

Betsu-betsu de onegaishimasu (別々でお願いします) = Separate checks please. Say this before paying. About half of restaurants accommodate this. The alternative is one person pays and friends transfer money later.

Complete Phrase Cheat Sheet

Save this section on your phone for quick reference at restaurants:

Entering

Hitori desu (ひとりです) = Table for one

Futari desu (ふたりです) = Table for two

Yoyaku shite imasu (予約しています) = I have a reservation

Ordering

Sumimasen (すみません) = Excuse me (to call staff)

Kore kudasai (これください) = This one please

Osusume wa nan desu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？) = What do you recommend?

Eigo no menu arimasu ka? (英語のメニューありますか？) = English menu?

Kore wa nani desu ka? (これは何ですか？) = What is this?

Mou ikko kudasai (もう一個ください) = One more please

Ijou de (以上で) = That’s all (done ordering)

During the meal

Oishii! (おいしい！) = Delicious!

Okawari kudasai (おかわりください) = Refill please

Foku kudasai (フォークください) = Fork please

Special requests

Arerugii ga arimasu (アレルギーがあります) = I have an allergy

[Item] nashi de kudasai ([アイテム]なしでください) = Without [item] please

Karai mono wa taberaremasen (辛いものは食べられません) = I can’t eat spicy food

Paying and leaving

Okaikei kudasai (お会計ください) = Check please

Betsu-betsu de (別々で) = Separate checks

Gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) = Thank you for the meal

Restaurant Types at a Glance

Japan has distinct restaurant categories. Knowing what to expect helps you choose:

Izakaya (居酒屋): Japanese pub. Share small dishes over drinks. Best for groups and experiencing Japanese food culture. Budget: 3,000-4,000 yen/person. See our Izakaya Guide.

Ramen shop (ラーメン屋): Counter seating, ticket machines, quick meals. Perfect for solo dining. Budget: 800-1,200 yen. See our Best Ramen in Shinjuku.

Yakiniku (焼肉): Japanese BBQ. Grill meat at your table. Great for groups. Budget: 3,000-6,000 yen. See our Wagyu BBQ Guide.

Kaiten-zushi (回転寿司): Conveyor belt sushi. Take plates from the belt or order via tablet. Fun and affordable. Budget: 1,000-2,500 yen.

Family restaurant / Famiresu (ファミレス): Gusto, Saizeriya, Denny’s Japan. Wide menus, English available, family-friendly. Budget: 700-1,500 yen.

Teishoku (定食屋): Set meals: main dish + rice + miso soup + pickles. The best lunch value in Japan. Budget: 700-1,000 yen.

Gyudon chain (牛丼チェーン): Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Sukiya. Beef bowls, 24/7, under 500 yen. The cheapest restaurant meal in Japan.

Budget Guide: How Much Does Eating Out Cost?

Budget traveler (per day): 2,000-3,000 yen. Konbini breakfast (500), ramen or gyudon lunch (800-1,000), teishoku or chain dinner (800-1,200).

Mid-range (per day): 4,000-7,000 yen. Cafe breakfast (800), restaurant lunch (1,200), izakaya dinner with drinks (3,000-4,000).

Splurge (per day): 10,000-20,000 yen. Brunch (2,000), sushi lunch (3,000-5,000), kaiseki or premium yakiniku dinner (8,000-15,000).

Try It Now: Book a Restaurant

Ready to put this guide into practice? Browse our restaurant guides with direct booking links:

Tokyo Restaurants — Ramen, izakaya, cafes, yakiniku near major stations

Osaka Restaurants — Street food capital of Japan

Kyoto Restaurants — Traditional cuisine and modern dining

All restaurants can be booked online through HotPepper with coupons and special deals.

FAQ

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