Guide to Restaurants in Japan (For Travelers Who Don’t Speak Japanese)

What to Expect at Restaurants in Japan

Eating out in Japan is one of the highlights of any trip. While you may worry about the language barrier, most restaurants are surprisingly easy to use—even if you don’t speak Japanese.

Different Types of Restaurants

Restaurants in Japan use a variety of ordering systems.

Table Service

The most common style. A staff member will show you to your table, bring a menu, and take your order.

Ticket Machine Restaurants

Popular at ramen shops and some casual restaurants.

Simply:

Buy a meal ticket from the vending machine near the entrance.
Hand the ticket to the staff.
Wait for your food.

Many newer machines now offer English language options.

Touchscreen Ordering

Common at sushi chains, family restaurants, and some cafés.

You can browse the menu, select your food, and place your order using a touchscreen. Many support English, Chinese, and Korean.

Don’t Worry About the Language

English is not commonly spoken at smaller local restaurants, but that doesn’t mean dining will be difficult.

Many restaurants offer:

Picture menus
Plastic food displays
English menus
Tablets with multiple language options

If you’re unsure, simply pointing at a photo is perfectly acceptable.

No Tipping in Japan

Japan has no tipping culture.

The price shown on the bill is exactly what you pay. Leaving extra money on the table may actually confuse the staff.

Free Water or Tea

Most restaurants provide complimentary water or tea.

In casual restaurants, you may even serve yourself from a self-service station.

How to Find Great Restaurants

Use Google Maps

Google Maps is the easiest way to find good restaurants nearby.

Check:

Ratings (around 4.0 or higher is generally excellent in Japan)
Recent reviews
Food photos
Opening hours

Look for Restaurants with Photos

Restaurants displaying food photos or realistic plastic food models outside are usually very easy for international visitors.

Chain Restaurants

Japanese chain restaurants are often very tourist-friendly and usually offer:

English menus
Touchscreen ordering
Cashless payment
Consistent quality

They’re an excellent choice if you’re visiting Japan for the first time.

Helpful English Phrases

Table for two, please.
Can I see the menu?
This one, please.
Do you have an English menu?
Could I have the bill, please?

Useful Japanese Phrases

Konnichiwa – Hello
Sumimasen – Excuse me
Eigo wa hanasemasu ka? – Do you speak English?
Nama biiru kudasai. – A draft beer, please.
Arigatou gozaimasu. – Thank you very much.
Oishii desu! – It’s delicious!
Gochisousama deshita. – Thank you for the wonderful meal.
Kawaii! – Cute!
Kirei! – Beautiful!
Sugoi! – Amazing!

Things to Know Before You Go

Popular restaurants often have long queues.
Some smaller restaurants accept cash only.
Credit card payments usually require your PIN.
Some restaurants have limited opening hours or close between lunch and dinner.

LOCAL TIP

Don’t judge a restaurant by its size. Some of Japan’s best meals are served in tiny local restaurants with only a few seats. If you see local people waiting in line, it’s usually a very good sign. Also, if you’re hoping to visit a famous restaurant, make a reservation well in advance whenever possible—many popular places book out days or even weeks ahead.