How to eat at a Japanese Restaurant: A Ultimate Friendly Guide for Travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’re probably excited about the food—and you should be! Japanese cuisine is famous worldwide for its flavor, presentation, and variety. But once you arrive, you might be wondering how to eat at a Japanese restaurant the right way.
Don’t worry—this guide will help you understand how to eat at a Japanese restaurant with confidence and curiosity. Whether you’re visiting a sushi conveyor belt, a cozy ramen shop, or a lively izakaya, here’s everything you need to know to eat like a local (and enjoy every bite!).
Japan has a huge variety of restaurant styles, each with its own vibe and specialty. Here are some of the most common types you’ll come across:
Gyudon Chains (牛丼チェーン）
Places like Sukiya, Matsuya, or Yoshinoya serve quick beef bowls and other rice dishes. They’re budget-friendly and perfect for solo travelers. Simply order at the counter or buy a ticked at the entrance and your food arrives within minutes.
Family Restaurants (ファミレス）
You’ll find chains like Gusto, Saizeriya, or Denny’s Japan across the country. They offer a mix of Western and Japanese food, drink bars, and desserts.
These restaurants are perfect for groups.(Of cause, solo is okay.)
If you have been to Denny’s in the USA, I recommend to Denny’s in Japan because the menu is completely different. I thought it was the same…
What to expect
- Picture menus (often with English descriptions)
- Self-serve drink bars
- Call buttons at tables for service
- Kid-friendly options and facilities
Izakaya (居酒屋)
These are Japanese-style pubs—great for trying lots of small plates and enjoying drinks with friends. The atmosphere is casual and lively, and it’s a fun way to try many different foods.
Key izakaya features:
- Expect to order multiple small plates throughout your visit
- Stays open late (many until 2-3am)
- Often includes seating options (tables, tatami rooms, counter seats)
- May charge a small table fee (otōshidai (お通し代) that comes with a small appetizer
Conveyor Belt Sushi (回転寿司)
Also known as kaiten-zushi, these spots serve sushi on a conveyor belt. You pick what you like and pay per plate. Some chains even let you order from a touch screen! I recommend that you try Kaiten-zushi once while you are staying in Japan. It might be a great experience for you.
Ramen Shops (ラーメン屋)
Usually small, sometimes with ticket machines to order in advance. Ramen is a must-try comfort food with many regional styles.
Specialty Restaurants
Japanese love specialty restaurants that focus on perfecting one type of cuisine:
- Tempura: Specializing in lightly battered, deep-fried seafood and vegetables
- Okonomiyaki: Savory pancakes cooked at your table
- Shabu-shabu/Sukiyaki: Hot pot dining experiences
- Kaiseki: Traditional multi-course fine dining
- Yakitori: Grilled chicken skewers and other grilled items
Pro Tip: Many fast food places in Japan are perfectly acceptable for solo dining. Don’t feel awkward eating alone—it’s completely normal!
2. Key Differences from American Restaurants
Eating in Japan is a little different from the U.S.—but that’s part of the fun! Here are a few cultural differences to know:
No Tipping Culture
Perhaps the most welcome difference: there’s no tipping in Japanese restaurants! The price on your bill is exactly what you pay. This is because quality service is already considered part of the job, not something extra that deserves additional payment. Trying to tip may confuse staff.
Quiet and polite atmosphere.
This depends on the restaurant style. Izakaya can get lively, excessive loudness is generally frowned upon in most restaurant settings. On the other hand, people speak softly in other restaurants. Keeping your voice at a moderate level is appreciated.
You call the server
You can call the server by saying “Sumimasen (meaning Excuse me.). or press the button if it is on the table.
Pay at resister
It depends on the restaurant but many restaurant take the Pay at resister style. If you visit the pay at table style restaurant, the system is the same as USA except the tip. (You don’t have to add tip price in Japan.)
3. Japanese Dining Etiquette: How to Eat at a Japanese Restaurant Respectfully”
Following basic Japanese dining etiquette shows respect and enhances your experience. Don’t worry—locals understand that visitors might not know all the customs, but these basics will help you blend in.
Seating and Starting
When you arrive, you’ll often hear “Irasshaimase!(いらっしゃいませ)” (Welcome!). Wait to be seated unless it’s a very casual restaurants where self-seating is obvious.
Once seated, you’ll likely receive an oshibori (おしぼり)(wet towel) to clean your hands before eating. Use it only for your hands, not your face or neck.
Before eating, it’s customary to say “Itadakimasu (いただきます）” (I gratefully receive). After finishing your meal, “Gochisousama deshita （ごちそうさまでした）” (Thank you for the meal) is appropriate.
Chopsticks & plate Etiquette
Proper chopstick use is important in Japanese culture:
- Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral rituals)
- Don’t pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks
- Rest chopsticks on the provided holder(we call this holder Hashioki (箸置き)), not across your bowl or plate
- If you are uncomfortable with chopsticks, you can ask a folk or spoon.
- Hold the small rice or miso-soup bowl when you eat. You don’t have to hold big bawls (like Ramen noodle’s one).
4. Navigating Japanese Menus
Japanese menus can be intimidating, but many restaurants now offer English menus or picture menus that make ordering easier. I am still struggling to understand the menu in the USA because there are no pictures on it. It is very difficult to get the image of food for me. You may find that Japanese menu is easy to understand what food in the dish or how big the dish is.
Common Menu Terms
- Set meals (teishoku(定食）): Complete meals with main dish, rice, miso soup, and side dishes
- Course menus (コースメニュー): Multi-course options, especially at fancier establishments
- A la carte（アラカルト）: Individual items listed by category
Seasonal Specials
Look for 季節のおすすめ (seasonal recommendations) sections—these often feature the freshest, most seasonal ingredients and special dishes not on the regular menu.
Useful Menu Terms
- お飲み物 (Onomimono): Drinks
- 一品料理 (Ippin ryōri): Single items/appetizers
- ご飯もの (Gohanmono): Rice dishes
- 麺類 (Menrui): Noodle dishes
- デザート (Dezāto): Desserts
5. How to Order Food （Mini Japanese Lesson)
Even basic Japanese phrases can enhance your dining experience. Your small Japanese words make Japanese server feel happy! Here are some simple expressions to help you order:
Sample Conversation
Server: Irasshaimase! (いらっしゃいませ）(Welcome!)
You: Konnichiwa（こんにちは）. Ni-mei desu (2名です). (Hello. Table for two, please.)
Server: After being seated and receiving menus
You: Osusume wa nan desu ka? (おすすめは何ですか？）(What do you recommend?)
Server: Explains recommendations
You: Ja, kore to kore o kudasai.（じゃあ、これとこれをください） (Then, I’ll have this and this, please.)
You: Biiru mo kudasai. （ビールもください）(A beer too, please.)
Tip!
If you want beer for your first order in Izakaya, say “Toriaezu Biiru (Beer)” (とりあえずビール！).
This mean I’ll just have a beer for now in English. This is a cliche in izakaya.
My American boss and colleagues learnt this phrase in their business trip to Japan and actually use and enjoy the conversation with Japanese people all the time.
6. How to Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when dining in Japan. Most staff are happy to help even if there’s a language barrier.
- “Sumimasen” (すみません) – “Excuse me” (to get attention)
- “Eigo no menyuu wa arimasu ka?” (英語のメニューはありますか？) – “Do you have an English menu?”
- “Chotto matte kudasai” (ちょっと待ってください) – “Please wait a moment.”
- “Daijoubu desu” (大丈夫です) – “It’s okay” / “No problem.”
- Arigatou (ありがとう）- “Thank you”
- “Toire wa doko desu ka” (トイレはどこですか？）- “Where is the bathroom?”
- “Kore wa nan desu ka?” (これは何ですか？) – “What is this?”
- “Arerugī ga arimasu” (アレルギーがあります) – “I have allergies”
- “Okanjō o onegaishimasu” (お勘定をお願いします) – “The bill, please”
7. How to Pay at Japanese Restaurants
Payment procedures vary by restaurant type in Japan, but they’re usually straightforward once you know what to expect.
Register vs. Table Payment vs Vending machine
- At casual restaurants, you typically take your bill to the register near the exit to pay
- At higher-end establishments, payment is usually handled at your table (same as US)
- At some fast food or ramen shops, you pay at a vending machine before eating.
Cash is King
While credit cards are increasingly accepted in urban areas and higher-end restaurants, many smaller establishments still prefer cash. It’s always good to carry some yen with you when dining out in Japan.
Splitting Bills
Unlike in the West where individual checks are common, Japanese restaurants typically provide one bill per table. If splitting with friends, it’s easiest to calculate portions yourselves rather than asking the restaurant to split the bill.
Final Thoughts
Dining in Japan is one of the best ways to connect with the culture, and now you’re ready to do it like a pro! From ordering ramen with a vending machine to enjoying a long evening at an izakaya, every meal is a chance to try something new.
If you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to check out my Japanese Food Culture: Region-by-Region Guide to help you decide what to eat and where.
Happy eating—and don’t forget to say “Gochisousama deshita! (ごちそうさまでした！）”
Have you had any memorable experiences in Japanese restaurants? Share your stories in the comments below!
