Japan Restaurant Guide: How to Order, Eat, and Pay Like a Local (Without Feeling Awkward)
Let’s be honest. For a first-timer, walking into a Japanese restaurant can feel a little intimidating.
- “Do I take my shoes off?”
- “How do I call the waiter?”
- “Will I mess up my chopsticks and offend someone?”
- “And the big one… TIPPING!”
Relax. Take a deep breath.
As your “Best Friend” in Japan, we’re here to let you in on a secret: It’s way easier than you think.
You don’t need to memorize a 100-page rulebook. You just need to know a few key basics to feel confident, polite, and ready to enjoy some of the best food on the planet.
Here’s your practical, no-stress guide.
1. The Main Event: How to Order & Eat
This is the fun part! Here’s the simple flow.
- Getting a Seat: You’ll be greeted with a loud, friendly “Irasshaimase!” (Welcome!). Just hold up your fingers to show how many people are in your group.
- The Magic Towel (Oshibori): You’ll be given a hot or cold towel. This is only for wiping your hands. Don’t use it on your face or neck (a very common tourist mistake!).
- How to Order: In most casual spots, you’ll need to call the staff yourself. Just make eye contact and say, “Sumimasen!” (sue-mee-mah-sen), which means “Excuse me!” No need to shout, just a clear voice is perfect.
- The Chopstick “Big 3” No-No’s: Honestly, no one cares if you’re clumsy with chopsticks. We love that you’re trying! Just avoid these three big rules:
- Don’t stick them upright in your rice bowl (this is done at funerals).
- Don’t pass food from your chopsticks directly to someone else’s.
- Don’t use them to stab your food (unless it’s really slippery, we’ll forgive you).
- Slurping Noodles (Ramen, Soba, Udon): YES, please do it! Slurping is not rude; it’s a sign that you’re enjoying your meal and it actually helps cool the hot noodles.
2. The Big One: How to Pay (and Why You MUST NOT Tip)
This is the most important part, so listen up, friend.
DO NOT, under any circumstances, leave a tip.
I’m serious. Tipping is simply not part of the culture. It’s not expected, and it’s not wanted. In Japan, excellent service is included in the price.
Leaving money on the table will, at best, confuse the staff. At worst, they will literally chase you down the street to give you your “forgotten” money. It’s a bit awkward for everyone.
So, how do you pay?
In most restaurants (except very high-end ones), you don’t pay at your table.
- When you’re ready, get the check (or just grab the little bill they left on your table).
- Walk up to the cash register near the exit.
- Hand them the bill and pay there.
That’s it! Simple, efficient, and no confusing math required.
3. Your New Magic Words
Want to really impress your local friends (like us)? A little language goes a long way.
- Before Eating: Put your hands together and say, “Itadakimasu!” (ee-tah-dah-kee-mass). It’s a polite way to say, “I gratefully receive this meal.”
- After Eating: This one is GOLD. As you leave or pay, look at the staff and say with a smile, “Gochisousama Deshita!” (go-chee-so-sah-mah desh-tah). It means, “That was a feast!” or “Thank you for the meal.”
Using this last phrase will get you a huge smile every single time. It’s the “insider” way to show your appreciation.
You’re Ready. Seriously.
See? No stress. The core of Japanese restaurant culture is respect and efficiency. As long as you are polite and trying your best, you’ll be welcomed with open arms.
The most important rule? Just enjoy the food.
Feeling more confident? This is the kind of practical, fun advice we share every day. If you’d rather have a friend by your side to break the ice at that first ramen shop or izakaya, that’s exactly what we’re here for.
Check out our tours, and let’s go eat some amazing food together!
