How to Navigate Restaurants in Japan: What to Expect
- Tripping Japan
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
Dining in Japan is a highlight of any trip, but it can feel unfamiliar and a little daunting if you’re used to Western-style restaurants. Don’t worry! Most places are welcoming, and once you know a few basics, you'll be eating like a local in no time.
Here’s what to expect when eating out in Japan.
🍣 Types of Restaurants in Japan
🥢 Izakaya (Think Japanese tapas)
These casual pubs serve a wide variety of small dishes meant to be shared with drinks. From grilled skewers and sashimi to fried snacks and noodles, izakayas are lively, often noisy, and great for sampling lots of flavours. You don't need to order everything at once. Dishes come out as they’re ready, and you can continue ordering throughout your meal.
🔥 Yakitori-ya
Specialising in grilled chicken skewers, yakitori shops often feel like a more focused version of izakayas. The meat is grilled over charcoal and served with either salt or a sweet soy sauce glaze. These are great for a casual dinner and pair well with a beer.
🍜 Ramen Shops
Typically fast and casual, these spots often have counter seating and a vending machine at the entrance for ordering. Once you’ve paid, you hand your ticket to the staff. Some ramen chains also offer touchscreen or QR-code menus. Expect a quick, satisfying bowl — perfect for solo travellers.
🍛 Teishoku-ya
These “set meal” restaurants offer a complete tray of rice, miso soup, pickles, and a main dish like grilled fish, tempura, or tonkatsu. It’s a well-balanced, affordable, and very local way to eat.
🍱 Kaiseki Restaurants
The pinnacle of traditional Japanese dining, kaiseki is a beautifully curated, multi-course meal that reflects the season through taste, texture, and presentation. Each dish is like a piece of art, from a single bite of marinated fish to delicate seasonal vegetables. The chef chooses the menu, so it’s not ideal for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. Meals are served slowly, often in peaceful, tatami-matted private rooms, and reservations are usually required.
🍣 Omakase Sushi
“Omakase” means “I’ll leave it up to you.” In these sushi restaurants, the chef selects the dishes based on the day’s best ingredients. It’s an intimate, premium experience that may involve sitting at the counter and watching the chef prepare each bite. Be prepared for a higher price point.
🍛 Family Restaurants
Chains like Gusto, Saizeriya, and Joyfull serve a wide mix of Japanese and Western food. They’re casual, affordable, and often have picture menus or tablets with English. Great for families or picky eaters.
🪑 How Seating Works
When you enter a restaurant, staff (all staff) will greet you with a cheerful “Irasshaimase!” and immediately ask how many people are in your group. They’ll show you to a seat; you never seat yourself unless it’s a ticket-based ramen shop.
Once seated, you’ll usually be given a wet towel (oshibori) to clean your hands before eating. In Japan, cleanliness is important at the table, so this is a small but meaningful gesture. Depending on the restaurant, your table may already be set with chopsticks, or they’ll be in a box or stand on the table. You may also find soy sauce, toothpicks, and other small condiments nearby.
Menus are either already on the table or handed to you by staff. In some modern places, there may be a tablet for ordering.
🍺 Ordering & Drinks
As soon as you sit down, staff will likely ask for your drink order first, even before you’ve had time to decide on food. It’s perfectly okay to say “chotto matte kudasai” (please wait a little) if you’re not ready.
In izakayas, you're not expected to order everything at once. You can pace the meal, ordering small dishes as you go.
💴 Payment & Tipping
You almost always pay at the register, not the table.
Cash is still most common, although many places now accept PayPay or credit cards.
Use the small money tray on the counter when paying, it's considered polite.
No tipping, it's not part of Japanese culture and may even be declined.
🤫 Etiquette Tips
Speak quietly, restaurants are generally more subdued than in the West.
Slurping noodles is acceptable (especially with ramen and soba).
Say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” when you leave the restaurant to show appreciation.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Whether you're grabbing a quick bowl of noodles or settling in for a kaiseki dinner, knowing what to expect helps make dining in Japan more enjoyable. The food is one of the country’s biggest highlights, so don’t miss out just because it feels unfamiliar.
🍜 Want to Tour Japan Through Food?
If Japan’s food culture has you inspired, why not centre your trip around it? From sushi counters in Tokyo to kaiseki in Kyoto and street food in Osaka, a culinary-themed itinerary lets you taste your way through the country.
We can create a custom food-focused tour based on your tastes and interests — whether you love Michelin-starred dining, back-alley izakayas, or regional specialties.
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