How to Order Food in Japan: A First-Timer’s Guide

You can usually order at Japanese restaurants without speaking Japanese. Pointing at a menu photo, tapping a tablet or buying a meal ticket is usually enough. What confuses first-time visitors is rarely the language. It is the process, because some places seat you, some take payment before you eat, and others send you to a register afterwards. Here is how to order food in Japan from start to finish, including seating, ticket machines, payment, useful phrases, otoshi charges and allergy precautions. TOCThe Short Answer In general, how to order food in Japan comes down to four steps. Wait at the entrance, unless a sign or a ticket machine tells you otherwise. Order by pointing, using a tablet, scanning a QR code or buying a meal ticket. Pay where the shop tells you: the machine, the table or the register. Say “gochisosama deshita”, meaning thank you for the meal, and leave no tip. Carry some cash as a backup too. Smaller restaurants and older ticket machines still refuse cards. Before You Enter Check the opening hours, the payment logos and your cash before stepping inside. Opening hours on the door, or a sign reading 営業中, meaning open Payment logos at the entrance, then again on the...