How to Eat Out in Japan

Restaurant Types in Japan

Ramen Shops (ラーメン屋)

The quintessential quick meal. Most ramen shops use a ticket machine (食券機) at the entrance.

How it works:

1. Look at the photo menu above the machine (or on it).
2. Insert cash (¥500-1,200 is typical).
3. Press the button for your choice.
4. Take the ticket(s) and hand them to staff when seated.
5. Eat, leave your dishes on the counter, and exit.

Average cost: ¥800-1,200 per bowl. Adding toppings (extra chashu, egg, nori) costs ¥100-300 each.

See How to Order at a Ramen Shop for a complete walkthrough.

Sushi (寿司)

Several formats, from budget to splurge:

• Conveyor belt sushi (回転寿司 / kaiten-zushi) — Plates circle on a belt. Take what you want. ¥100-500 per plate. Order from a tablet for freshly made pieces. Sushiro, Kura Sushi, and Hamazushi are major chains.
• Standing sushi (立ち食い寿司) — Counter service, no seats. Quick and affordable. Often near stations.
• Counter sushi (カウンター寿司) — Traditional omakase (chef’s choice). ¥5,000-30,000+ per person. Reservation often required.

See How to Eat Sushi in Tokyo for etiquette and tips.

Izakaya (居酒屋)

Japanese-style pubs serving small shared plates and drinks. Perfect for groups.

What to expect:

• A seating charge called otoshi (お通し, ¥300-500 per person) is standard. You receive a small appetizer in return.
• Order from a menu, often via a tablet. Some izakaya offer all-you-can-drink plans (飲み放題 / nomihoudai, ¥1,500-2,500 for 2 hours).
• Total: ¥2,500-5,000 per person with a few drinks.

See How to Order at an Izakaya for vocabulary and tips.

Gyudon / Teishoku Chains (牛丼・定食)

The fastest, cheapest sit-down meals:

• Gyudon (beef bowl) — Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Sukiya. From ¥400-600. Ticket machine or counter ordering.
• Teishoku (set meals) — Ootoya, Yayoiken. Full balanced meals (rice, miso, main dish, pickles) for ¥700-1,000.

Curry (カレー)

Japanese curry is thick, mild, and served over rice. CoCo Ichibanya is the most common chain. ¥500-900. Customize spice level (辛さ / karasa) from 1-10 and rice amount.

Udon and Soba (うどん・そば)

Noodle shops serving thick wheat noodles (udon) or thin buckwheat noodles (soba). Standing shops near stations serve a bowl for ¥300-500. Sit-down restaurants charge ¥700-1,200.

Convenience Store Food (コンビニ飯)

Do not overlook 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. Their onigiri (rice balls, ¥120-200), bento boxes (¥400-600), and hot food items are surprisingly good quality. Available 24 hours.

Late Night Eating

See Late Night Restaurants in Tokyo for options after midnight.

Ordering Systems Explained

Ticket Machine (食券機)

Common at ramen shops, gyudon chains, and some udon/soba restaurants. Steps:

1. Check if the machine takes cash only or also IC cards. Most accept both ¥1,000 notes and coins.
2. If the button labels are only in Japanese, look for photos or ask staff to point.
3. Some machines have an English language button in the corner.
4. If you need change, insert a larger bill — the machine gives change.

Tablet Ordering

Many chain izakaya and family restaurants use tablets (often with English). Browse the menu, tap to order, and items arrive at your table. Call staff by pressing the call button (呼び出しボタン) on the table.

Verbal Ordering

At traditional restaurants, the waiter brings a menu. Point and say “Kore kudasai” (これください / “This one, please”). Staff will repeat your order to confirm.

Counter Seating

At sushi and ramen counters, the chef is right in front of you. It is normal to eat alone. Just sit, order, eat, and leave.

Payment

• Cash is still king at small independent restaurants. Carry bills and coins.
• IC cards (Suica/PASMO) are accepted at chains and many mid-range restaurants.
• Credit cards are common at larger restaurants and chains but not guaranteed at small shops.
• QR payment (PayPay, Line Pay) is increasingly common.
• No tipping — ever. It can cause confusion or even offense.

Pay at the register near the exit. Do not leave money on the table (except at some traditional ryotei).

Etiquette Basics

• Say “itadakimasu” (いただきます) before eating and “gochisousama” (ごちそうさま) when finished or paying.
• Slurping noodles is normal and expected — it shows you are enjoying the food.
• Do not pass food between chopsticks — this mimics a funeral ritual.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice — also a funeral association.
• Place chopsticks on the chopstick rest (箸置き / hashioki) when not eating.
• Wet towel (おしぼり / oshibori) provided at most restaurants is for hands only, not face.
• Smoking is banned in most restaurants, but some izakaya still have smoking areas.

Dietary Restrictions

Japan is difficult for strict vegetarians and vegans. Many broths contain dashi (fish stock) and soy sauce may contain fish. Tips:

• Search for “vegan Tokyo” on Google Maps or use the HappyCow app.
• Learn the phrase: “Niku to sakana wa taberaremasen” (肉と魚は食べられません / “I cannot eat meat or fish”).
• Allergies: Japanese law requires labeling of 8 major allergens (wheat, buckwheat, egg, milk, peanut, shrimp, crab, walnut). Ask at the counter or check the menu.

Troubleshooting

The ticket machine only has Japanese buttons? Look for photos, or show a photo of what you want to staff. Many machines have a “English” toggle.

You sat down and got a small dish you did not order? That is the otoshi (お通し) — a standard seating charge at izakaya. It is expected, not an error.

You cannot find any restaurant that takes credit cards? Head to a chain restaurant (Yoshinoya, Matsuya, CoCo Ichibanya, Saizeriya) or a convenience store. These almost always accept IC cards and credit cards.

You have food allergies? Show a printed allergy card in Japanese. Many allergy card templates are available free online. Search “Japanese allergy card” before your trip.