Navigating Tokyo’s Dining Scene Like a Pro

Dining in Tokyo without speaking a lick of Japanese? No worries—consider it part of the adventure! Here's your playful guide to mastering the art of eating out in this dazzling city, where every meal is an experience and every dish has a story.

Sitting Down: The Grand Entrance

So you've spotted the perfect spot to eat—maybe it's that cozy ramen joint glowing under neon lights or a sleek sushi bar that just screams Tokyo cool. First things first: don't just stroll in and grab a seat. In Japan, you wait to be seated. And oh, the welcome! Especially in sushi spots, prepare for a booming chorus of "Irasshaimase!" from the entire staff. It's like you're a celebrity making a red carpet entrance! If you didn't book a table, no stress—just flash the number of diners with your fingers. No Japanese required; just a bit of hand jive.

Tip: Check out our guide to the must-eat spots in Tokyo to find the best place to test your new skills!

Drinks: Start with a Bang

Once you're seated, you'll get a glass of water or some refreshing green tea to kick things off. Now, let's talk drinks. Fancy a beer? Just say "nama biiru" and voila—a draft beer is on its way. Want to impress? Hit them with "toriaezu biiru," which is like saying, "Let's get this party started with a beer!" If wine's not your thing (and honestly, Japanese house wine is usually meh), dive into the local favorite—sake! Ask for "nihonshu," and if the options overwhelm you, just ask for the "osusumeh"—you'll get the best of the house without lifting a finger.

Where's the Waiter? 

Okay, so you're sitting there, sippin' on your drink, and suddenly realize you haven't seen your waiter in a while. Don't panic—they're not ignoring you! In many Tokyo eateries, especially the ones with cool private booths, you won't be bothered by constant check-ins. Instead, look for a bell on your table. Found it? Give it a little press, and your waiter will magically appear. It's like having your own personal restaurant genie.

Food: Time to Feast!

Here comes the fun part—ordering food! Tokyo menus often come with pictures, so it's like a food version of show-and-tell. Just point and let your eyes do the talking. But if you're in a place where the menu is all Japanese characters with no visuals, don't fret. Here are some survival phrases to mix and match:
- Onikuh (meat)
- Osakana (fish)
- Oyasai (vegetables)
- Gyokai (seafood)
- Gohan or raisu (rice)
- Desaato (dessert)

If there's something you're not into, just say "dahmeh" (as in, "no thanks") while crossing your hands in front of you. They'll get the message! And always remember to toss in a polite "onegai shimas" (please) at the end of your order. Want to play it safe? Ask for the "osusumeh" and let the chef surprise you.

Tip: Here’s a list of some key phrases that you can learn to help navigate Tokyo.

The Bill: Let's Wrap It Up

You've eaten, you've drunk, you're happy—it's time to pay the piper. Get the bill by saying "okaikei onegai shimas." In most places, you take the bill to the cashier by the door. But if you're in a fancy spot, they might bring the payment setup right to your table. Fancy, huh?

Leaving: Don't Tip—Say Thanks Instead

Here's a tip: Don't tip. Seriously, tipping isn't a thing in Japan, and if you try, they might chase you down to return your money! Instead, leave them with a smile and a "gochiso sama des. Totemo oishikatta des" (Thank you for the meal. It was delicious!). That's how you show love in Tokyo.

Learn more about etiquette and manners in Japan here!

All of this information is great to have, but if you're looking for an immersive experience, our Kickstart Tokyo experience is the best way to learn on the go. And the best part? You'll have a local by your side showing you the way and making sure you have tons of fun without the extra worry!