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1. Understanding Japanese Restaurant Etiquette
When dining in Japan, understanding the local restaurant etiquette can greatly enhance your experience and help you avoid any unintentional faux pas. Japanese dining culture is rich in tradition, and being mindful of these customs not only shows respect but also improves your overall experience as a foreign guest. Here are some key points to understand before entering a restaurant in Japan:
First, many restaurants in Japan have a clear distinction between smoking and non-smoking areas, although the trend towards non-smoking sections is growing. It’s polite to inquire upon entering where you’d prefer to sit, especially if smoking is allowed. Often, restaurants will provide an oshibori (a wet towel) upon seating. This towel is used to clean your hands before your meal, and it is important to note that it is not intended for your face or any other part of your body.
Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can even be considered rude. The service charge is usually included in the bill, and leaving extra money on the table may confuse the staff. If you wish to express your appreciation for excellent service, a polite “Arigato gozaimasu” (Thank you very much) will suffice.
One unique aspect of dining in Japan is the use of chopsticks. There are several unspoken rules regarding their use. For example, never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual. Additionally, avoid passing food from one person to another using chopsticks, as this too mimics a ceremonial act related to funerals. Instead, place the food on a shared plate if you wish to pass it to someone else.
Ordering food in Japan is generally straightforward, but it’s helpful to be familiar with a few key phrases. Many restaurants, especially in tourist areas, may have English menus, but smaller establishments might not. Learning phrases like “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) to get the waiter’s attention or “Osusume wa nan desu ka?” (What do you recommend?) can go a long way. When ordering, you might hear “Ijou de yoroshii desu ka?” which means “Is that everything?” Once you confirm, the waiter will process your order.
When it comes to paying the bill, you’ll often find that it is brought to your table after your meal. In most cases, you do not hand the money directly to the server. Instead, you take your bill to the cashier located near the exit. Many restaurants in Japan only accept cash (円), so it’s a good idea to carry sufficient cash, although credit cards are increasingly being accepted, especially in larger cities. For reference, a typical meal at a casual restaurant might cost around 1,000円 to 3,000円 ($7 to $20), depending on the establishment and the food ordered.
By understanding and respecting these aspects of Japanese restaurant etiquette, foreigners can enjoy a smoother and more immersive dining experience.
For foreigners dining in Japan, navigating the menu can initially seem daunting due to the language barrier, but with a basic understanding of common phrases and symbols, the process becomes much easier. Japanese menus, especially in local restaurants, may not always have English translations, so being familiar with certain terms can help you order more confidently.
Firstly, many restaurants categorize their dishes into basic sections like appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Look out for the following terms:
– “前菜” (Zensai) – Appetizers
– “主菜” (Shusai) – Main courses
– “デザート” (Dezāto) – Dessert
In addition to these, many menus include set meals or “teishoku” (定食), which usually consist of a main dish, rice, soup (often miso soup), and some side dishes. Set meals are common in casual eateries and are often labeled clearly as “定食”. Prices for teishoku range from around 800円 to 1,500円 ($6 to $12) depending on the restaurant.
One helpful symbol you may encounter is the kanji for fish, “魚” (sakana), which is common on many menus given Japan’s seafood-rich diet. Similarly, “肉” (niku) refers to meat, often followed by specific types like:
– “鶏肉” (Tori-niku) – Chicken
– “牛肉” (Gyu-niku) – Beef
– “豚肉” (Buta-niku) – Pork
When it comes to beverages, water is usually provided free of charge at restaurants, but if you’re looking for something else, “お茶” (O-cha) means tea, and “ビール” (Bīru) is beer. Some restaurants may offer “お冷” (Ohiya), which refers to cold water. For soft drinks, you can ask for “ジュース” (Jūsu), which covers a variety of fruit juices and sodas.
Vegetarians and vegans may find it more challenging to navigate menus in Japan, as fish-based broths and sauces are commonly used in many dishes. However, some key terms can help. Look for “野菜” (Yasai), which means vegetables, and if you need to ask about specific ingredients, the phrase “これは肉が入っていますか？” (Kore wa niku ga haitte imasu ka?) means “Does this contain meat?” It’s also good to know the word “ベジタリアン” (Bejitarian) for vegetarian, though the concept of strict vegetarianism is less widespread, so asking specific questions is often necessary.
If you’re not sure about a dish, many restaurants provide visual aids, either as plastic food displays outside the restaurant or images on the menu itself. This makes ordering easier for foreigners who may not read Japanese. Pointing to a picture of the dish you want, combined with a polite “これをください” (Kore o kudasai – “This, please”), is an effective way to order without needing to speak much Japanese.
Another helpful symbol to recognize is the “辛” (Karai) character, which indicates spicy dishes. If you prefer mild flavors, it’s good to ask “これは辛いですか？” (Kore wa karai desu ka?) to check whether the dish is spicy.
Regarding pricing, it’s essential to note that tax (消費税, shōhizei) and sometimes a service charge may be added to your bill. Some menus will list prices with and without tax, indicated as “税込” (zeikomi – tax included) or “税抜” (zeinuki – tax not included). For example, a dish listed as 1,200円 might have a final price of 1,320円 ($9 to $10) after tax is added.
By familiarizing yourself with these common phrases and symbols, navigating a Japanese menu becomes much simpler. Whether you’re in a small local izakaya or a larger restaurant, understanding these terms will make ordering food in Japan a more enjoyable and stress-free experience.
3. How to Place an Order: Key Japanese Phrases
For foreigners dining in Japan, knowing how to place an order using key Japanese phrases can significantly improve the experience and communication with restaurant staff. Although many restaurants in Japan, especially in tourist areas, may have English-speaking staff or English menus, smaller, local establishments might not. Learning a few basic phrases can help you confidently place your order and show respect for Japanese culture.
The first phrase to remember is “Sumimasen” (すみません), which means “Excuse me” or “Sorry.” In a restaurant setting, you’ll use this phrase to get the attention of the staff. In many casual restaurants, waiters and waitresses don’t approach you until you call for them, so a simple “Sumimasen” will let them know you’re ready to order.
Once you have their attention, you can use “Kore o kudasai” (これをください), which means “This, please,” while pointing to the dish you want to order. This is especially useful if the menu has pictures, which is quite common in Japan. If you’re ordering multiple dishes, you can say “これとこれをください” (Kore to kore o kudasai), meaning “This and this, please.”
If you want to ask for a recommendation, the phrase “Osusume wa nan desu ka?” (おすすめは何ですか？) is invaluable. This means “What do you recommend?” and is a good way to explore dishes that might be unfamiliar to you. If you have specific preferences, you can adjust your question. For instance, “Kare wa arimasu ka?” (カレーはありますか？) means “Do you have curry?” which can be useful if you’re looking for a specific dish.
To clarify how many portions of a dish you want, you can use the phrase “〜を二つください” (～ o futatsu kudasai), meaning “Two of this, please.” Replace “futatsu” (二つ, two) with any other number if you need more or fewer portions. For example, “hitotsu” (一つ) means one, “mittsu” (三つ) means three, and so on. These basic counting phrases are quite helpful when ordering multiple items.
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you may need to ask about ingredients. “これは肉が入っていますか？” (Kore wa niku ga haitte imasu ka?) means “Does this contain meat?” For those with allergies, you might ask “これは〜が入っていますか？” (Kore wa ～ ga haitte imasu ka?), where you can insert the specific ingredient you need to avoid, such as “卵” (tamago, eggs), “牛乳” (gyūnyū, milk), or “ナッツ” (nattsu, nuts).
Sometimes, restaurants offer the option to customize your dish slightly. For example, if you want less spice, you can say “Karaku shinai de kudasai” (辛くしないでください), which means “Please don’t make it spicy.” If you prefer more rice or want a smaller portion, you could say “Gohan o ōmori ni shite kudasai” (ご飯を大盛りにしてください) for a larger portion of rice, or “Sukuname ni shite kudasai” (少なめにしてください) to request a smaller serving.
When your meal is finished and you’re ready to pay, you’ll often hear the staff ask, “Ijou de yoroshii desu ka?” (以上でよろしいですか？), meaning “Is that everything?” Respond with “Hai” (はい, Yes) if you’ve finished ordering. In Japan, the bill is often brought to your table after your meal, but you will take it to the cashier rather than paying at the table.
Most restaurants in Japan accept cash (円), though credit cards are becoming more widely used, especially in larger cities. If you’re paying with cash, you can say “Genkin de haraitai desu” (現金で払いたいです), which means “I would like to pay in cash.” If using a credit card, “Kādo de haraitai desu” (カードで払いたいです) means “I would like to pay by card.”
Understanding and using these key phrases will not only make ordering food in Japan easier, but it will also enrich your dining experience, allowing you to interact with the staff and show appreciation for Japanese customs.
4. Handling Special Requests or Dietary Restrictions
When dining in Japan, making special requests or accommodating dietary restrictions can be a bit more challenging than in other countries due to cultural differences and language barriers. However, with a few essential phrases and a basic understanding of Japanese food culture, foreigners can successfully navigate these situations while maintaining respect for local customs.
Japan is known for its diverse cuisine, which often includes ingredients like soy sauce, fish, and dashi (a stock made from fish). These ingredients are integral to many traditional dishes, so it’s important to approach dietary requests carefully, especially when dealing with restrictions related to meat, fish, or specific allergens.
For vegetarians and vegans, the first thing to note is that vegetarianism, particularly veganism, is not as widely practiced in Japan as it is in other countries. While awareness is growing, many dishes include ingredients like bonito flakes (dried fish) or fish-based broths, even if they appear vegetarian at first glance. If you want to clarify whether a dish contains meat or fish, use the phrase “Kore wa niku ga haitte imasu ka?” (これは肉が入っていますか？), which means “Does this contain meat?” Similarly, “Kore wa sakana ga haitte imasu ka?” (これは魚が入っていますか？) asks “Does this contain fish?”
If you’re a vegan, you can say “Watashi wa vegan desu” (私はヴィーガンです), meaning “I am vegan.” However, be prepared to explain what this means in more detail, as some Japanese people may not fully understand the restrictions. You can follow up with “Niku, sakana, tamago, gyūnyū wa taberaremasen” (肉、魚、卵、牛乳は食べられません), which means “I cannot eat meat, fish, eggs, or milk.” This makes your dietary needs clearer.
For those with food allergies, knowing how to communicate your specific needs is crucial. The phrase “アレルギーがあります” (Arerugī ga arimasu) means “I have an allergy.” You can then specify the allergen by saying, for example, “Tamago ni arerugī ga arimasu” (卵にアレルギーがあります), which means “I am allergic to eggs.” Similarly, “Gyunyu ni arerugī ga arimasu” (牛乳にアレルギーがあります) means “I am allergic to milk.” If you have a nut allergy, use the phrase “Nattsu ni arerugī ga arimasu” (ナッツにアレルギーがあります). Since food allergies can be a serious matter, it’s always a good idea to carry a written card with your allergies in Japanese, just in case you need to show it to the staff.
Making special requests, such as asking for a dish without a certain ingredient, can be done politely by saying “〜nashi de onegaishimasu” (〜なしでお願いします), which means “Please make it without 〜.” For example, if you want a dish without soy sauce, you can say “Shōyu nashi de onegaishimasu” (醤油なしでお願いします). However, keep in mind that some dishes may not be easily modified due to the nature of their preparation, and some restaurants might not accommodate custom requests as readily as in other countries.
For those who prefer less salt or spice, you can also make these adjustments. To ask for less salt, say “Shio o sukuname ni shite kudasai” (塩を少なめにしてください), meaning “Please use less salt.” If you want a dish to be less spicy, you can say “Karaku shinai de kudasai” (辛くしないでください), which translates to “Please don’t make it spicy.” Similarly, for those who are looking to avoid sugar, you can request “Satō nashi de onegaishimasu” (砂糖なしでお願いします), meaning “Please make it without sugar.”
Another important aspect of dining in Japan is the consideration of religious dietary restrictions, such as halal or kosher needs. While halal food is becoming more available in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, it is still relatively rare in smaller towns. If you need to ask whether a dish is halal, you can say “Kore wa halal desu ka?” (これはハラルですか？), meaning “Is this halal?” Some restaurants display halal certifications, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to ask directly or seek out specific halal-certified establishments.
Finally, when it comes to paying for special requests, note that some restaurants may charge an extra fee for modifications. While this isn’t always the case, it’s something to be aware of. A typical meal at a casual restaurant may range from 1,000円 to 2,500円 ($7 to $18), but additional charges for special requests could raise the price slightly, so be sure to confirm with the staff if you’re concerned.
Handling dietary restrictions and special requests in Japan may require a bit of patience and preparation, but with the right phrases and a clear understanding of your needs, it’s possible to enjoy delicious meals while respecting Japanese restaurant etiquette.
5. Paying the Bill: Tips and Customs
In Japan, the process of paying the bill, or “kaikei” (会計), follows a set of customs that may be unfamiliar to foreigners. Understanding these practices will help ensure a smooth and respectful dining experience. From how to request the bill to the tipping culture, there are several important points to keep in mind when dining in Japan.
First, unlike many Western countries where the bill is brought to the table automatically at the end of the meal, in Japan, the staff will not bring the bill unless you request it. When you’re ready to pay, simply call the staff’s attention by saying “Sumimasen” (すみません), which means “Excuse me,” and then ask for the bill by saying “Okaikei onegaishimasu” (お会計お願いします). This phrase translates to “The bill, please.” In many casual restaurants, the bill might already be placed face-down on your table after the food is served, but you will still need to take it to the cashier to pay.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Japanese dining is that tipping is not a common practice. In fact, tipping can be seen as confusing or even rude. The service charge is typically included in the price of the meal, and there’s no expectation to leave extra money. Instead, a simple “Arigato gozaimasu” (ありがとうございます, Thank you very much) as you leave is more than sufficient to show your appreciation for the service. Foreigners may find this aspect of Japanese restaurant etiquette refreshing, as it removes the guesswork around how much to tip.
When it comes to actually paying, it’s important to know that the payment is usually made at a designated cashier near the exit, rather than directly at the table. Take your bill and walk to the cashier to settle it. This is true for most types of restaurants, from casual eateries to higher-end establishments. In smaller, family-run restaurants or izakayas, you might hand the bill directly to the person behind the counter.
Cash (円) is still king in Japan, though credit card use is becoming more widespread, especially in large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. If you’re paying by cash, simply hand over the exact amount if possible. In most cases, the staff will not place the money directly in your hand but will instead provide a small tray where you can place the cash or your card. This tray is called a “kaikei torē” (会計トレー) and is used as part of the politeness in handling money. Once the transaction is complete, your change or card will be returned on the same tray.
If you prefer to use a credit card, say “Kādo de onegaishimasu” (カードでお願いします), which means “By card, please.” Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are generally accepted in urban areas, though some smaller or more traditional restaurants may still be cash-only. It’s always a good idea to carry some cash just in case, especially if you are dining outside major cities. An average meal at a casual restaurant typically costs between 1,000円 and 3,000円 ($7 to $20), but high-end dining can easily exceed 10,000円 ($70).
For those splitting the bill, the concept of “warikan” (割り勘) is commonly used in Japan. This term refers to dividing the bill equally among the diners. If you want to split the bill, you can say “Warikan ni shite kudasai” (割り勘にしてください), meaning “Please split the bill.” This method is particularly common among groups of friends or coworkers dining together. However, it’s not as common in Japan to ask for separate bills for individual items as it might be in some Western countries, so it’s best to use “warikan” for simplicity.
If you’re dining in a more formal setting, especially in high-end restaurants, there may be an additional service charge or “sabisu-ryō” (サービス料) included in the final bill. This charge typically ranges from 10% to 15% and is automatically added to the total, so there’s no need for tipping even in these situations. Always check the menu or ask the staff if you’re unsure about whether the service charge is included.
Understanding how to pay the bill in Japan involves being aware of these cultural nuances. Whether you’re using cash or card, splitting the bill or paying it yourself, following these customs will help you fit in seamlessly with Japanese dining etiquette and avoid any awkward situations.
