How to Make a Restaurant Reservation in Japan
A guide to navigating foodie paradise when you don’t speak Japanese
Written by Lizzy Atwood Wills, Founder
Originally Published October 12, 2023
A common question I get asked is how to book a restaurant reservation in Japan. While the answer may seem obvious (OpenTable, duh), anyone who has tried will quickly tell you it is not that easy in Japan.
First, the vast majority of restaurants do not have an online booking system. Despite seeming very technologically advanced in many ways (looking at you, vending machines), Japan still has some pretty old-school methods of dealing with public transport tickets, reservations, and more.
Second, there are a variety of reservation-assist sites and apps that either A) charge you a pretty penny just to make the reservation, think up to $60 USD for the nicest restaurants or B) are unreliable, inconsistent, and hard to navigate.
Our Solution? Two-fold.
The easiest and most effective way of making a reservation is to ask your hotel staff. Most of the time, they will have reliable recommendations, and help you get the reservation no problem. We especially recommend booking boutique-style hotels or traditional Japanese ryokan (with an onsen if possible!) for 2+ nights.
Or, our favorite option: skip the reservations! We know, this can sound scary (”But what if I don’t get to eat the most delicious piece of sushi ever made?!”) and to that we say you should read this post about how the reviews-based travel industry sites have induced FOMO for their own financial gain. If there is one thing we can promise you, it is that there is no shortage of incredible food in every corner of the country. AND experiencing incredible Washoku, or Japanese food, is about so much more than whatever is on your plate. You can trust that, all over Japan, in the majority of restaurants, there is going to be an emphasis on:
Diversity and freshness of ingredients, and respect for their inherent flavors
Being exceptionally well-balanced and healthy
Expressing natural beauty and the changing seasons
Maintaining close links with annual events
In fact, because of this, Washoku is recognized as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (only the 2nd ever national cuisine to be recognized as such). This recognition is not only about the food itself, but also about the culture and traditions that go along with the ingredients.
All that to say, you can absolutely chase a res at that sushi joint you saw on that one Netflix special ten years ago OR you can follow your heart (and your nose), walk in somewhere that calls to you – a beautiful doorway, a buzzing energy, people walking out with smiles on their faces – go inside and experience firsthand how food can do so much more than just be delicious, but also bring about a feeling of unity, social cohesion, awareness, and appreciation. It never hurts to arrive right when they open to snag a seat, either!
Want to skip the planning altogether? Experience the many wonders of Japan, all without lifting a finger.