How to order in Japanese restaurants? Also introduces payment methods!

This article introduces how to order at Japanese restaurants.  Some of you may not know how to order because you are using a Japanese restaurant for the first time. This article will explain in detail how to order and pay at Japanese restaurants, so if you are unsure, please check it out until the end.

Flow of ordering at Japanese restaurants

The flow of ordering at a Japanese restaurant is as follows.

1. Find a restaurant
2. Look at the menu
3. Call the waiter
4. Tell the waiter what you want to eat
5. Enjoy your meal when the menu arrives
6. Take the slip and go to the cashier to pay

The following is a detailed explanation of each of these steps.

1. Tell the waiter how many people are in your party

When you enter the restaurant, the waiter will ask you how many people are in your party. and confirm the number of people in your party. Tell the waiter how many people you are planning to use the restaurant. If the restaurant is crowded, there is a waiting list in front of the restaurant, so write your name on it and wait.

If you are concerned about how long you will have to wait, check with the waiter.

2. Look at the menu

When the waiter shows you to the restaurant, look at the menu on your seat and decide what you want to eat. Basically, you cannot order any dish that is not on the menu.

3. Call the waiter

Once you have decided what you want to eat, call the waiter. You can say, “Excuse me,(Sumimasen)” but some restaurants have a button on your seat. If you press the button, the waiter will come to you.

4. Tell the waiter what you want to eat.

When the waiter arrives, tell him or her what you want to eat. It may be difficult to put it into words, so it is a good idea to open the menu and point to it. In Japan, payment is usually made afterwards, so there is no need to pay at this point.

5. Enjoy your meal when the food arrives

When the food arrives, enjoy your meal. Spoons and forks necessary for eating are provided at your seat. If there are only chopsticks available and you have difficulty using them, ask the waiter, “Can I have a spoon or fork?” If you have only chopsticks and find it difficult to use them, please ask the waiter for a spoon or fork.

6. Take the slip to the cashier to pay

A slip will be delivered to your table with your food. Take the slip to the cashier and pay the bill. Please check bellow for a detailed explanation of how to pay the bill.

After you have paid, you may optionally thank the restaurant. There are two ways to say thank you

• Thank you for the food.(Gochisosamadeshita)
• Thank you very much.(Arigatougozaimasu)

Thanking the restaurant staff will give you a good impression of the restaurant. For your information, There’s no need to tip in Japan.

Methods of Payment at Major Restaurants in Japan

The following are the main methods of payment at restaurants in Japan.

• Cash
• Credit card
• Electronic Money
• QR payment

Each is explained in detail below.

Cash

Almost all restaurants in Japan accept cash. Basically, only payments in Japanese yen are accepted, so it is advisable to exchange money before using a restaurant.

Credit Cards

If you have a credit card such as VISA or MasterCard, you can use it at restaurants. However, be aware that some restaurants only accept certain credit cards or only accept cash in the first place.

Electronic Money

If you put money into Suica or a credit card, you can make payments as electronic money. However, please note that electronic money used overseas cannot be used as-is in Japan.

QR Payment

Many restaurants in Japan also accept QR payment. However, in many cases, you must use a service unique to Japan in order to use QR payment. It is not possible to use the QR payment services that your countries. 

How to order at major Japanese restaurants

In Japan, ordering methods other than those just described may be used.

• Ticket machines
• Buffet style
• Food court
• Mobile ordering

Each of these is explained in detail below.

Ticket Vending Machine

This is a method of ordering by inserting money into a machine (ticket machine) in front of a restaurant and purchasing a meal ticket. The feature of this method is that you pay for your meal before eating.

Note that in many cases, only cash is accepted.

Buffet style

Many restaurants use the buffet style, where you choose what you want to eat, put it on your plate, and pay at the cash register. Take your own tray or plate, then follow the flow and choose what you want to eat.

Food Court

There are many food courts in Japan where a variety of restaurants are clustered together in one location. At food courts, in many cases, you receive a buzzer after ordering and paying for your food at the restaurant you wish to use.

When the buzzer rings, it is a signal that your food is ready, so go to that restaurant to pick it up. Please note that waiting does not mean that the food will be distributed.

Mobile Ordering

In some cases, you can order from your smartphone by reading the QR code placed on your seat. If you place your order with your smartphone, the waiter will bring your food to your seat, so you do not have to move.

When you are done with your food, take your slip to the cashier. There you will make your payment.

How to order and pay at Katsu Gyu

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu offers various cuts of beef such as beef loin and beef sirloin. You can choose your favorite part and order it. The following payment methods are accepted at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

• Cash
• Credit card
• QR payment

Credit cards are accepted with VISA cards, and QR payment is compatible with WeChatPay and AliPay, making it easy for overseas customers to use. After finishing eating, tell the waiter your preferred payment method and pay the bill.

Ordering at Japanese restaurants is simple!

Some people may think that ordering in Japanese restaurants is difficult. However, it is not so difficult when you actually try to order. In fact, once you get used to it, you will be able to order easily. Please refer to this article and try ordering at restaurants.