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Learn more about the culinary thrills of dining out in Japan, from restaurant etiquette to ensuring you get a table at the best places to eat.
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Intro
Everyone knows that Japan is a paradise for foodies. Japanese cuisine is famous for being among the very best in the world and many visitors travel to the country just to experience the food scene. Of course, dining out in Japan can be quite different from other countries so it’s worthwhile doing a little research beforehand so you know what to expect. Lucky for you, we’re here to help! Here at JR Pass, we pride ourselves on our guides to visiting Japan, with articles on every topic you could imagine. Food is one of our favourites and we’re here to tell you everything you need to know in one handy article, from tips on making reservations and bookings to dining etiquette, and more. .jpg)
Restaurants in Japan
Japan has some of the world’s finest and most unique restaurants for you to experience. It also has one of the widest varieties, from fine-dining restaurants to gastropubs and festival food. Let’s start by looking at the country’s outstanding food and drink and what makes it so special. Japanese cuisine or ‘Washoku’, which means ‘food of Japan’, is known for its individuality and exceptional quality. Chefs spend years learning their craft and often focus on mastering a single dish or culinary speciality, elevating it to new standards over years of intense practice. This approach has led to the remarkably high standard of culinary excellence in restaurants across Japan, which is reflected in the incredible number of Michelin stars awarded to chefs from the country. Even foods not traditionally associated with fine dining such as ramen and sushi have become gourmet specialities at the very highest level due to Japan’s focus on quality, technique, tradition, and innovation. In the case of sushi for example, the preparation may take decades to master, from making and shaping rice, to perfecting the flavour of fish through ageing, massaging, temperature control, and precision of cut. 
Alongside the country’s famous, homegrown dishes, Japanese chefs are also masters at refining and adding new twists to food and drink from their global neighbours and elevating it to new levels - just look at what the country’s artisans have done with whiskey as a perfect example. Food is no exception and it’s no wonder that, as of 2024, Japan has the second highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the entire world and the highest number in one city - with 200 in Tokyo alone! At the same time, Japan can also be a relaxed place to eat. Dine at a traditional izakaya and you’ll find a lively atmosphere similar to a gastropub where food and drink is enjoyed together in large quantities by groups of friends and colleagues. Meanwhile, sampling foods at one of the country’s colourful festivals, known as matsuri, is another unique, hugely fun, and shared dining experience.
If you’re embarking on a foodie tour of Japan and want to travel between the likes of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as other destinations (Kobe to try the beef for instance) then a Japan Rail Pass is essential. It offers unlimited travel on the vast majority of Japanese trains for a seven, 14, or 21-day period, with perks such as free seat reservations, the ability to hop on and off trains, and more. It’s undoubtedly the most cost effective way to explore Japan if you want to see more of the country.
Making Reservations
When dining out, it’s generally best to book ahead to make sure you get a table, especially if you’re looking to try one of the country’s Michelin-starred restaurants or other famous, fine-dining establishments as they can be fully booked months in advance. Izakaya are also famously small with a limited number of tables, and the country’s best restaurants are often the same in terms of size, so it’s definitely worthwhile to make reservations for the places you want to go. The renowned Sushi Masuda, Tokyo, for example, has just six seats in the entire restaurant! Thankfully, there are some great websites and apps which can help with making bookings, while also offering restaurant recommendations. Japan Gourmet Pass, for example, provides a curated list of top-tier Japanese restaurants for you to choose from, with a free reservation service, English menus and translation features. If any of that sounds useful then check out Japan Gourmet Pass today. .jpg)
It’s also worth noting that some restaurants are walk-in only and do not take bookings. As a bonus tip, if you’re out and about looking for somewhere to eat, keep an eye out for restaurants packed with local people inside (and patiently queuing outside) as this is usually a sign of a popular and respected establishment. In other words, very good food!
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Table Manners
Japan’s dining customs and restaurant etiquette may seem daunting if you’ve never been to the country before but being aware of a few simple rules will make navigating the country a breeze. Japanese people are friendly, polite, patient, and gracious, when overseas visitors make the effort to try and follow their customs. Japan’s mouth-watering cuisine is among the best and most exciting in the world, and a big reason why people want to visit. Of course, the last thing you want to do is accidentally commit a cultural faux pas while sampling the country’s food and drink, so learning a few basics before you arrive can save a lot of awkwardness. Here’s a quick guide:
- Greeting - Bowing is customary when greeting people.
- Ordering - Remember to say ‘kudasai’ or ‘please’ when ordering. If you’re not sure what to order, try using the word ‘Osusume’, which means ‘recommendation’, and ‘Omakase’ which is the ‘chef’s choice’. It can be seen as respectful to ask the chef and most restaurants offer a menu of chef’s recommendations.
- Oshibori - This is a towel specifically for cleaning your hands during a meal and is not for your face, neck or mouth. Using it for anything other than your hands is considered a faux pas.
- Chopsticks - They should be used to pass food into your mouth without touching the sides. Do not point at food or people with them. Do not stab food with them. If you place them on the table to the side of your dish it signifies you’re still eating, but if you place them together and sideways across the plate or bowl then this means you are finished.
- Eating - Start a meal by saying ‘Itadaki-masu’ which means ‘I gratefully receive’ before you begin. Remember not to put too much on your plate as anything left uneaten could be seen as a sign of impoliteness.
- Drinking - The number one rule is to never start drinking alone. Always wait until all of your guests have a drink, then say ‘kanpai’ which means ‘cheers’, before drinking yourself.
- Paying - You can end a meal by saying ‘gochisōsama deshita’, which means ‘Thank you for the feast’. Crossing one finger over the other to create an ‘X’ can then also be used to signify you are ready for the bill.
- Tipping - Tipping is not necessary or expected in Japan. In fact, it’s best not to tip as it’s not part of Japanese dining culture and can cause confusion.
For a much more detailed guide on dining etiquette including pre-meal customs and greeting etiquette read our full guide to Japanese Table Manners.
Bonus Recommendations
You’ll find lots of in-depth articles about Japanese food and drink on the JR Pass blog to help broaden your knowledge of the country’s cuisine before you visit. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Want to learn to cook Japanese food at home before you visit this amazing country? Read our guide to Cooking Japanese Food at Home for more.
- For more on Japanese produce, check out our A to Z of Japanese Ingredients.
- Everywhere you go in Japan, you’ll discover delicious regional variations of the country’s best dishes. Our guide to Japanese Food and Regional Dishes has everything you need to know.
- And don't forget Japan Gourmet Pass for online help, curated advice, and reservations.
- Meanwhile, for more on fine dining, read our guide to Japan’s Michelin-starred Restaurants.
