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How to Order in Japan

Master all Japanese ordering systems with confidence

The 3 Japanese Ordering Systems

Ordering in Japanese restaurants might seem intimidating at first. However, once you know the three main systems, you'll feel comfortable anywhere! Here's your complete guide.

Important tip: Don't worry if you make a mistake!

Japanese staff are generally very patient and kind with foreigners. Don't hesitate to ask for help by pointing or using the basic phrases below.

Ticket Machines

券売機 (Kenbaiki)

Popularity
70%

The classic Japanese system found in most ramen, gyūdon and curry restaurants.

Easy#1 in this guide

Steps to follow

  1. 1Approach the machine near the entrance
  2. 2Look at dish photos (usually with prices)
  3. 3Insert your money (coins and bills accepted)
  4. 4Press the button for your desired dish
  5. 5Collect your ticket and change
  6. 6Give ticket to staff when seated

Practical tips

  • Prepare 100¥ coins for easier purchase
  • Lit buttons = available dishes
  • Dark buttons = out of stock
  • Keep your ticket until end of meal

Useful phrases for this system

Excuse me, how do I use this machine?
Japanese: すみません、この機械の使い方を教えてください
Pronunciation: Sumimasen, kono kikai no tsukai-kata wo oshiete kudasai
Is this dish available?
Japanese: この料理はありますか
Pronunciation: Kono ryōri wa arimasu ka?
One ticket, please
Japanese: 券を一枚お願いします
Pronunciation: Ken wo ichi-mai onegaishimasu

Touch Screens

タッチパネル (Touch Panel)

Popularity
25%

Modern systems with graphical interface, often multilingual in popular chains.

Very Easy#2 in this guide

Steps to follow

  1. 1Touch screen to start
  2. 2Select language (often available in English)
  3. 3Browse menu categories
  4. 4Touch desired dishes to add them
  5. 5Check your order and total
  6. 6Choose payment method
  7. 7Pay and collect receipt/number

Practical tips

  • Look for flag icon to change language
  • Use + and - buttons to adjust quantities
  • Always check total before paying
  • Keep receipt with order number

Useful phrases for this system

Is there an English menu?
Japanese: 英語のメニューはありますか
Pronunciation: Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?
How do I change the language?
Japanese: 言語を変えるにはどうすればいいですか
Pronunciation: Gengo wo kaeru ni wa dō sureba ii desu ka?
I finished my order
Japanese: 注文が終わりました
Pronunciation: Chūmon ga owarimashita

QR Code Ordering

QRコード注文 (QR Code Chūmon)

Popularity
5%

The newest system, popularized since 2020. Order directly from your smartphone.

Very Easy#3 in this guide

Steps to follow

  1. 1Scan QR code on your table with smartphone
  2. 2Open link in your browser
  3. 3Select language if offered
  4. 4Browse digital menu
  5. 5Add dishes to cart
  6. 6Confirm and pay online
  7. 7Wait for dishes to arrive at table

Practical tips

  • Make sure you have stable internet connection
  • Some systems require card payment
  • Dishes come directly to your table
  • You can order multiple times during meal

Useful phrases for this system

The QR code is not working
Japanese: QRコードが動作しません
Pronunciation: QR kōdo ga dōsa shimasen
How do I pay with my phone?
Japanese: スマートフォンで支払うにはどうすればいいですか
Pronunciation: Sumātofon de shiharau ni wa dō sureba ii desu ka?
I placed my order online
Japanese: オンラインで注文しました
Pronunciation: Onrain de chūmon shimashita

Essential Phrases for All Restaurants

These expressions will be useful regardless of which ordering system is used.

Restaurant arrival

Welcome!(Staff says this first)
Japanese: いらっしゃいませ
Romaji: Irasshaimase
One person(For "one person")
Japanese: 一人です
Romaji: Hitori desu
Two people(For "two people")
Japanese: 二人です
Romaji: Futari desu
Is there space available?(If restaurant seems full)
Japanese: 空いていますか
Romaji: Aite imasu ka?

During ordering

I recommend this(Staff might say this)
Japanese: これがおすすめです
Romaji: Kore ga osusume desu
Not spicy, please(To avoid spicy food)
Japanese: 辛くないでお願いします
Romaji: Karakunai de onegaishimasu
With extra vegetables(For more vegetables)
Japanese: 野菜を多めでお願いします
Romaji: Yasai wo ōme de onegaishimasu
That's all(When you're finished ordering)
Japanese: 以上です
Romaji: Ijō desu

During the meal

Let's eat! (before eating)(Before starting to eat)
Japanese: いただきます
Romaji: Itadakimasu
It's delicious(To compliment)
Japanese: おいしいです
Romaji: Oishii desu
The bill, please(To ask for the bill)
Japanese: お会計お願いします
Romaji: Okaikei onegaishimasu
Thank you for the meal(When leaving)
Japanese: ごちそうさまでした
Romaji: Gochisōsama deshita

Final Expert Tips

Take your time

Nobody is rushing you. Japanese people prefer you take time to understand properly.

Use gestures

Pointing and smiling are universal. Don't hesitate to communicate with your hands.

Practice

Repeat phrases out loud before your trip. Practice builds confidence.