Japanese Restaurant Etiquette: How to Order, Pay, and Tip

Dining in Japan has its own set of rules — from how to sit to how to say thank you. Here's everything you need to know.

Before You Enter

1. Check the menu — usually displayed outside with photos or plastic models
2. Remove shoes — only at traditional restaurants (look for a shoe shelf)
3. Wait to be seated — don't just sit down
4. Say "irasshaimase" — staff will greet you; a nod is sufficient

Ordering

How to Get Attention

• Sumimasen! (Excuse me!) — raise your hand slightly
• Wait for staff — they'll come to your table
• Don't shout — speak at normal volume

How to Order

• Point at the menu — perfectly acceptable
• Say the name — "Rāmen wo kudasai" (Ramen, please)
• Use English menus — many restaurants have them
• Tablet ordering — some restaurants use tablets (touch screen)

Common Phrases

Table Manners

Do's

• ✅ Slurp noodles — it's polite and shows enjoyment
• ✅ Say "itadakimasu" before eating — means "I humbly receive"
• ✅ Say "gochisōsama deshita" after eating — means "thank you for the meal"
• ✅ Use both hands when receiving dishes
• ✅ Pour drinks for others — and they pour for you

Don'ts

• ❌ Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice — associated with funerals
• ❌ Don't pass food chopstick-to-chopstick — associated with funerals
• ❌ Don't point with chopsticks — considered rude
• ❌ Don't pour your own drink — pour for others, they pour for you
• ❌ Don't tip — service is included

Chopstick Rules

Paying

At the Counter

1. Finish your meal — say "gochisōsama deshita"
2. Take your bill — from the table or ask staff
3. Go to the register — pay at the counter
4. Don't tip — just pay the amount shown
5. Say "arigatō gozaimasu" — when leaving

At the Table

• Some restaurants bring the bill to your table
• Pay at the register — don't leave money on the table
• Credit cards — check if accepted (many small shops are cash-only)

Restaurant Types

Tips

• Slurping is good — it cools noodles and shows enjoyment
• Pour for others — never pour your own drink
• Itadakimasu / Gochisōsama — always say these
• Don't rush — meals are meant to be enjoyed
• Ask for help — staff are usually happy to assist
• Cash is safer — many small restaurants don't accept cards