The Complete Guide to Restaurant Reservations in Japan

Planning to visit Japan soon? 

If savoring authentic and delicious cuisine tops your Japan travel bucket list, securing restaurant reservations should be a planning priority

What many first-time visitors don't realize is that restaurant booking in Japan has become increasingly essential – even for many mid-range and casual dining spots.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about Japan restaurant reservations, from why they're necessary to how to make them successfully.

Why Restaurant Reservations in Japan Are More & More Becoming Essential

The concept of spontaneous dining isn’t dead. Far from it. 

If you want comfort food or street food – which are GREAT in Japan! – you’ll not only not need reservations, they almost always are not even offered. This goes for ramen, especially, but also places like shokudo (cafeterias), teishoku (lunch set) restaurants, curry shops and a wide range of Japanese, western and fusion restaurants that you simply walk in and either get seated or get in line.

In our opinion, at least half of your dining experiences in Japan ought to fall under this category. For many of our clients this is the balance they choose – some opt for an even greater percentage (or 100%), while others are content to book as many restaurant reservations as possible in advance.

But in many cases, you might find yourself shut out – either scrambling to find another venue or waiting a long (loooong!) time – if you leave things until the last minute.

This is especially true if you want to dine in a Michelin guide (star or bib gourmand) restaurant in Japan, or any similar quality restaurant on the higher end or fine dining scene (e.g. kaiseki, kappo, etc). 

Add in a greater degree of difficulty if eating in a nice restaurant in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or other popular Japan travel destinations.

And more and more, this extends to other categories of restaurants in Japan, such as yakitori, sukiyaki, shabu shabu, sushi, yakiniku (BBQ), tempura or other washoku (Japanese cuisine) restaurants – as well as nicer izakaya (gastro pubs).

Several factors have transformed Japan's dining landscape:

Japan’s Travel & Tourism Boom

Before the pandemic, Japan experienced record-breaking tourism numbers. Now that international travel has rebounded, popular dining spots fill up weeks – sometimes months – in advance.

Limited Seating: Japan’s Restaurants Tend to Be Smaller

Many of Japan's best restaurants are surprisingly small. It's common to find exceptional establishments with just 8-12 seats, particularly at specialty sushi counters, yakitori shops & traditional kaiseki restaurants.

Reservation Culture Shift: Japanese People Are Also Booking Ahead More

Japanese dining itself has evolved. Even locals now book tables at neighborhood favorites, creating competition for limited spots.

A friend who lives in central Tokyo recently told us, "Five years ago, I could walk into my favorite izakaya anytime. Now I book two weeks ahead just to get a Thursday night table."

Which Restaurants Require Bookings in Japan?

While not every eatery demands reservations, here's a general breakdown:

Always Book Ahead

  • Michelin-starred restaurants (often requiring bookings 1-3 months in advance)

  • High-end kaiseki (traditional multi-course) restaurants

  • Popular sushi restaurants

  • Specialty restaurants featured in travel guides or Netflix shows

  • Any restaurant you absolutely don't want to miss

Increasingly Reservation-Only, But Can Vary

  • Quality izakaya (Japanese pubs)

  • Sukiyaki & shabu-shabu restaurants

  • High-end ramen shops (particularly those with limited seating)

  • Yakitori specialists (grilled chicken)

  • Trending new restaurants

Usually or Always Available Without Reservations

  • Chain restaurants (varies) – includes conveyor-belt sushi, curry, udon/soba, etc)

  • Most ramen shops (reservations are not common; lines are)

  • Casual teishoku (set meal) restaurants and shokudo (cafeterias), cafes, etc.

  • Food Halls / Food Courts

  • Takeout (including department stores, takeaway shops and many restaurants which are increasingly offering “mochikaeri” (take home) options

How to Book Restaurant Reservations in Japan

From online reservation sites to hotel concierges and old-school phone calls (yup that’s still a thing over here), let's explore your options for securing that amazing meal.

Hotel Concierge: A Great Way to Book Restaurants in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Beyond

Best for: High-end restaurants, language barrier concerns, special occasions

If you're staying at a hotel, the concierge can be your secret weapon for Japan restaurant booking. Many luxury restaurants prioritize concierge requests, and some exclusive establishments only accept reservations through hotel partners.

Most quality hotels offer this service free of charge (though a few places may charge a booking fee). For best results:

  • Request concierge help at least 1-2 months before your trip for Michelin restaurants & similar

  • Provide multiple date options

  • Be specific about your preferences

  • Let them know if you have dietary restrictions

  • Get a clear understanding of the cancellation fees

If you’re paying good money for a nice hotel in Japan, might as well make the most of their service offering!

Japan’s Online Restaurant Reservation Platforms: Tabelog & More

Best for: Independent booking, English-language options, discovering new restaurants

Several platforms now specialize in Japan restaurant reservations:

Tabelog

Japan's version of Yelp also includes reservation capabilities for many listings. The interface has English support, but individual restaurant pages might be in Japanese only.

Tablecheck

This growing platform offers English-language restaurant bookings throughout Japan. Many restaurants provide their full menus on the site, making it easy to browse options before booking.

Pocket Concierge

Perfect for fine-dining enthusiasts, Pocket Concierge specializes in higher-end establishments. They sometimes offer special prix-fixe menus unavailable elsewhere, though bookings often require prepayment.

OpenTable

While less comprehensive than local options, OpenTable covers major cities with an interface familiar to many international travelers.

Japanese Review Scores / Star Ratings – Quick Note

Other than OpenTable, which is an international platform based outside of Japan – these sites/apps use a different rating system than what you may be accustomed to.

Japanese people tend to start their ratings at “3” (out of 5) for a benchmark; then adjust upwards or downwards for quality. A 3.1 or 3.2 rating is already good; 3.3 or 3.4 is going to be a banger most of the time; anything 3.5 or above sets you up for a memorable meal. 

This is quite different from Google’s ratings, which tend to have more foreign influence and – especially in tourist areas in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa etc. – are generally inflated scores.

Credit Cards Are Increasingly Required for Reservations  – Especially Online

Until recently, restaurants could be easily booked without advance payment or credit card guarantee.

Unfortunately, a few bad apples have spoiled it for the majority, taking advantage of the consequence-free system by either canceling at the last minute or not showing up altogether.

Restaurants hate this, not only in Japan but around the world. And sadly they’ve had to protect themselves by changing policies and requiring either payment, deposit or credit card guarantee when making a booking. (see further down about honoring reservations)

Booking a Reservation on a Restaurant’s Website in Japan

Best for: Language speakers, planning far ahead

Many established restaurants maintain their own online reservation systems. For smaller places, these might be simple contact forms in Japanese only, while larger operations often offer multi-language booking options.

If you don't speak Japanese, look for:

  • An English language button/toggle

  • "Reservation" or "予約" (yoyaku) sections

  • Calendar widgets showing availability

Having said that, many restaurants in Japan give information on their site, but send you to a third party reservation service (like Tablecheck, Tabelog, etc).

Phone Reservations: Calling a Restaurant in Japan

Best for: Last-minute attempts, casual restaurants

If you speak Japanese or have a Japanese-speaking friend, phone reservations work for many restaurants. Some restaurants can handle reservations in English, but it’s still the minority so best not to expect this. Be prepared to provide:

  • Your name

  • Party size

  • Date & time

  • Phone number

Many restaurants now confirm reservations via text message the day before, so having a working Japanese phone number helps.

Book Restaurant in Japan: Region-Specific Tips

Each major dining destination in Japan has its own reservation quirks:

Tokyo Restaurant Reservations

As Japan's dining capital, Tokyo demands the most advance planning:

  • Book top sushi restaurants 2-3 months ahead

  • The Ginza, Roppongi & Shinjuku districts see the highest competition for tables

  • Many Tokyo restaurants close on Sundays or Mondays – check operating days

  • Lunch reservations are often easier to secure than dinner

Kyoto Restaurant Reservations

Kyoto's traditional dining scene operates by its own rules:

  • Kaiseki restaurants in Gion book up especially quickly during cherry blossom (April) & autumn foliage (November) seasons

  • Many traditional restaurants close early (last seating around 8:30pm)

  • Some historic establishments require introductions from previous customers

  • Lunch is significantly more available than dinner at high-end places

Osaka Restaurant Reservations

Osaka, Japan's kitchen, offers both challenges & opportunities:

  • Popular takoyaki, okonomiyaki & kushikatsu spots often don't take reservations—go early

  • High-end kappo-style dining requires bookings, especially in the Kitashinchi district

  • Dotonbori area restaurants rarely accept reservations, so expect to queue

  • Look beyond the tourist zones for easier reservations & often better food

Important Reservation Etiquette in Japan

Once you've secured your booking, remember these crucial points:

Honor Your Commitments

No-shows have become a serious problem in Japan's restaurant scene, particularly from international visitors. Many restaurants now require credit card details with cancellation policies because of this issue.

If you can't make your reservation, cancel as far in advance as possible. Most places appreciate at least 24 hours' notice. The more the better, honestly.

Remember, your actions as a visitor in Japan will affect how Japanese people view future visitors from your part of the world. Be a good ambassador!

Arrive On Time

Punctuality matters enormously in Japan. Arriving late might result in:

  • Shortened dining time

  • Missing special preparation steps

  • Cancellation of your reservation

Many high-end restaurants actually begin food preparation at specific times based on your arrival. Plan to arrive 5 minutes early.

Dietary Restrictions

If you have allergies or dietary needs, mention them when booking, not upon arrival. Last-minute accommodations can be difficult, particularly at specialized restaurants with set menus.

Beyond allergies or religious observation, please minimize or avoid substitutions and customization requests in Japan. Why? It’s considered bad manners. Japanese people respect the restaurant’s product and process; if they don’t like it, they simply find another one.

Reservation Confirmation

Many restaurants send confirmation texts or emails the day before. Responding to these helps restaurants manage their bookings efficiently.

Common Reservation Challenges & Solutions

Language Barriers

Problem: Many booking systems operate in Japanese only.

Solution: Use Google Translate, hotel concierge services or booking platforms with English support like Tablecheck.

Fully Booked Restaurants

Problem: Your must-visit restaurant shows no availability.

Solution:

  • Try lunch instead of dinner

  • Check for cancellations 48 hours before your desired date

  • Ask your hotel concierge about waiting list options

  • Try weekdays instead of weekends

Reservation No-Go Zones

Problem: Some popular spots don't take reservations at all.

Solution: Arrive 15-30 minutes before opening, especially at ramen shops & other queue-prone spots. Early lunch (11:30am) & late dinner (after 8:30pm) typically see shorter waits.

The Lowdown on Japan Restaurant Reservations

Securing restaurant reservations might seem like extra work, but the effort pays off tremendously. Japan offers some of the world's most memorable dining experiences – well worth planning ahead to enjoy.

The restaurant reservation process also shows a slice of Japanese culture, where organization, respect for time & attention to detail create extraordinary experiences. Embrace the system, book early & get ready for unforgettable meals across Japan.

Want to make the most of your food travels in Japan? Schedule your free itinerary planning consultation with Japan Travel Pros using the calendar below:

Previous
Previous

Japan Travel: Hotel As Base? Or Move Around More?

Next
Next

Planning Adventure & Outdoor Travel in Japan