Denied Service in Japan?

When it comes to Japan travel (and travel in general), I’m a big proponent of going local.

Lord knows I’ve been saying it enough in this space. “Authentic.” “Real.” “Local.” All the synonyms…

That’s because I want you to get the most from your Japan trip.

But what happens if “local” Japan isn’t willing to receive you?

Before I go on, don’t worry, this isn’t a rant about Japan in general. On the contrary, most Japanese people are happy that you’re visiting, and most Japanese businesses will accommodate you to the best of their ability – often going above and beyond with careful attention even the smallest of details.

Japan is a great place to visit. Truly!

The other day, however, it finally happened.

The Event: We Hit a Wall in Japanese Fine Dining

A “local” restaurant refused to accept a dinner reservation for two of our clients.

Not because they were full. Before being advised of the clients’ name, the staff said they had availability for the desired day & time. Then, suddenly, the tone changed.

And this wasn’t some hole-in-the-wall joint in a far flung corner of Japan. In fact, it was a highly rated (even in a certain France-based tire-selling travel guide) establishment in a major Japanese center of tourism.

I won’t name and shame, but rest assured they’re on our “no” list now. We have another term in-house for that list, but here I’ll be polite.

What exactly was their rationale?

As a restaurant that serves raw food, they were “concerned” that the guests wouldn’t be able to “communicate” food allergies (our clients don’t have any, but that was a moot point), and that the restaurant wouldn’t be able to “respond” effectively in case of any reaction or medical event.

Um, no.

I’m calling bullshit on this one.

1000s of Travelers Enjoy Restaurants Every Day in Japan

Thousands of visitors in Japan eat sushi, sashimi and other raw foods on any given day in Japan.

Tens of thousands of visitors to Japan are eating in restaurants every day. And we know that, from time to time, medical events can and do happen at restaurants. 

So, using the logic of that (ahem) restaurant that wouldn’t accept the traveler’s booking, no restaurants in Japan should be serving international guests?

Please.

We told them it wasn’t right.

We pleaded that our clients have been studying Japanese in anticipation of their self-guided tour in Japan. 

But to no avail.

So we informed the restaurant, very politely, that they are an abomination and a blight on the Japan tourism industry. That they give a bad name to Japanese society, a people who are almost all welcoming and proud that so many visitors from around the world want to see their country.

And we let that restaurant know that they should be ashamed of themselves.

They probably aren’t. Because people like that tend to know no shame. And that’s… well, I almost said that’s a shame.

Anyhow…

The Upshot: Let’s All Enjoy the Best of Japan!

We’ve booked those clients into other restaurants of equal or greater quality for their self-guided tour in Japan. Restaurants that are happy to serve ALL guests – Japanese and non-Japanese alike.

Because that really is the norm here.

Of course, restaurants can’t take a reservation or walk-ins when fully booked. You might peek into a place, see empty tables and sill get turned down, and almost always the reason for this is that those tables are already reserved.

It’s a good idea to book ahead for certain restaurants in Japan — fine dining, of course, but even local spots — especially for those that are popular with more inbound travelers these days. We’re always happy to help with that, too.

Countless other restaurants in Japan don’t require or even accept reservations. You just show up and eat, and it’s delicious! Sure, you might have to wait in line at peak lunch or dinner time… and that’s a good sign, right?

Eating in Japan is a pleasure.

I hope you’ll visit Japan someday soon, and let us show you the best of what Japan has to offer.

Whether you’re enjoying omakase sushi in a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo, Hakata tonkotsu ramen in a yatai street food stall in Fukuoka, or a daily special teishoku lunch in the humblest of mom-and-pop diners in Osaka, you’re in for a real treat!

Until next time, happy travels!