Irasshaimase! Welcome to a guide to some of the most important Japanese phrases for restaurants on your trip to Japan. Japanese cuisine is a feast for the taste buds and all the senses and is world-famous for good reason.
In a previous article, I looked at 22 useful Japanese phrases for tourists. In this article, I’m focusing on words and phrases when you’re dining or at a restaurant. Knowing a few key Japanese phrases is a very good idea when approaching such a revered culinary culture.
To avoid any forms of faux pas and make sure you have the best experience possible, please take the time to review some key Japanese phrases for restaurants and culinary experiences on your visit to Japan.
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Japanese Phrases for Restaurants: Upon Arrival
1. Irasshaimase (ee-rah-shy-mah-say) いらっしゃいませ
Literally, this means “Come in!” and is meant to be a big hearty welcome. As featured at the beginning of this article, “Irasshaimase” is the first word you’ll likely hear as a welcome in Japanese restaurants upon entering. In general, a response isn’t warranted from guests, but a big smile and a Konnichiwa are always a good look.
2. Yoyaku arimasu / yoyaku nai desu (yoh-ya-koo ah-lee-mass / yoh-ya-koo nai dess) よやくあります / よやくないです
“I have a reservation / I don’t have a reservation.”
3. Seki ha arimasu ka? (seh-kee wa ah-lee-mass ka?) せきはありますか？
“Are there any seats available?” is a useful phrase to know if the establishment you’re interested in is busy. In Japan’s major cities, reservations are highly recommended for the most popular izakaya or other restaurants, especially on weekends.
4. XX mei desu (XX mei dess) XXめいです
“There are XX of us” OR “It’s just me” in the case you’re solo – You may use the following numbers to indicate the size of your party: ichi (1), ni (2), san (three), yon (4), go (5), roku (6), nana (7), hachi (8), kyu (9), ju (10) and beyond.
5. Kitsuen / kinen de onegai shimasu (kee-tsu-en / keen-en de oh-neh-gai she-mass) きつえん / きんえんでおねがいします
“We’d like smoking / non-smoking seats, please” – While perhaps surprising from a Western perspective, smoking in restaurants is certainly still a thing in Japan, with smoking and non-smoking sections remaining common. Knowing this phrase will help you find the right section if you’re concerned about the situation.
Japanese Phrases for Restaurants: Ordering Food and Drinks
6. Sumimasen (soo-me-mah-sen) すみません
“Excuse me” – The perfect catch-all polite way to get the attention of staff at any establishment. Note that in Japan it’s perfectly acceptable to raise your hand and call on your waiter, with an audible “sumimasen” thrown in for good measure.
Expectations regarding etiquette in the service industry are quite different in Japan vs the West. It’s important to know that customers can address service industry staff vocally without being rude, which may be a paradox in Japan, the land of respect and deference.
7. Menyu kudasai (men-yu koo-da-sai) メニューください
“A menu, please” – First things first! If you don’t see a menu on your table, use this phrase to ask for one.
8. Kore wa nan desu ka? (koh-leh wa nan dess ka?) これはなんですか？
“What is this [menu item]?” – A simple phrase to use if you’re unsure what a certain item is on the menu.
![An instructional graphic with the phrase "What is this [menu item]" in English, followed by the Japanese translation "Kore wa nan desu ka?" in bold red with the phonetic guide "(koh-leh wa nan dess ka?)." Below this, the Japanese characters "これはなんですか?" are displayed. The graphic, framed with a red border, is designed to help English speakers inquire about specific menu items in Japanese.](https://japantravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/What-is-this-1024x341.jpg)
9. Kore wo kudasai (koh-leh oh koo-da-sai) こちらをください
“I’ll have this, please” – is a supremely useful phrase to know in a pinch. Menus with pictures are quite common in Japan, and when in doubt, using the tried-and-tried “point and order” method will put you on the path to Japanese culinary greatness, delivered to your table.
10. O-mizu kudasai (oh-me-zoo koo-da-sai) おみずください
“Water, please” – It’s perhaps worth noting Japan is not a tip-based service industry culture. Of course, service, in general, is good in Japan, but expectations can be different.
This means that making sure water glasses are always full isn’t the norm here, and it could perhaps be said that Japanese people drink less water than Western people in general. If your water is empty and you’re thirsty, asking for a refill or a new glass is the way to go.
11. Beer / sake / wine / cola wa arimasu ka? (XXXX wa ah-lee-mass ka?) ビール・さけ・ワイン・コーラはありますか？
“Do you have XXXX [beer, sake, wine, cola, etc.]?” – The phrase “Arimasu ka?” means “Do you have?” so this can be used to ask for anything that you require when out dining, starting with drinks or expanding to napkins, sauces, salt, pepper, etc. as well.
![An instructional graphic that reads, "Do you have XXXX [beer, sake, wine, cola, etc.]?" in English, followed by the example phrase "Beer / sake / wine / cola wa arimasu ka?" in bold red with the phonetic pronunciation "(XXXX wa ah-lee-mass ka?)." Below, the Japanese text "ビール・さけ・ワイン・コーラはありますか?" is displayed. This graphic, framed in a red border, is intended to assist English speakers in asking about the availability of various drinks in Japanese.](https://japantravelplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Do-you-have-XXXX-1024x341.jpg)
12. Osusume wa nan desu ka? (Oh-sue-sue-meh wa nan dess ka?)
おすすめはなんですか？
“What is your recommendation?” – Whether you’re at an izakaya (gastropub), a shokudo (cafeteria) or a Japanese steak house, asking for the house recommendation can certainly be helpful. This is perhaps most true at a sushi spot, where the seasonality of fish and different seafood plays a large role in what the chef would recommend. Try it out – this is a useful catch-all phrase that can make your meal at any establishment even more memorable.
13. Sochira to onaji mono kudasai (soh-chee-lah toh oh-nah-gee mono koo-da-sai) そちらとおなじものください。
“I’ll have that / what they’re having” – is a perfectly legitimate phrase, even in your native language when a dish catches your eye, and you need to find out what it’s all about!
If you see something you’re dead-set on ordering, use this phrase to make the request and order. In the culinary kingdom of Japan, there’s a very high chance you’re in for a treat.
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Japanese Phrases for Restaurants: Dietary Preferences and Allergies
14. Vegetarian / vegan desu (Vegetarian / Vegan dess) ベジタリアン・ビーガンです
“Vegetarian” and “vegan” function as English loan words in Japanese, meaning in this case, they’re pronounced nearly the same as they are in English. Some loan words are harder to pronounce, but for both “vegetarian” and “vegan,” making the “V” a bit closer to a muted “B” sound and enunciating will make sure you’re understood.
While vegetarian and vegan diets have gained a lot of traction and popularity in Japan recently, it’s worth noting they’re still rare, particularly outside the major cities. If you order ramen, for example, even if the dish doesn’t have meat featured directly, there is a decent chance that meat, chicken or fish/shellfish-based stock plays a part in the broth.
For anyone with strict dietary considerations, using this phrase will help you find cuisine that fits you.
15. XXXX arerugi desu (XXXX ah-leh-loo-gee dess) XXXXアレルギーです。
“I have an XXXX allergy” – Today, allergies and dietary information are more recognized in Japan than in previous eras, but make sure to use this phrase if you have a specific allergy. The key here is pronouncing allergy, which is rendered in its form as an English loan word as “ah-leh-loo-gee.” Perhaps more difficult to pronounce than others, but following this guide will help.
Because this is a serious issue for travellers with allergies, carrying a bilingual allergy card to present to establishments would also be a solid idea. Japan takes “health as wealth” seriously, so don’t hesitate to specify your dietary restrictions clearly, allowing everyone to enjoy sublime Japanese cuisine.
16. Karai desu ka? (kah-rai dess ka?) からいですか？
“Is it spicy?” – While Japan isn’t known for super-hot spicy food, some concoctions, particularly in the ramen world, come out blazing. If you’re concerned about the spice level, use this phrase to check first.
Japanese Phrases for Restaurants: Before and During Your Meal
17. Itadakimasu (ee-tah-dah-kee-mass) いただきます
The literal meaning of ‘itadakimasu” is “I shall receive” – Using the most formal form of the verb for “receive” is a Japanese must when bestowed a meal, either at a restaurant or certainly when in somebody’s home.
The phrase is universally accompanied by clasping your hands together in thanks. While saying grace in the West might vary by individual or household, “itadakimasu” is so common in Japan you’d think it was a mandatory protocol dictated by the emperor…!
18. Totemo oishii desu (toh-te-mo oh-ee-she dess) とてもおいしいです
“This is truly delicious” is perhaps the most humble and polite way to express your tastebuds’ delight. In a pinch, an exclamation of simply “oishii” is more than acceptable.
19. Okawari kudasai (oh-kah-wah-lee koo-da-sai) おかわりください
Literally, this means “Another, please.” It’s an important phrase to know if you’re still hungry or thirsty! For example, if you were at a sushi bar and used this phrase, you would be intimating that you want another order of whatever was presented most recently. Or, if you’re dead-set on another order of the salmon, simply saying “salmon, okawari” will do the trick. If you’re imbibing an alcoholic beverage, the phrase needs no further explanation – “Another round, maestro!”
20. Sukuname de onegai shimasu (soo-koo-nah-me de oh-neh-gai she-mass) すくなめでおねがいします
Literally, this means “less please.” In general, this phrase will inherently apply to the amount of rice you receive with your meal, unless you stipulate otherwise. Rice is exceptionally filling by volume, and especially in the hot summer months, ordering a slightly smaller portion is a good way to avoid the post-lunch crash and excess exhaustion.
Japanese Phrases for Restaurants: Paying the Bill
21. Okaikei onegai shimasu (oh-kai-keh oh-neh-gai she-mass) おかいけいおねがいします
“Check, please” – It is acceptable to ask any restaurant staff directly. Depending on the establishment in Japan, most bills are paid at the front, while some will also offer tableside service. If you see a cash register and/or VISA and other payment options advertised toward the front of the establishment, it’s a good sign you’ll pay at the front.
Also note – while “Okaikei” is the official Japanese for “check,” the word “chekku” is a loan word that’s absolutely comprehensible across Japan. Honestly, given how deeply English has permeated Japanese society, “Check please” in English will be understood, but when in Japan, making the effort to speak some Japanese will make your trip that much more memorable.
22. Card wa tsukaemasuka? (kaa-do wa tsu-kah-eh mass-ka?)
カードはつかえますか？
“Can I pay by credit card?” – In Japan, credit cards are generally referred to as paying by “card”, so kindly use this phrase if you’re not sure the establishment takes credit.
While many businesses in major urban centres will likely take CC, smaller and older establishments may not, and the ratio of those who will plummet in rural areas where cash is still dominant in the service industry.
Japanese Phrases for Restaurants: Compliments and Farewells
23. Gochisousama deshita (goh-chee-so-sama deh-she-ta) ごちそうさまでした
“Thank you for the meal” – literally, this phrase means “What delicacies were bestowed upon me.” This phrase has roots in traditional culture and the respectful act of giving and receiving. Japanese cuisine is supreme, and showing thanks is a must!
24. Mata kimasu (mah-ta kee-mass) またきます
“We’ll / I’ll come again” is a common and acceptable final phrase to show that you enjoyed the meal and want to visit again.
25. Sayonara (sah-yoh-nah-la) さようなら
Literally, this word means “If that’s the way it must be.” Did you know “sayonara” had such poetic roots? This ancient expression used when parting ways is much more than simply “see you later” – it entails that the next meeting may never occur, or when, nobody knows.
For this reason, saying “sayonara” to someone you’ll see the next day doesn’t make sense from a cultural and linguistic perspective. But saying “sayonara” to the sushi chef who just made you a life-changing meal on your last night in Japan? There couldn’t be a more appropriate way to say goodbye.
Final Thoughts
Learning a few Japanese phrases for dining out will help you connect with the culture and people in a meaningful way. Even the smallest effort to speak the local language is greatly appreciated, and you may find that these phrases open doors to a deeper appreciation of Japan’s unique dining customs.
Whether you’re savouring ramen at a local shop, enjoying sushi, or toasting with friends over sake, using these phrases will enhance your trip and help make each meal that little bit more memorable. So, try some Japanese restaurant phrases, and enjoy the hospitality that makes Japanese dining such a special experience.
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Caleb DeMarais is a writer, translator and content creator based in Tokyo. When not exploring Japan’s timeless countryside or considering 400 years of living history on every corner of Tokyo, he’s digging into Japanese culinary traditions – including a specialty in Wagyu – both new and old, alongside Japanese literature and history. A lifelong student of Japanese language and culture, his fascination with everything Japan continues to inspire his work today. A selection of his writing for the JNTO can be found here.