First night in Japan, a small izakaya with a glowing red lantern (akachochin) at the corner of an alley. 'This must be a real local gem!' I thought, excitedly opening the door. I got caught up in the lively atmosphere and the savory smell of grilled skewers, ordered a bunch of things, and had a great time drinking... until the final bill stopped me in my tracks. There was definitely a Korean menu, so why was there a line item for something I hadn't ordered, and for each person?
The embarrassment I felt then! My Japanese was too limited to ask what it was, and I felt awkward asking, 'Wasn't this complimentary?' Even after using Papago, all I got was 'otoshi (お通し),' a word that made no sense. In the end, I just awkwardly smiled and paid, thinking, 'Oh well, it is what it is.' I vividly remember that moment. Japanese dining culture is so similar to ours, yet subtly different. Japanese dining culture. If only I had known this beforehand, I could have ended my first night on a happier note.
This isn't just about izakayas. There's the intimidating presence of the giant ticket vending machine that greets you as soon as you enter a ramen shop, the subtle tension you feel sitting at a sushi counter, and those moments when you don't know how to call a staff member and just timidly try to make eye contact. While it may seem similar to Korea, there are more than a few differences once you experience them.
So, I've prepared this guide. You'll be nodding your head, thinking, 'Ah, that's it!' These are the small rules and customs of Japanese restaurants. These tips were learned through expensive trial and error, so they'll definitely be helpful for anyone planning their first trip to Japan. By knowing these minor differences in advance, you can avoid wasted time and frustration, and fully focus on the delicious food and the joy of your trip.
From Seating to Payment: What's Different?
In Korea, it's common practice to just sit down if you see an empty seat, but Japan is a bit different. Rushing to an empty seat is a no-go! In most restaurants, especially small, independently run establishments, it's polite to wait at the entrance until a staff member guides you to a seat.
After hearing a hearty 'Irasshaimase!' if you stand there blankly, a staff member will soon approach and ask, 'Nanmei-sama desu ka?' (How many people?). Show them the number with your fingers, and they'll guide you to a suitable seat. Sometimes they might ask if you prefer counter seating or a table. If you're alone or with one other person, counter seating can be a fun experience, allowing you to watch the chef at work. In popular places, there might be a waiting list (ウェイティングリスト) at the entrance, so write your name and the number of people and wait for your turn.
Now that you're seated, it's time to face two different hurdles from Korea: 'otoshi (お通し)' and the 'ticket vending machine (券売機).' Especially when you go to an izakaya for drinks in the evening, many of you have probably experienced the surprise of a small dish appearing that you didn't order, just like me in the previous chapter. This is called 'otoshi' or 'tsukidashi (突き出し),' a kind of appetizer that acts as a seating charge. It's usually automatically included in the bill, costing around 300 to 500 yen per person, and sometimes up to 1,000 yen in more expensive places. Unfortunately, it's difficult to refuse by saying, 'I didn't order this.' It's a cultural practice that's well-established in these establishments. Instead, it's easier to think of it as an appetizer that gives you a first taste of the restaurant. You might even discover unexpected delights like edamame, a small tofu dish, or seasonal vegetable pickles.
While izakaya's otoshi can be a subtle trap, the ticket vending machine at ramen shops or gyudon chains is an overt first hurdle. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by buttons entirely in Japanese, but don't be intimidated; most have pictures or English translations. Just insert your money first, then press the button for your desired menu item, and your order is complete! Here's a tip: most machines accept 10,000 yen bills, so you don't need to scramble for coins. Also, knowing kanji like \`味玉 (ajitama, flavored egg)\` or \`替玉 (kaedama, extra noodles)\` written small under the ramen pictures will make customizing your ramen much easier.
Handing your ticket to the staff completes your order, but it might not be the end. Some ramen specialty shops might ask about \`麺の硬さ (men no katasa, noodle firmness)\` or \`味の濃さ (aji no kosa, broth saltiness)\`. You can usually choose from 'kata (硬, firm) - futsu (普通, regular) - yawa (柔, soft),' so feel free to request according to your preference. These small details can make your travel experience even richer.
Once you've finished your meal, how do you pay? Rather than shouting 'Check, please!' from your seat as in Korea, it's much more common to take the bill provided by the staff and go directly to the cashier (レジ, reji) near the entrance. Many small shops still don't accept cards, so always having some cash on hand is the secret to a stress-free trip.
It's Okay to Make Noise, But Only 'This'!
After the struggle with the ticket vending machine, a steaming bowl of ramen is finally placed before me. But looking around, everyone is eating so quietly. For us, accustomed to the friendly and bustling atmosphere of Korean restaurants, we instinctively lower our voices and carefully place our chopsticks down.
Indeed, in Japan, speaking loudly or talking on the phone in public places like restaurants is considered quite rude. Conversations with companions should be quiet enough not to disturb others, and if an urgent call comes in, it's an unwritten rule to step outside the restaurant to take it. However, there is one uniquely permitted moment to break this silence: when eating noodle dishes right in front of you! The 'slurping' sound made when eating ramen, udon, or soba is actually taken as a positive expression, signifying that the food is delicious.
Beyond simply expressing 'delicious,' there's a very practical reason behind this. When you slurp hot noodles with broth, drawing in air, it helps cool the noodles, reducing the risk of burning your palate, and allows the aroma of the noodles and broth to spread richly throughout your mouth. At first, it might feel awkward, and you might be self-conscious, but gather your courage, pick up a moderate amount of noodles with your chopsticks, and 'slurp' them into your mouth all at once. That feeling of the noodles hitting your throat—once you experience it, you won't forget it.
However, the important thing here is 'only this,' as the chapter title suggests. While slurping noodles is acceptable, smacking your lips while chewing with your mouth open or deliberately clattering your utensils is still considered bad manners. Furthermore, this allowance only applies to noodle dishes. Making noise while drinking soup like miso soup or eating rice is absolutely forbidden! It's only the natural sound made when slurping noodles that is tolerated. Understanding this subtle difference is truly the first step to becoming a seasoned traveler, wouldn't you agree?
Practical Tips for Travelers
Beyond the puzzling unwritten rules of Japanese restaurants, like the noodle slurping mentioned in the previous chapter, there are a few more practical tips that can significantly enhance your travel experience. They might seem minor, but they can easily cause confusion when you encounter them, so knowing them in advance will be reassuring.
The most important thing is still cash. If you think, 'It's Japan, cards will be accepted everywhere,' you might run into unexpected difficulties. Of course, large chain stores, department stores, and hotels are fine, but the real fun of travel lies in the small shops hidden in the alleys. Many ramen shops with ticket vending machines, street food vendors in markets, and small izakayas that only locals seem to know still only accept cash. Separate from your travel budget, it's a good safety net to carry at least 10,000 yen per person in your wallet for daily meals and snacks.
Don't be intimidated if the menu is entirely in Japanese. Google Translate's camera function is truly a lifesaver. However, sometimes the app struggles to read handwritten or stylized fonts. In such cases, don't panic; ask if they have a 'photo menu (shashin menu)' or an 'English menu (eigo menu).' If not, pointing to a delicious-looking dish at another table and saying 'Kore, onegaishimasu (This one, please)' might be the most reliable method. If you're brave enough to ask, 'Osusume wa nandesuka?' (What do you recommend?), you might just discover the meal of a lifetime, accompanied by the owner's proud expression.
Finally, a word about water and tips. Don't be disappointed if you're not immediately given water when you sit down. Usually, the first glass is brought to you, but for refills, it's common to use a self-service corner located somewhere in the restaurant. You'll likely find refreshing iced water (ohiya) or savory barley tea (mugicha). And when it comes to paying the bill! There is absolutely no tipping culture in Japan. There's a strong belief that excellent service is naturally included in the price, so leaving a tip might actually lead to an awkward situation where the staff member is confused and chases after you to return it. The best tip you can give is to sincerely say 'Gochisousama deshita!' (Thank you for the meal!) as you leave the restaurant. For more detailed information on Japanese food culture, you can also refer to the official guide from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) (https://www.japan.travel/ko/guide/food-and-drink-culture/), so please check it out.
Conclusion: It's All About Enjoying the Experience
Otoshi, ticket vending machines, quiet atmospheres, slurping sounds. Japanese dining culture might seem unfamiliar and awkward at first, but isn't that the real charm of travel? The process of directly experiencing and understanding cultures different from our own becomes a precious experience in itself. By knowing a few minor differences in advance, you can reduce awkward moments and focus more on the authentic taste of the food. And if you happen to make a mistake, it's okay. Most Japanese people are very kind and forgiving towards travelers, so don't worry too much. The most important thing is the excitement of trying new foods and a positive attitude towards enjoying your trip. So, shall we embark on a delicious journey to Japan without fear?