食事・レストラン · Eating Out

▶これをください。

Kore kudasai.

Point at a photo menu or the plastic food display and say this — ordering works with one finger and one phrase.▶ 11:32

From: Before Coming to Japan: 10 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know (From a Tokyo-Based Guide)

▶とりあえず、生ビールをお願いします。

Toriaezu, nama bīru o onegai shimasu.

The classic izakaya opener. A small dish you didn't order (otoshi, ¥300–500 per person) will follow — it's a legal seat charge, not a scam.▶ 5:58

From: How to Eat Cheap in Japan: Konbini, Ticket Machines & Izakaya

▶お水をください。

O-mizu o kudasai.

Water and tea are free in Japanese restaurants — often self-serve, but you can always ask.▶ 10:34

From: How to Eat Cheap in Japan: Konbini, Ticket Machines & Izakaya

▶すみません。

Sumimasen.

The all-purpose word: call staff, apologize, or give light thanks. This one phrase carries most of your trip.▶ 15:21

From: Before Coming to Japan: 10 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know (From a Tokyo-Based Guide)

▶ありがとうございます。

Arigatō gozaimasu.

The polite thank-you. Use it everywhere — no tipping in Japan, so words are how you show appreciation.▶ 15:38

From: Before Coming to Japan: 10 Things First-Time Travelers Should Know (From a Tokyo-Based Guide)

▶ごちそうさまでした。

Gochisōsama deshita.

Say it when you finish or as you leave — the customary thanks for a meal. With Sumimasen and Kore kudasai, it gets you through most restaurants.▶ 11:25

From: How to Eat Cheap in Japan: Konbini, Ticket Machines & Izakaya

▶温めてください。

Atatamete kudasai.

At the konbini register they'll ask "Atatamemasu ka?" (Shall I heat it up?). This is your yes — they'll microwave your bento and add chopsticks.▶ 1:50

From: How to Eat Cheap in Japan: Konbini, Ticket Machines & Izakaya

▶持ち帰りでお願いします。

Mochikaeri de onegai shimasu.

Eating in counts as dining out, so tax is 10% instead of 8%. Say this when asked and you get the takeaway rate.▶ 2:11

From: How to Eat Cheap in Japan: Konbini, Ticket Machines & Izakaya

▶クレジットカードは使えますか？

Kurejitto kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?

Small and older restaurants are often cash-only (card fees run 4–7% for them). Ask before you sit down.▶ 1:08

From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)

▶現金で払います。

Genkin de haraimasu.

Carry some yen — a few ¥1,000 notes and coins. Many machines and fare boxes reject ¥10,000 notes, so break one at a konbini first.▶ 1:53

From: Payment Methods in Japan: Cash, IC Cards, Contactless Payment & ATMs (Guide by a Tokyo Resident)

▶現金だけですか？

Genkin dake desu ka?

Festival food stalls are almost always cash only — bring plenty of coins, not cards.▶ 9:23

From: 2026 Summer Festival & Fireworks Calendar: Dates and Access Guide (from your Tokyo guide)

▶これを一つください。

Kore o hitotsu kudasai.

Point at what you want at a yatai stall and keep small change ready — most stalls take cash only.▶ 9:23

From: 2026 Summer Festival & Fireworks Calendar: Dates and Access Guide (from your Tokyo guide)