How to Eat in Japan: Izakaya, Ramen and Convenience Stores

Eating in Japan is a highlight for many visitors, but the first meal can be baffling. There may be a ticket machine instead of a waiter, a small appetizer you never ordered, or a menu without photos. The good news is that most systems are logical, and once you learn the patterns you can eat well anywhere, from a corner noodle bar to a convenience store at midnight.

This guide explains how to order and behave at the main types of casual eateries, with specific tips for izakaya, ramen shops, convenience stores, and a few other places. It also covers dietary needs and money.

Basics before you walk in

• Greetings. When you enter, staff often call out “irasshaimase” (welcome). You do not need to reply. When leaving, “gochisosama deshita” (thank you for the meal) is a nice touch.
• Wet towel. Many restaurants provide an oshibori to wipe your hands. Use it for your hands, not your face.
• Water and tea. Water or tea is often served free in restaurants.
• Payment. Many casual places expect you to pay at the register by the door, not at the table. Cash is still common; check for card signs.
• No tipping. It is not part of the culture.
• Opening hours. Some restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner. Check ahead for smaller places.

Ramen shops

Ramen shops are fast, affordable and often small, with counter seating.

Ordering with a ticket machine

Many shops have a vending machine near the entrance.

1. Look at the machine’s buttons. Photos help; some machines have English.
2. Insert money (cash is typical) and press the button for your chosen dish. The top left button is often the shop’s signature bowl.
3. Add extras such as noodles refill (kaedama), extra egg or toppings if available.
4. Take your ticket and the change, sit down and hand the ticket to staff.

If you do not understand the machine, ask staff or check the menu on the wall. You can also tell them any preferences, such as noodle firmness, richness of broth or amount of oil, if the shop allows it.

Eating ramen

• Eat promptly while the noodles are hot.
• Slurping is acceptable and helps cool the noodles.
• Use the chopsticks for noodles and the spoon for broth.
• Leave when you finish, since popular shops have queues.

Styles vary by region: shoyu (soy sauce), shio (salt), miso and tonkotsu (pork bone) are common. Vegetarian travelers should note that most broths are meat or fish-based, though some shops advertise vegetarian options.

Izakaya

An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub where people drink and share many small dishes. It is one of the best ways to taste a variety of food.

How it works

• You are usually seated and given a menu, drink list and an oshibori.
• Many izakaya charge a small seating or appetizer fee (otoshi or tsukidashi). It is a standard practice, not a trick.
• Order drinks first. Beer, sake, shochu, highballs and soft drinks are all available. A common custom is to start with a beer.
• Order food in rounds, sharing dishes. Typical items include yakitori (skewered chicken), karaage (fried chicken), edamame, sashimi, salads, grilled fish and fried rice or noodles to finish.
• Call staff with “sumimasen” or press the call button if one is on the table.
• Pay at the register at the end. Check whether service charges or fees apply.

Etiquette

• Wait for everyone to have a drink, then say “kanpai” (cheers).
• Pour drinks for your companions and let them pour for you.
• Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick to chopstick.
• Keep noise reasonable, although izakaya are usually livelier than other restaurants.

Drinking age and alcohol laws apply, and public intoxication is frowned upon. Drink responsibly.

Convenience stores (konbini)

Convenience stores are a surprisingly good source of food, and an everyday part of life in Japan. Major chains are found almost everywhere.

What to buy

• Onigiri: Rice balls wrapped in seaweed, with fillings such as salmon, tuna mayo or pickled plum. Follow the numbered opening instructions on the wrapper.
• Sandwiches: Famous for soft bread and egg salad.
• Bento boxes and noodles: Ask staff to heat items in the microwave.
• Hot snacks: Fried chicken, croquettes and steamed buns at the register.
• Drinks: Hot and cold canned coffee, tea and a large range of soft drinks.
• Sweets and desserts: Seasonal items and puddings.
• Fresh basics: Salads, boiled eggs and yogurt.

Tips

• Say “atatamemasu ka?” (shall I heat it?) if asked, and answer “hai” or “daijobu desu” (no, thank you).
• Many stores have an eat-in corner. Otherwise, avoid eating while walking.
• Take your trash home or use the bins inside the store, where provided.
• Convenience store ATMs often accept foreign cards. Check fees with your bank.

Other places to eat

Sushi

Conveyor-belt sushi restaurants (kaiten-zushi) are a low-pressure way to try sushi. Take plates as they pass or order via a tablet; plates are often priced by color or pattern. At counter sushi restaurants, the experience is more formal. Use fingers or chopsticks, and dip the fish side (not the rice) in soy sauce.

Teishoku and set-meal restaurants

A teishoku is a set meal with a main dish, rice, soup and pickles. It is a reliable, balanced choice for lunch.

Udon and soba shops

Noodles can be served hot or cold. Many shops are inexpensive and fast. Eat soba with the dipping sauce on the side if you order zaru soba.

Department store food halls

The basement food halls (depachika) sell beautiful prepared foods, bento and sweets. Evening discounts often appear shortly before closing.

Street food and markets

Markets and festival stalls offer regional specialties. Eat near the stall instead of walking, and dispose of skewers in the container provided.

Cafes and kissaten

Traditional coffee houses (kissaten) serve coffee and toast sets, often with a quiet atmosphere. Morning sets can be a good value.

Dietary restrictions

Japan can be challenging for some dietary needs because dashi (fish stock), soy sauce, pork fat and other ingredients appear in many dishes.

• Allergies: Carry a card written in Japanese that lists your allergens clearly. Ask a native speaker to check your wording, and show it to staff before ordering. Be cautious; labeling practices vary.
• Vegetarian or vegan: Dedicated restaurants exist, especially in larger cities and temple towns (shojin ryori, Buddhist temple cuisine). Check whether broths and sauces contain fish.
• Halal or kosher: Options exist but are limited outside major cities. Research in advance.
• Gluten-free: Soy sauce contains wheat. Ask about ingredients.

Learning a few key phrases helps. See our guide to basic Japanese phrases.

How to Learn Basic Japanese Phrases Before a Trip

Manners at the table

• Say “itadakimasu” before eating.
• Do not rub disposable chopsticks together, which can imply they are cheap.
• Bring bowls close to your mouth when drinking soup or eating rice.
• Do not pour soy sauce over rice.
• Finish your food where possible.

More about the reasons behind these customs appears in our guide to Japanese culture.

Japanese Culture Explained: Customs, Etiquette and Traditions

Making reservations

Most casual places do not take reservations or are walk-in only. Popular or high-end restaurants may require booking, sometimes via online systems, a phone call or through your hotel concierge. Cancel if your plans change; no-shows are taken seriously.

Budget tips

• Lunch sets are usually cheaper than dinner.
• Convenience stores and supermarkets are good for breakfast and snacks.
• Ticket-machine shops and standing noodle bars are quick and inexpensive.
• Water is free in many restaurants; skip bottled drinks.
• Check whether there is a service charge or seating fee before ordering at an izakaya.

For more on cash and cards, see our Japan travel FAQs.

Japan Travel FAQs: Cash, SIMs and Tipping

Frequently asked questions

Is it rude to slurp noodles in Japan?

No. Slurping ramen, soba and udon is normal and helps cool the noodles.

Do I need to tip in restaurants?

No. Tipping is not customary and may cause confusion. A polite thank-you is enough.

What if I cannot read the menu?

Point at photos, use a translation app with camera mode, or say “osusume wa nan desu ka?” (what do you recommend?).

Is it OK to eat on the street?

In busy areas it is generally discouraged. At stalls, stand nearby to eat. Convenience store food is best eaten at the store’s eating space or in a park.

Conclusion

Eating in Japan becomes easy once you know the rhythm: greet, order by ticket or menu, share at izakaya, enjoy your noodles hot and pay at the register. Keep an open mind, take allergy cards if you need them, and do not be afraid to try the humble convenience store. Pick one new type of place per day and enjoy.