Essential Japanese for Travelers: Restaurant Phrases for Ordering, Paying, and Dining Etiquette in Kyoto

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Essential Japanese for Restaurant

Last updated: December 6, 2025

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1 Essential Japanese for Travelers: Restaurant Phrases for Ordering, Paying, and Dining Etiquette in Kyoto
1.1 Entering the Restaurant
1.1.1 💬 Core Phrase
1.1.2 📘 Useful Vocabulary: Number of People
1.1.3 🗣 Sample Conversation
1.2 Ordering Food and Drinks
1.2.1 💬 Core Phrase
1.2.2 🗣 Sample Conversation
1.2.3 💡 Tip for Travelers
1.3 During the Meal
1.3.1 💬 Core Phrase
1.3.2 🗣 Sample Sentences: During the Meal
1.3.3 🗣 Sample Conversation
1.4 Asking for the Bill
1.4.1 🗣 Sample Conversation ①
1.4.2 🗣 Sample Conversation ②
1.4.3 Payment Methods
1.5 ✅ Conclusion
1.5.1 Related Posts

Essential Japanese for Travelers: Restaurant Phrases for Ordering, Paying, and Dining Etiquette in Kyoto

Entering the Restaurant

In Japan, entering a restaurant often begins with a warm greeting from the staff.
You may hear “いらっしゃいませ” (Irasshaimase) – “Welcome.”
Right after that, the staff will typically ask “何名様ですか？” (Nan-mei sama desu ka?) – “How many people?”
These two phrases are often used together, and learning how to respond with the correct number is very useful for travelers.

💬 Core Phrase

📘 Useful Vocabulary: Number of People

🗣 Sample Conversation

yakitori order

Ordering Food and Drinks

Once seated, the staff may ask “ご注文はお決まりですか？” (Have you decided your order?). You can respond with “これをお願いします。” (I’ll have this, please) or “***をください。” (Please give me ***). These phrases make ordering smoother and more natural in Japanese restaurants.

💬 Core Phrase

🗣 Sample Conversation

Yakitori and Sake

During the Meal

While enjoying your meal, you may need to call the staff, ask for more drinks, or simply express that the food is delicious. These phrases are useful for making your dining experience smoother and more enjoyable.

💬 Core Phrase

🗣 Sample Sentences: During the Meal

🗣 Sample Conversation

Asking for the Bill

When you are ready to pay, simply call the staff and say: お会計お願いします (Okaikei onegaishimasu) – “The bill, please.” This is the most common and polite way to request the check in Japan.

💡 In many restaurants, the staff will bring you a small paper bill (伝票 denpyō) to your table. You may be asked to take this bill to the cashier near the entrance to pay. If you’re unsure, just follow the staff’s gesture or ask: レジで払いますか？ (Reji de haraimasu ka?) – Do I pay at the register?

🗣 Sample Conversation ①

🗣 Sample Conversation ②

Payment Methods

In Japan, you may be asked whether you will pay by cash or credit card. For more details on how to pay – including cash, credit card, and receipts – please see our guide: Essential Japanese for Travelers: How to Pay in Japanese (Cash, Credit Card, Receipt)

✅ Conclusion

With just a few essential phrases, you can smoothly enjoy dining in Japan. From entering the restaurant and ordering food, to asking for water and requesting the bill, these expressions cover the most common situations travelers face. Even if you only remember one or two, staff will appreciate your effort and you’ll feel more connected to the local culture.

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