Datatable: Japan Practical Restaurant Booking Guide
Overview
Practical guide for booking restaurants in Japan - methods, etiquette, tips.
Booking Methods
| Method | How | Pros | Cons |
|--------|-----|------|------|-------|
| Google Maps | Direct link | Easy, English | Limited availability |
| Tabelog | Japanese app/site | Full selection | Japanese only (can use Paprika) |
| Omakase | English app | Good for tourists | Limited premium |
| Phone call | Japanese required | Always works | Language barrier |
Tabelog Basics
- Rating: 3.5+ is good
- 4.0+ is excellent
- "Cheaper" < ¥1,000/lunch
- "Mid-range" ¥1,000-¥5,000
- "High-end" > ¥5,000
Booking Etiquette
- Time: Be punctual (5 min early)
- Cancellation: 24hr notice minimum
- Group size: Exact number
- Dietary: Mention on booking
Popular Restaurant Types
| Type | Booking | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Sushi (omakase) | Essential | Book 2+ weeks ahead |
| Tempura | Recommended | Book 1 week ahead |
| Ramen | Not needed | Line forms quickly |
| Kaiseki | Essential | Book 2+ weeks ahead |
| Izakaya | Optional | Walk-in often OK |
Language Phrases
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 予約があります | I have a reservation |
| ○名様です | Party of [number] |
| キャンセルします | I need to cancel |
| ありがとうございます | Thank you |
No-Show Policy
- Many restaurants charge ¥1,000-¥5,000 no-show fee
- Always cancel 24 hours in advance
- Some hotels hold guarantee
Special Requests
| Request | How to Say |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | ベジタリアン |
| No raw fish | 生ものはなしで |
| Gluten-free | グルテンフリー |
| Halal | ハラール |
資料來源 / 相關核實
本文資料整理自內部 FactcheckDocs（JP_datatable_practical_restaurant_booking_guide_v1.md），參考 JP 區公開官方資料及業界文件。如需查證細節，可參照頁末 authority sources。
