FAQ
Questions and answers about booking restaurants in Japan
In short
We call restaurants in Japan and book them for you in Japanese, and we take same-day requests too, including for restaurants that only take reservations by phone. Our fee is ¥1,500 (about US$9)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. per reservation when you tell us the restaurant, or ¥2,500 (about US$16)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. when we also find it. You pay only once your reservation is confirmed, and if we cannot secure one, you pay nothing.
What do you book, and where?
What does Reserve Japanese Food do?
We call restaurants in Japan and make reservations for you in Japanese. Tell us the restaurant, or what kind of place you are looking for, and we handle the booking.
Can you book a table for today, even at a restaurant that only takes phone reservations?
Yes. Same-day requests are welcome, including restaurants that only take reservations by phone. We call the restaurant in Japanese for you.
Whether we can book depends on the restaurant.
Can tourists book restaurants in Japan by themselves?
You can, but it is often hard. In our experience, four things get in the way: booking often has to be done in Japanese, Japanese booking sites are made for Japan and can be hard to use, they usually ask you to create an account, and some restaurants only take reservations by phone. For us, as native Japanese speakers, none of these is a barrier. We explain each one in our guide, Why it is hard to book restaurants in Japan, and how to get a table.
Can you book things other than restaurants, such as a haircut?
Yes. The same fees apply to non-restaurant bookings, for example a barber.
Can you suggest a restaurant, not just book one?
Yes. Tell us what you are looking for and we will find a restaurant for you. This costs ¥2,500 (about US$16)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. per reservation instead of ¥1,500 (about US$9)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen..
Do you book hotels or trains?
No. We only make restaurant and similar reservations. We do not arrange transport or accommodation.
Which areas of Japan do you cover?
We take requests for restaurants anywhere in Japan. Our recommended areas are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Fukuoka and Hokkaido (mainly Sapporo). For other areas, tell us what you need and we will let you know.
Whether we can book depends on the restaurant.
How much does it cost, and how do I pay?
How much does it cost?
¥1,500 (about US$9)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. per reservation when you tell us the restaurant. ¥2,500 (about US$16)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. per reservation when we also find the restaurant for you. See How it works & Pricing for the full details.
Is the fee per person or per reservation?
Per reservation. Our fee is ¥1,500 (about US$9)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. per reservation, or ¥2,500 (about US$16)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. when we also find the restaurant for you.
Do I have to pay if the restaurant does not accept my reservation?
No. If we cannot secure a reservation, you pay nothing.
When do I pay?
You pay our service fee only once your reservation is confirmed.
How do I pay?
By card. You pay our service fee by card once your reservation is confirmed.
How do I request a booking?
How do I send a request?
Use the booking form on our homepage, or email us at info@reservejapanesefood.com. Tell us the restaurant, or what kind of place you are looking for, plus the date, the time and the number of people. We reply by email or WhatsApp.
Can you book a restaurant that has not opened reservations for my date yet?
Please contact us first. If reservations for your date have not opened yet, we discuss what we can do case by case.
How soon will you reply?
We generally reply within 24 hours.
What do you check with the restaurant when you book?
We check whether counter seats are available, whether the restaurant accepts credit cards, how they handle allergies, and the restaurant's cancellation policy.
What happens after my booking is confirmed?
Can I change the time after my reservation is confirmed?
The first change is free. For any further changes, please contact us and we will discuss what is possible.
What happens if I cancel?
After your booking is confirmed, the restaurant's own cancellation policy applies. We will tell you the restaurant's policy and any cancellation fee before you confirm.
If you cancel after your booking is confirmed, our service fee is not refunded. Instead, we will make one other reservation for you on the same date at no extra fee. If that reservation needs us to find the restaurant, the ¥1,000 (about US$6)Approximate, at US$1 = ¥158.35 (Bank of Japan, 5 p.m. JST, October 14, 2026). Our fees are charged in Japanese yen. difference applies.
What if the restaurant cancels my booking?
We will contact you right away and agree with you on how to handle it.
What if the restaurant requires a deposit?
If the restaurant requires a deposit or has a cancellation fee, it is generally paid by you. We will tell you the exact amount and conditions before you confirm your booking.