Japan Travel Fixes
How do I know if a restaurant is cash-only or reservation-only?
There's often no English signage — look for a card logo sticker near the entrance, check the restaurant's listing on a map app for payment info, or simply ask before you sit down.
Small, well-regarded restaurants (especially sushi, kaiseki, and some ramen shops) are frequently reservation-only, sometimes requiring a local phone number or a hotel concierge to book on your behalf.
If a restaurant looks busy with a line and no visible waitlist system, it may be reservation-only — check a map app's reviews for mentions of needing a reservation before you wait.
Carrying enough cash for a meal is a safe default anywhere outside major chain restaurants.
Ask if you can be seated without a reservation
予約なしでも入れますか？
Yoyaku nashi demo hairemasu ka?
Can I get in without a reservation?