Point, smile, and pray? Here’s the actual survival guide for eating in Japan when you can’t read hiragana, katakana, or kanji — and why it’s not as scary as you think.
Here’s how to order with confidence, even if you can’t read a single word.
Step 1: Learn to Love the Vending Machine
Many ramen shops, and some other casual restaurants, use ticket vending machines for ordering. You pay at the machine, take the printed ticket, and hand it to the staff, who then bring you food (JNTO). It sounds intimidating, but it’s manageable.
The strategy: Machine labels are usually in Japanese, but there are typically pictures and prices beside the buttons. Insert cash, press the button for the dish you want, collect your change and the ticket, then give the ticket to the staff. If you’re stuck, politely ask the staff for guidance.
Pro tip: Some machines reject large bills such as 5,000 or 10,000 yen notes. If yours does, ask the restaurant to break the bill into smaller money, and keep coins and small bills ready.
Step 2: Master the Art of Pointing
In Japan, many restaurants have plastic food displays in the window. These are your best friend. Find the dish that looks good, take a photo of it, walk inside, and show the photo to the staff. They’ll nod, smile, and bring you that exact dish.
This often works well. It can fall down when the display is old and the restaurant doesn’t serve that dish anymore, in which case ask the staff what they recommend instead.
Step 3: Learn Three Magic Words
You don’t need to be fluent. You just need three phrases:
- “Sumimasen” (excuse me) — Use this to get the waiter’s attention.
- “Kore onegaishimasu” (this, please) — Use this while pointing at a menu item or food display.
- “Oishii!” (delicious!) — Use this after eating. The chef will love you.
That’s a solid starting point for getting by.
Step 4: Embrace Google Translate’s Camera Function
Google Translate has a live camera translation feature. Point your phone at a menu, and it will translate the text in real-time. It’s not perfect — sometimes it translates “grilled fish” as “burning sea animal” — but it’s good enough to tell you if you’re ordering chicken, pork, or mystery organ meat.
Warning: Don’t rely on this 100%. Sometimes the translation is hilariously wrong.
Step 5: Know the Common Dishes
Even if you can’t read Japanese, you can memorize the names of common dishes. Here’s your starter pack:
- Ramen — noodle soup (usually in big bowls)
- Udon — thick noodles in broth
- Soba — thin buckwheat noodles
- Tonkatsu — breaded pork cutlet
- Karaage — fried chicken
- Gyoza — dumplings
- Yakitori — grilled chicken skewers
- Okonomiyaki — savory pancake
- Tempura — battered and fried seafood/vegetables
If you see any of these words on a menu (even in kanji), you know what you’re getting.
Step 6: Trust the Staff
Japanese restaurants want you to have a good experience. If you look confused, the staff will help you. They might not speak English, but they’ll bring you a picture menu, point to popular items, or even show you what other customers are eating.
What NOT to Do
Don’t leave a tip. Tipping is not customary in Japan and may be politely refused (JNTO). Some places add a table or service charge instead. Just pay, say “gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the meal), and leave.
Keep your voice down. Many small restaurants are quiet, so match the mood of the room.
Don’t pour soy sauce all over your sushi. Dip it lightly.
The Best Part
Places with no English menu, no pictures, and no tourists can be a rewarding way to eat: just a counter, a chef, and trust. Point, nod, and eat whatever is placed in front of you. It might be uni (sea urchin), natto (fermented soybeans, an acquired taste), or grilled mackerel.
You don’t need to read Japanese to eat well in Japan. You just need curiosity, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to be surprised. Point, smile, and eat. You’ll be fine.