Travel Japanese 7 - Dining at Restaurants:Part 2

Travel Japanese Learning Material 7
"Dining at Restaurants: Part 2"

Enhance your dining experience in Japan with this essential guide focused on restaurant etiquette, ordering customs, and useful phrases. Learn how to navigate meal ticket machines commonly found in ramen shops, understand menu options, and request specific food preferences like noodle firmness or soup richness. This guide also introduces essential dining phrases, such as how to inquire about unfamiliar dishes, handle payment, and express gratitude. Additionally, explore unique dining spots like Tokyo Ramen Street and modern conveyor belt sushi shops, where ordering is now done via touchscreen tablets. Perfect for travelers seeking to confidently order meals, adjust food preferences, and engage with local dining culture in Japan!

About us
gokigen japanese is an online Japanese tutoring service dedicated to helping learners master the Japanese language and culture. Taught by native Japanese tutors fluent in English, our lessons combine original materials and interactive activities, ensuring a fun and efficient learning experience for all levels.

Visit us at gokigen.jp to enjoy a free trial lesson and start your Japanese learning journey today!
https://gokigen.jp/

Transcript

1. Dining at Restaurants: Part 2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. レストランでの食事② しょくじ Travel Japanese 07
2. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Section 1 （めんの かたさは）ふつうで おねがいします
3. Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Meal Ticket Machine けん　ばい　き 券売機 ken bai ki In Japan, some restaurants ask you to buy a meal ticket (食券, shokken) from a machine before you sit down. This system is especially common at casual spots like ramen shops, beef bowl chains, or standing noodle stalls. While ticket machines for transportation are used around the world, using one to order food is a uniquely Japanese dining style.
4. 💰 Many Machines Are Still Cash Only While cashless options are gradually spreading in Japan, many machines still accept cash only. If you see labels like 「硬貨 (こうか、coins)」 and 「紙 幣 (しへい、bills)」 only—like in the photo—then it's cash only. With these machines, you usually need to: → Insert money first, then select your meal. Not all machines accept large bills. Some machines do not accept 5,000 or 10,000 yen notes. If your bill doesn't work, ask the staff: 「両替（りょうがえ）おねがいします」 Ryogae onegaishimasu — “Can you break this bill?” Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. How to Use the Machine: Check the Payment Method
5. 🍜 How to Choose Many machines use buttons with dish names and prices, and some include photos. Newer machines may have touchscreens with pictures and even language options (English, Chinese, Korean, etc.). 💡 Pro Tip: The top-left button is often the restaurant’s recommended item. It’s usually a best-seller or signature dish, but it might be slightly more expensive than other items. Look for labels like: 人気 (Ninki) = Popular おすすめ (Osusume) = Recommended セット (Setto) = Set meal 大盛(Oomori) = Large size How to Use the Machine: Choose Your Meal Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
6. How to Use the Machine: What to Do After You Get Your Ticket 🎫Got Your Meal Ticket? Here's What Happens Next What you do next depends on the restaurant. Here are the common ways it works. Option 1: Hand the Ticket to Staff 　Give your ticket to the staff at the counter or 　window. They will start preparing your meal right 　away. Option 2: Wait for Your Number 　Keep your ticket and wait. Your number will be 　called or shown on a screen. Then pick up your 　meal. 🧠 Watch and Learn: If you're not sure, look around and follow what other customers are doing. Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
7. How to Use the Machine: What to Do After Eating ♻️ After eating in a self-service shop, you are expected to return your tray with dishes to the designated area. In some ramen shops, it’s polite to place your empty bowls and chopsticks on the counter to help staff clean up. However, not all shops require this, so if you're unsure, take a quick glance at what other diners are doing. 🙇 When in doubt, a small effort to follow the flow goes a long way in Japan. Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
8. Japanese Romaji Meaning おすすめは どれですか？ Osusume wa dore desu ka? Which one do you recommend? クレジットカード つかえますか？ Kurejitto kādo tsukaemasu ka? Can I use a credit card? ICカードつかえますか？ Aishi kado tsukaemasu ka? Can I use an IC card? しょっけん が でません Shokken ga demasen The ticket didn’t come out. りょうがえ おねがいします Ryogae onegaishimasu Please break this bill. Traveler's Insights 1/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 🗣️ Useful Phrases for Meal Ticket Machines
9. Traveler's Insights 1/2 Extra Tips 東京ラーメン ストリート Tokyo Ramen Sutorito とうきょう Tokyo Ramen Street is just outside the Yaesu Underground Central Exit of JR Tokyo Station. It features 8 ramen shops, each offering a different style, so you can enjoy a new ramen experience every day. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Rokurinsha is known as one of the best tsukemen (dipping noodles) shops in Japan. The ultra-rich soup and thick, chewy noodles helped start the tsukemen boom. There’s often a line, but if you’re near Tokyo Station, it’s definitely worth the wait! Rokurinsha Photo:Tokyo Station ichibangai. (n.d.) RAMEN PARADISE NEAR TOKYO STATION 1
10. Traveler's Insights 1/2 Extra Tips ラーメン激戦区東京丸の内 Ramen gekisenku TokyoMarunouchi げき せん く とうきょうまる　 うち You will find this modern ramen hotspot on the B1 floor of KITTE Marunouchi, just a 1 minute walk from the Marunouchi Underground South Exit. It brings together top ramen shops from across Japan, perfect for enjoying next level flavor in the heart of Tokyo! ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. RAMEN PARADISE NEAR TOKYO STATION 2 Matsudo Tomita Menban Photo:Tokyo Calendar(n.d.) This is the first Tokyo branch of Tomita, a legendary ramen shop from Chiba, often called “the best ramen in Japan.” Their signature tsukemen features a deep-flavored broth and custom noodles made with special flour. Tomita has won many awards!
11. Question You’re at a ramen shop. The staff asks, "かたさはどうしますか (How do you want your noodles?) Hard, normal, or soft?" You don’t know well, so you want to order "normal." How do you respond in Japanese? かたすぎます A A B B ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Katasugimasu ふつうで おねがいします Futsuude onegaishimasu
12. Question You’re at a ramen shop. The staff asks, "かたさはどうしますか (How do you want your noodles?) Hard, normal, or soft?" You don’t know well, so you want to order "normal." How do you respond in Japanese? かたすぎます A A ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Katasugimasu ふつうで おねがいします Futsuude onegaishimasu B B answer
13. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 ふつうで おねがいします Futsuu de onegaishimasu Normal, please. MEANING In a ramen shop, ふつうでおねがいします means "Normal, please," asking for noodles with regular firmness. You can also say: かため (katame): for harder noodles やわらかめ (yawarakame): for softer noodles These words let you adjust the noodle texture to your liking. STRUCTURE [Noun] + で + おねがいします is a pattern used to politely request something in a certain way or style. In this case: ふつう = normal (a noun) で = “in the style of” or “with” おねがいします = “please” (polite request) ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
14. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Practice Firm かため Katame Soft やわらかめ Yawarakame Less すくなめ Sukuname How firm would you like your noodles? めんは どうしますか Men wa do shimasu ka? ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ＿＿＿で おねがいします 　　 _____　 　 de onegaishimasu _____, please. More おおめ Ome 　 Abura wa do shimasu ka? あぶらは どうしますか How much oil would you like?
15. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Practice Light うすめ Usume Rich こいめ Koime Together いっしょ Issho What kind of soup would you like? スープは どうしますか 　supuha 　　doshimasuka ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ＿＿＿ でおねがいします _____, please. Separate べつべつ Betsubetsu Okaikei wa dō shimasu ka? おかいけい はどうしますか How would you like to pay? 　　 _____　 　 de onegaishimasu
16. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Extra Tips I have an allergy to 〇〇 〇〇、アレルギーです 〇〇, arerugi desu I cannot eat 〇〇. 〇〇、たべられません 〇〇, taberaremasen Can I use a credit card? カードはつかえますか？ Kado wa tsukaemasu ka? Please give me the receipt. レシートをください Reshito o kudasai Thank you for the meal. ごちそうさまでした Gochisosama deshita It was delicious. おいしかったです Oishikatta desu ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. EXTRA USEFUL PHRASES YOU MIGHT USE Let’s learn more phrases to enjoy the restaurant comfortably! Telling what you cannot eat Paying the bill Expressing thanks
17. Traveler's Phrases 1/2 Role Play Role Play Now, you’re at a ramen shop. 1.Look at the menu and order. Ask recommendation if needed. 2. Customize the noodles, soup, and oil. 3. Inform the staff if you want to split the bill or pay together. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
18. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Section 2 これは なんですか
19. Traveler's Insights 2/2 つまようじ (Tsumayouji, Toothpicks) ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. What’s on the Table? These are usually in a small container and are available after meals. You can break the top slightly as a way to "hide" used ones before throwing them away (a bit of Japanese etiquette!). When dining in Japan, you’ll often see small items on the table or in a small tray or container. Let’s take a look at some common items you’ll find — they’re part of the unique Japanese dining experience!
20. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. しょうゆ (Shoyu, Soy Sauce) Soy sauce is a common seasoning found at sushi and other Japanese restaurants. You may see two types: light (うすくち) soy sauce and dark (こいくち) soy sauce. はしおき (Hashioki,Chopstick Stand) A chopstick rest is a small item that holds your chopsticks when you are not using them. You may not find one at every restaurant, but many formal or traditional places provide it.
21. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. しお・こしょう (Shio & Koshou, Salt & Pepper) Salt and pepper are usually available on the table. They may taste a little different from Western versions. しちみとうがらし (Shichimi Togarashi,Spicy Powder) Shichimi togarashi is a spicy blend of seven ingredients. Generally, many soba, ramen and udon restaurants provide it so that you can add some heat to your food.
22. Traveler's Insights 2/2 ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. がり(Gari, Pickled Ginger) Gari is pickled ginger served at sushi restaurants. You can eat it between pieces of sushi to refresh your palate.It helps you enjoy the taste of each piece of sushi more clearly. おしぼり(Oshibori,Spicyo Powder) An oshibori is a wet towel that you use to clean your hands before eating. Most sit-down restaurants offer it when you are seated.
23. Traveler's Insights 2/2 Extra Tips ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Kaitenzushi — The Sushi That Doesn’t Always Spin Kaitenzushi (回転ずし) is Japan’s famous conveyor belt sushi. Plates of sushi rotate around the restaurant on a belt, and customers can simply grab what they like. 🚫 But Did You Know? Many “Kaitenzushi” Shops Don’t Spin Anymore!
24. Traveler's Insights 2/2 Extra Tips ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Kaitenzushi — The Sushi That Doesn’t Always Spin 🖥️ What’s the new system like? Touchscreen menus: Now, most shops offer a tablet at the table where you can browse photos and order directly. No waiting staff needed —your order arrives via a fast delivery lane or special tray. 📉 Why the change? Food safety & hygiene: Some incidents (like a viral video of a customer licking a soy sauce bottle) led to stricter hygiene policies. Food waste: Sushi that goes around too long must be thrown away.
25. Question You are at a sushi restaurant. There is a type of sushi on the plate that you’ve never seen before. Let’s ask the chef what it is. これは なんですか A A B B ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Korewa nan desu ka これ おいしいですね Kore oishii desu ne
26. Question You are at a sushi restaurant. There is a type of sushi on the plate that you’ve never seen before. Let’s ask the chef what it is. B B ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. これ おいしいですね Kore oishii desu ne Korewa nan desu ka これは なんですか A A answer
27. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 これは なんですか？ ★ The particle "は" can be omitted and the meaning will still be understood. For example: 「これ なんですか。 」 (Kore nan desu ka?). This still means "What is this?" and is often used in more casual conversation. これ (kore) = this (referring to something near you) は (wa) = topic marker なん (nan) = what ですか (desuka) = polite question ending The Difference Between この and これ: この = "this" + noun (e.g., このさかな = this fish) これ = "this" by itself (e.g., これ はさかなです = This is a fish) What is this? MEANING これはなんですか (Kore wa nan desu ka?) means "What is this?" in English. It's a common way to ask about something you're not familiar with, especially when you're referring to something in front of you. STRUCTURE ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 　Kore　　 wa nan desu ka?
28. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Practice ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ____________ wa 　　 nan　　　　 desu　 ka? ＿＿＿は　なんですか？ What is this __________? このやさい Kono yasai this vegetable このさかな Kono sakana this fish このりょうり Kono ryori this dish Ask a question about something near you using この このおさけ Kono osake this alcohol このにく Kono niku this meat
29. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Extra Tips Please remove the wasabi. わさび ぬいてください Wasabi nuite kudasai Please make it grilled (seared). あぶりでおねがいします Aburi de onegaishimasu ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. SUSHI RESTAURANT JAPANESE: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE Ordering Sushi: Please give me wasabi. わさびください Wasabi kudasai It’s the best. さいこうです Saiko desu It’s delicious. おいしいです Oishii desu Please give me soy sauce. しょうゆください Shoyu kudasai Please give me tea. おちゃ ください Ocha kudasai It’s fresh. しんせんですね Shinsen desu ne One salmon, please. サーモンひとつください Samon hitotsu kudasai Expressing gratitude and satisfaction: Requesting Condiments and Drinks:
30. Traveler's Phrases 2/2 Role Play Role Play Look at the picture. You’re in a sushi restaurant. 1. You ordered a sushi set, but one sushi looks new. Ask the staff what it is. 2. Then, order one salmon and some tea. 3. Let’s tell the stuff the sushi is delicious. ©2024 27th Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Ques
31. Q&A AND FEEDBACK TIME!
32. THANK YOU! おつかれさまでした！ https://gokigen.jp/ Interested in learning Japanese grammar and culture with native tutors? Visit our website to enjoy a free trial lesson online! For inquiries, contact us at: contact@gokigen.jp
33. References How many have you been to?Five famous ramen stores are now open at KITTE Marunouchi, directly connected to Tokyo Station! (n.d.). Tokyo Calendar. https://tokyo-calendar.jp/article/14495 Tokyo Station ichibangai. (n.d.). Tokyo Station Ichibangai. https://www.tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp/