If you’re wondering how to make a reservation in Japan when the restaurant doesn’t have an english reservation option – here are my tips and suggestions.
1. Try an Online booking website:
Tablecheck
ByFood
2. Send a simple email directly to the restaurant in English.
Keep it really simple. Write it as if you already know it might be popped in google translate.
Can I please make a reservation for (xxx date) at (xxx o’clock.)?
Name: xxxx
Number of people: xxxxxx
3. Ask your hotel to make a reservation for you – once you have checked in.
Extra tip: If you are used to finding restaurants via sites like trip advisor or yelp.. Japan’s version is called tabelog.
If you are looking for my recommended restaurants for families I suggest looking at my area guides – for example : Shibuya with kids.