Mastering Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants: Insider Tips for Securing Your Spot
Japanese cuisine is characterized by its low-calorie, healthy nature as it emphasizes the natural flavors of ingredients and the umami from dashi broth. One of its attractions is the ability to enjoy seasonal ingredients throughout the year. Japanese food, which uses many colorfully arranged vegetables, is also visually appealing through its presentation and plating.
For Japanese people, Japanese cuisine serves as both an essential daily foundation for home cooking and a special experience to be enjoyed at high-end restaurants.
Many upscale Japanese restaurants require reservations, so be sure to check in advance. Today, I'll introduce foolproof reservation methods for authentic sushi restaurants.
Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants Are Generally Required
At authentic sushi restaurants where the chef prepares sushi right in front of you, as well as at traditional Japanese restaurants and long-established ryotei, reservations are typically necessary. Making reservations benefits both the restaurant and customers, as it allows for efficient preparation of dishes and service.
Additionally, since Japanese cuisine often serves fresh, raw ingredients, accepting only customers with reservations helps prevent food waste.
Are There Restaurants in Japan That Don't Require Reservations?
The following casual restaurants typically don't require reservations:
- Izakaya (Japanese pubs)
- Ramen shops
- Family restaurants
- Chain restaurants
These establishments generally allow entry if seats are available. If there are no available seats, customers typically wait in line outside the establishment.
Besides these, there are many other restaurants where you can dine without reservations. If you want to visit a restaurant on short notice, it's best to inform the staff that you don't have a reservation and check if there are any available seats.
There Are Several Methods for Making Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants
There are several ways to make reservations at authentic sushi restaurants. The three basic methods are by phone, through social media, or via online reservation websites.
Some restaurants have their own reservation rules, so be sure to check in advance. If you find an authentic sushi restaurant that interests you, first check their official website for information.
How to Make Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants by Service Type
Methods and Procedures for Phone Reservations
Traditional restaurants sometimes only accept reservations by phone. For establishments with limited staff, there may be specific hours when they take phone calls, so be sure to check this information in advance.
Steps for phone reservations:
- Call and express your desire to make a reservation
- Provide your preferred date, time, number of people, and course selection
- Share the name of the representative, mobile phone number, and hotel where you're staying
- Confirm the cancellation policy and restaurant rules
Methods and Procedures for Reservations Through Social Media
Some Authentic Sushi Restaurants accept reservations through direct messages on their official Instagram, X accounts, or through registration with their official LINE account.
Steps for social media reservations:
- Check the restaurant's official Instagram, X, or LINE account
- Communicate your preferred date, time, number of people, and course selection as instructed
- Wait for a response from the restaurant
- Confirm the cancellation policy and restaurant rules
The restaurant's official social media accounts may also feature seasonal menus and special offers, so be sure to check them regularly.
Methods and Procedures for Online Reservations
Even if a restaurant doesn't have an official website or Instagram, you may be able to make online reservations through specialized restaurant booking sites. Recently, even established high-end establishments only accept reservations through these specialized booking sites, so they're definitely worth using.
Here are three user-friendly online reservation sites:
OMAKASE
Source:Official website
OMAKASE BOOKING is a reservation service from "OMAKASE," a reservation management site that specializes exclusively in popular restaurants. It has received high praise for its proprietary system that can secure seats at hard-to-book restaurants with a high success rate.
Steps for reservations through OMAKASE BOOKING:
- Create an account and register your credit card information
- Search for your desired restaurant
- Enter your reservation information and account login details in the form on the dedicated page
- After submitting the reservation form, your reservation is complete when you receive a confirmation email
When making Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants, it's advisable to plan several weeks in advance, especially for high-end establishments. These restaurants often have limited seating and prioritize regular customers, making advanced planning essential for tourists seeking an authentic experience.
In the case of Pocket Concierge
Source:Official website
Pocket Concierge is a reservation site with a rich selection of carefully curated, high-quality restaurants. Even if your desired restaurant is fully booked, you can register on a waiting list to be contacted when a vacancy becomes available.
One of the attractive points when making reservations through this site is that you can receive services such as complimentary drinks on the day of your visit without needing to present coupons.
Reservation procedure through Pocket Concerge:
- Create and register an account
- After selecting a restaurant, check for available seats on your desired date and time
- Enter details such as number of people, seating preferences, and course selection
- If your desired date is fully booked, register on the waiting list
- Click "Submit reservation request" to complete
- Check the reservation status from the reservation history page in your account
In the case of PLAN
Source:Official website
PLAN is a reservation proxy service that operates through the communication app LINE. Its popularity comes from its simplicity – just add the official LINE account and send a message.
You can make reservations at authentic sushi restaurants that have high review ratings on Japan's largest gourmet site. Another pleasant point is that you can freely message about food restrictions such as allergies.
Reservation procedure through PLAN:
- Add the PLAN official LINE account as a friend from the PLAN website
- Enter and send information including restaurant name, desired reservation date, time, and your contact details
- Wait for the reply LINE message with the reservation result
Extremely popular restaurants may be booked months in advance!
In the case of popular restaurants, reservations may not be available for several months. Special attention is needed during periods such as New Year holidays and Japan's major holiday seasons.
When you find a restaurant you're interested in, it's recommended to make reservations as soon as your travel itinerary is decided!
Check Unique Rules in Advance
Regardless of the reservation type—phone, social media, or online—it's necessary to check the restaurant's reservation rules beforehand. Even when booking multiple restaurants through a single reservation site, each restaurant may have its own specific rules.
In some cases, your reservation may not be confirmed just by submitting a reservation form or message, so be sure to check the status from your reservation history.
Particularly regarding cancellation policies, various regulations are in place, so make sure to check them!
For Phone Reservations, Call Between 2-5 PM
When making phone reservations, paying attention to the timing can increase your success rate. The recommended time is between 2 PM and 5 PM, avoiding lunch and dinner rushes. Calling during busy hours not only makes it difficult to get through but may also result in reservation details being incorrectly communicated.
Some restaurants limit their reservation acceptance hours, and calls may not connect outside these hours, so check the official website before calling.
Target Lunch Rather Than Dinner
The more upscale and popular the restaurant, the harder it becomes to secure dinner reservations. That's why lunch is recommended. Lunch reservations are relatively easier to obtain compared to dinner.
Another attractive point is that you can enjoy meals at more reasonable prices than dinner. Many restaurants offer the same ingredients used for dinner at more affordable prices for lunch.
If you want to casually experience popular restaurants, try targeting lunchtime!
Check Social Media, Not Just the Website
For restaurants you're interested in, it's recommended to check official social media like Instagram and X (Twitter), not just their website. Some update their reservation and cancellation status frequently, which might unexpectedly allow you to make a reservation at otherwise difficult-to-book restaurants.
Official social media may also provide information beyond reservations, such as seasonal recommended dishes and discount coupons!
Especially after arriving in Japan, check frequently to stay updated with the latest information.
If You're Unsure About Reservation Methods, Tours with Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants Are Recommended!
If you're uncertain about the reservation process, why not join a tour that includes everything from advance reservations to day-of guidance? You won't have to worry about "failing to secure a seat due to a reservation mistake."
Since guides select truly recommended restaurants, you can rest assured if you're having trouble deciding which restaurant to choose. They will also kindly teach you proper etiquette for fine dining establishments.
Here are two recommended tours organized by Magical Trip.
Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza
For those who want to enjoy gorgeous Japanese cuisine in the elegant atmosphere of Ginza, the "Finest Quality Sushi & Tempura Dining Experience in Ginza" tour is highly recommended.
After meeting up, you'll first head to an exclusive, high-end sushi restaurant that feels like a hidden gem. Making Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants is typically challenging for tourists, but this tour handles everything for you. The special sushi course designed for this tour will mesmerize you with the artisanal craftsmanship taking place right before your eyes at the counter seats. Enjoy it while sipping Japanese sake!
After satisfying your appetite with sushi, you'll move on to a tempura restaurant that has previously earned Michelin recognition. The variety of fresh seafood coated in crispy batter will become an unforgettable taste during your trip.
This tour is recommended for those who want to enjoy classic Japanese cuisine in luxurious establishments.
- Meeting point: Lion Statue at Ginza Mitsukoshi
- Tour area: Sushi & Tempura restaurants around Ginza
- Start time: 16:30
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
For those who want to enjoy a luxurious meal around Shinjuku, the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" is recommended. First, your guide will take you to a sushi restaurant popular among locals, where you can enjoy exquisite sushi at the counter seats. A delightful aspect is being able to watch the professional craftsmanship of the sushi chef right before your eyes. Here, you'll enjoy about 8 pieces of carefully selected sushi.
After savoring the sushi, you'll indulge in premium wagyu beef at a Japanese BBQ restaurant. Japanese BBQ involves grilling meat yourself on a grill set at your table and eating it with sauce. For first-timers, don't worry—your guide will teach you how to grill and when the meat is ready to eat.
Why not experience these popular Japanese foods that tourists love? Reservations at Authentic Sushi Restaurants are secured in advance, allowing you to bypass the typically long queues and language barriers.
Click here for more details
- Meeting point: UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store
- Tour area: Around Shinjuku
- Start time: 17:00/18:00/19:00
