In Cases Where There is Only a Japanese Menu
The biggest problem for foreigners who can't read Japanese is how to place an order when they enter an izakaya with only Japanese menus. Not only izakayas, but many restaurants in Japan do not have foreign language menus.
For example, according to Japan's largest gourmet site 'Tabelog,' only 2.6% (22,704 out of 863,620) of registered restaurants nationwide have English menus. For izakayas, this ratio slightly increases to 5.8% (7,670 out of 131,871). However, even in Tokyo, only 12.3% (3,454 out of 28,153) of izakayas have English menus (as of the end of May 2024). As this data shows, most izakayas only have Japanese menus, making it difficult for foreigners who cannot read Japanese to place orders.
So, what should foreigners do if they find themselves in an izakaya with only a Japanese menu? We will provide solutions. Here are some basic tips for foreigners about izakayas.
Basic Tips for Foreigners about Izakayas: Ordering from Japanese Menus
Solution 1
First, many foreigners practice pointing to a menu with photos and ordering or asking izakaya staff for assistance.
If there are pictures on the menu, you can order the food you want by pointing to the images. However, some izakayas have daily recommended menus written on paper or on the wall without photos.
Many izakayas with photo menus are chain stores. I recommend going to privately owned stores rather than chain stores, as they offer a more authentic experience. If you're looking for a photo menu and find one, foreign-speaking staff will likely help you order. However, not all staff can speak a foreign language, making communication difficult and ordering a challenge.
Therefore, "Solution 1" depends on the izakaya. There is only a solution if you find a photo menu or foreign-speaking staff.
In the next blog post, I will introduce Solution 2 with basic tips for foreigners. Continuing from before, I will highlight tips and tricks for enjoying izakayas. I personally love izakayas and have taken many of my foreign friends to them. I will share the things I've noticed as well as the points many of my foreign friends have mentioned. Please look forward to the upcoming blog posts.
Experience Authentic Izakaya Culture: Guided by Locals in Hidden Tokyo
Our company offers tours where we take foreign tourists to izakayas. We assist those who struggle with Japanese-only menus by providing interpretation services. Our guides also provide fun explanations of foods and menu items unique to Japan. Would you like to enjoy a fun time at an izakaya with an English-speaking interpreter guide?
The places we take you to are located in the heart of Tokyo, specifically in Kagurazaka, a top gourmet area yet little known to many foreigners. Kagurazaka is home to many wonderful izakayas hidden in alleys known only to locals. Why not experience authentic izakaya culture at izakayas frequented only by Japanese customers?
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How to Access Kagurazaka
The Kagurazaka area is conveniently located within 30 minutes from any major station in Tokyo. This is because Kagurazaka is situated in the heart of Tokyo, at the center of the Yamanote Line. Please come and visit this convenient and charming Kagurazaka.
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