How to book a table in Tokyo

When you need a reservation

Casual spots — ramen, soba, gyudon, most izakaya — are walk-in. But counter sushi, kaiseki, unagi houses, teppanyaki and popular dinners often require booking days to weeks ahead.

How to book

• Tabelog — the listing many of our venues link to; some take online reservations, others list the phone number.
• Ikkyu (ikyu.com) — the go-to for upscale dinners and ryotei; English-friendlier.
• Hot Pepper / Gurunavi — common for izakaya and mid-range.
• The official site — the most reliable for famous counters.
• Your hotel concierge — invaluable for hard-to-book or Japanese-only restaurants.

The unspoken rules

Reservations are taken seriously. Arrive on time, and never no-show — at small counters a missed booking is a real loss, and some now charge a cancellation fee or take a deposit for omakase. Cancel as early as you can. Parties of one are welcome at most counters; just say so when booking.