Practical
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.
我们已确认的餐厅
Ginza Kojyu
Seasonal omakase: grilled Ise lobster, ayu, eel, abalone
Chef Toru Okuda's two-Michelin-star counter, carved from a 270-year-old cypress, distills the season into impeccable Ginza kaiseki.
- Anniversary
- Business
Ningyocho Imahan Honten
Kuroge wagyu sukiyaki, simmered tableside in house warishita
Founded in 1895, this Tabelog Top-100 sukiyaki house simmers exquisitely marbled Kuroge wagyu in its signature warishita while kimono-clad staff tend the pot at your table.
- Anniversary
- Business
Sushi Dai
Omakase course of Edomae sushi (chef's choice)
The legendary 5 a.m. counter inside Toyosu Market where visitors queue for hours to watch a master build an omakase of the day's finest catch.
- 鱼素
- Solo
- Date
FAQ
- Can I just walk in?
- For ramen, soba, casual izakaya and convenience eats — yes. For counter sushi, kaiseki and popular dinners, book ahead.