5 English-Friendly Reservation Services in Japan

Japan is known for its culinary excellence and vast array of diverse dishes. The country has some of the most Michelin-starred restaurants per city in the world. There’s no doubt that Japan has amazing food to offer, but finding the best can be overwhelming. High-end restaurants get booked quickly and the language barrier can be a problem when scheduling a reservation. 

Of course, while you can have food from some of your favorite restaurants delivered to your door, for those who love going out to eat, there are plenty of English-friendly restaurant reservation services in Japan that will make your experience much easier! Here are our top choices for the platforms that make booking reservations in Japan simple and straightforward. 

Omakase 

Don’t let the name mislead you! The Omakase reservation service features more restaurant options than just traditional omakase experiences. This booking website specializes in fine dining. The first page of the site features their curated lineup of Michelin-starred restaurants around the country. If you’re looking to treat yourself for a luxurious night out, look no further than Omakase.

JPNEAZY

If you’re looking for high-end dining near you, JPNEAZY is a great English-friendly restaurant reservation service. One of the site’s special features is easy access to reviews for each restaurant. You can see reviews and public social media posts from other restaurant-goers before making your decision for your night out. The website also provides you with a price range and exact location for each restaurant. And if you’re feeling really fancy, turn on the “only Michelin” filter. Another impressive feature on the JPNEAZY website is the “menu” option. If you see the menu icon on a listed restaurant’s page, it means you have the option to order and pay for your food directly from the site, meaning you won’t have to worry about any language barriers when you get to the restaurant. Keep in mind that this function does not apply to beverages.

Rakuten Travel Experiences

Similar to other reservation services on this list, Rakuten Travel Experiences (RTE) offers in-depth information about the restaurants available through its service. RTE has an easy-to-use interface and provides users with specific information to help them narrow down their searches. In addition to restaurant options, the site can help you find unique dining experiences, including eating on a yacht, omakase and outdoor restaurants. You can even find dog-friendly cafes.RTE doesn’t just make finding the perfect restaurant easier, it also makes reservations super simple. Just follow the steps on the site and you’ll have your reservation booked in no time. RTE also provides a map with the exact location of the restaurant so you can navigate to your destination easily.

Pocket Concierge

With a curated selection of dining experiences, Savor Japan stands out for featuring restaurants that specialize in diverse Japanese cuisines and accommodate English-speaking guests. From modern fusion to kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese dinner), Savor Japan helps travelers discover highly-rated, authentic eateries across the country. The platform highlights restaurants with English-friendly staff, making it easier for international visitors to enjoy Japanese dining without language barriers. Each listing includes detailed descriptions, location information and cuisine specialties, allowing users to explore Japan’s culinary culture comfortably.

ByFood

Last but not least, ByFood might be the most diverse reservation service on this list. The site offers a large variety of culinary services and experiences—there are nearly 2,000 restaurants among its listings. In addition to their reservation booking services, they also aim to do charitable work. For every reservation you make, ByFood donates 10 meals to schoolchildren in need. Additionally, ByFood makes it easier to schedule food tours, and other culinary experiences in various areas around Japan. Ever wanted to make mochi? ByFood can make that a reality. They also offer a variety of cooking classes for those who want to have a more hands-on culinary adventure. The culinary possibilities don’t end there. ByFood will help you make the perfect culinary itinerary for yourself and your travel party. If you have dietary restrictions or are vegan or vegetarian, ByFood will help you find the best restaurants that suit your needs. And for those who can’t make it to Japan but still want to engage with Japanese cuisine, check out ByFoods’ online cooking classes! 

Read More: English-Friendly Food Delivery Services in Japan and Ten Places to Enjoy Vegan Food in Tokyo