Service in Japanese Restaurants
For many visitors to Japan one of the main attractions--beyond the gardens of Kyoto, the people of Japan, Japanese geography, Shinto shrines, and Tokyo hotels--has to be the food.
People are often eager to find out how 'real' Japanese food compares to the Japanese food they've eaten in their home countries.
In most cases, Japanese food is similar to food in Japanese restaurants in most other countries, although the flavours are more subtle and refined, and the preparation often has more care and attention.
But what's really different is the service. In Japanese restaurants, the service is a world apart from what you might be used to. Almost before setting foot inside a restaurant, you're likely to be welcomed by a loud "irashaimase!" (Welcome!) shouted in near unison by the staff nearby and quickly greeted by one or more hosts.
You'll be shown to your table, and before your shoes and jacket are even off, there's a good chance your drink order will be taken--and your drinks delivered--within seconds of sitting down.
And since most tables have buttons that can be pressed at any time to call a server, placing your order never involves waiting patiently for a busy waiter or waitress. Push the button and someone will be at your table in seconds as well, to bring whatever you might need.
Servers in Japanese restaurants rarely walk--they usually jog back and forth between tables and the kitchen. While at times it might look like chaos, it's actually fluid smooth. Fortunately most larger restaurants have picture menus, making it fairly easy to order what you want even if you can't read or speak Japanese. Simply point, nod, and smile.
While larger restaurants have servers buttons on the table and colorful picture menus, smaller restaurants are often literally mom-and-pop shops. And in small local eateries you might feel most welcome in all. The sincerity and warmth can make you feel like part of the extended family very quickly.
Whether you eat at smaller local shops or larger chains and family restaurants, the best part comes when the meal is over. Tipping is unnecessary. Actually, it's more than unnecessary: it's a serious faux pas to offer any sort of tip.
This relates to Japanese concepts of balance, harmony, and equality. In providing a service for you, you pay the price and all is well. If a tip is added into the equation it becomes out of balance and can cause a lot of confusion and distress to your server. Don't make the mistake and assume it's the polite thing to do.
Instead, after enjoying a fine meal with truly outstanding service, enjoy the fact that you didn't have to pay extra for the great service.
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