I Don’t Like Queuing—Here’s How I Book My Reservations in Japan

One of my favorite recipe guides from a booking website is on Gurunavi.com

In Japan, waiting in line is just part of the dining experience.

I just don't get why I have to wait so long for food. It's never been my thing. Aiyo, I always feel like my time's getting wasted. But in Japan, waiting in line is just part of the dining experience. With its amazing food and popular restaurants, you might be stuck in line for hours just to sample their famous dishes.

As someone who's not exactly patient with queuing, I had to figure out some different ways to snag a reservation or a spot at these popular places. After a bit of trial and error, I've found a few tricks that really work for me.

If you love discovering new places but don't want to spend hours waiting. Let me share my top picks and tips to maximize your culinary journey in Japan, ensuring you get the most out of every bite and every moment.

Top Reservation Apps for Booking in Japan

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Confirm your booking with a credit card for a small fee.
Pre-order your meal for a seamless dining experience—even if you don't speak Japanese. Embrace the adventure of exploring new tastes and cultures! 🌍🍣

1. Tabelog

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Tabelog is widely used by locals to write reviews. You'll rarely see 5-star ratings; normally, ratings between 3 and 4 suggest excellent choices.
Reservation fee: JPY440 per person.

2. Reserve with Google

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You can book a reservation directly through Google Search, Maps, or Assistant. Just search for a restaurant and check their availability right then and there. With options to filter by time, party size, and more, it's a quick and easy way to secure your spot at the hottest restaurants in Japan.
Reservation fee: Varies depending on the restaurant

Resy

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Resy is ideal for food enthusiasts, offering a curated selection of trending, popular, and recommended dining experiences. The app also features reviews, ratings, and payment options.
Reservation fee: None

Gurunavi

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Gurunavi is like an all-in-one dining app, with reservation, coupon, delivery, and even recipe features. You can also create your personal food log to track your culinary journey in Japan!
For cooking enthusiasts, this app features an outstanding recipe section, enabling you to recreate some of my favorite Japanese dishes from home.
Reservation Fee: None. However, a same-day cancellation without prior notice will incur a fee of 2000 JPY.

Culture (Recipe):

Pocket Concierge

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Pocket Concierge is your ticket to exclusive dining in Japan. The reservation process is seamless and you can choose from a variety of high-end restaurants offering traditional Japanese cuisine or fusion dishes.
Reservation fee: Varies depending on the restaurant

Walk In or Uber Eats

Sometimes spontaneity calls. Or, opt for Uber Eats to enjoy Japanese cuisine delivered to your door.

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Try Uber Eats in Japan for the first time and enjoy JPY 1,700 off when you place two orders of JPY 1,800 or more.
CODE: eats-cindyt1719ue

Traveling in Japan is all about enjoying every moment, not wasting time in line. These reservation apps make dining a breeze, letting you explore new flavors like sushi, ramen, yakiniku, tempura, and okonomiyaki while making the most of your trip.

I Don’t Like Queuing—Here’s How I Book My Reservations in Japan