KEN’S DINING GUIDES

Menus and Language in Japan

Use photographs, dish names and a few questions to understand the meal before you order.

Printed Japanese Reikasai course menu beside a pale green brochure, listing fifteen appetizers, main dishes, soup and desserts
The printed course menu photographed during my Reikasai Ginza dinner. View the full photograph.

Prepare before you order

Use the photographs and dish explanations in a review to shortlist what interests you. Save the dish name in Japanese where it is provided, and ask about portions, ingredients and course contents before ordering. Translation tools can help with a menu, but staff should confirm any requirement that matters to your meal.

Do you have an English menu?
英語のメニューはありますか？

How many people will this dish serve?
これは何人前ですか？

Check the language support you need

An English booking page can make reserving easier, but it does not promise English-speaking staff. The practical notes in each review are the place to check any language support I have documented; ask the venue about anything still unclear.