Eating Out

Japan has a wide variety of restaurant options ranging from fast food to elegant dining. Students can eat inexpensively at any of the fast food chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's. For inexpensive and popular Japanese food to take out, convenience stores sell rice balls, sandwiches, salads, and noodles. Restaurants do not normally require reservations, however it is wise to call ahead if one is going in large numbers, say, of fifteen or more. Many restaurants have maitre d's that will immmediately ask one the total number of people eating, and whether one wants a smoking or non-smoking seat. Much Japanese food contains meat products, so vegetarians need to take special care in ordering. In some restaurants, diners pay in advance; in others one pays after the meal, and tips are not expected. When friends eat out, each pays for their own meal. When an older person invites a younger person out, the older person usually pays.