The stuff guidebooks skip: how ordering actually works, what to do with no signal, and the phrases that get you fed.
Ticket machines, noren curtains, and the 5 phrases that cover 90% of ramen shops.
Ordering, paying, and what otoshi (the surprise appetizer) is.
The honest answer by restaurant type — and your backup plan when they don't.
Plus 10 phrases staff actually use on you, decoded.
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson — Japan's konbini are a food destination.
What to download before you fly, so no signal never ruins your day.
The kanji you'll see on every menu, and how to decode a menu in 60 seconds.
Omakase vs kaiten vs ordering piece by piece — and what to say.
Phrase cards included — show your phone to the staff.
What you actually need to stay connected (and what to do when you're not).