How to ask for the bill in Japanese

JapanMust Guides · 4 min read

In Japan the bill rarely comes automatically — you ask for it. One phrase handles nearly every situation:

Say it with eye contact and a small raised hand. At casual places, the shorter "Okaikei!" works fine.

Where do you pay?

• Ramen shops / fast food: ticket machine or register — you already paid or pay at the counter.
• Izakaya / nicer restaurants: usually at the register near the entrance, not at the table. Staff will direct you: "rej i de onegai shimasu".
• Cafes: either at the table or the register — look for a small tray or follow other customers.

Bills are often delivered on a small tray. Put your cash or card on the tray, not directly in their hand.

10 things staff say to you, decoded

• いらっしゃいませ (irasshaimase) — "Welcome!" (no reply needed)
• 何名様ですか？ (nan-mei sama desu ka?) — "How many people?" → hold up fingers
• お決まりですか？ (okimari desu ka?) — "Have you decided?" → nod, or "mou sukoshi" （もう少し — "a little more time")
• ご注文は？ (go-chuumon wa?) — "Your order?"
• 以上でよろしいですか？ (ijou de yoroshii desu ka?) — "Is that everything?"
• 少々お待ちください (shoushou omachi kudasai) — "One moment please"
• お待たせしました (omatase shimashita) — "Sorry to keep you waiting" (food's here)
• お会計はレジでお願いします — "Please pay at the register"
• ありがとうございました (arigatou gozaimashita) — "Thank you" (as you leave)
• またお越しください — "Please come again"

Money notes

• No tipping. Leaving extra money confuses people; they may chase you to return it.
• Cash is still king at small shops — carry yen. Many ticket machines don't take cards.
• Tax is usually included in the displayed price at restaurants now （税込 zeikomi).