Getting the attention of waiters and waitresses in Japan can sometimes be challenging for visitors who are unfamiliar with the culture and customs surrounding dining service. Unlike some other countries where wait staff regularly check on tables, the service philosophy in Japan is centered around providing privacy and avoiding intrusion. This means that Japanese diners must take a more active role in signaling when they require assistance from restaurant staff.
There are some simple tricks that can help foreign tourists properly get the attention of waiters in Japan if they need something. Here is a closer look at techniques for flagging down wait staff and best practices to keep in mind as a courtesy:
Waving and Making Eye Contact
The most straightforward way to get a waiter’s attention in Japan is through brief eye contact and a slight wave of your hand. Japanese waiters are very visually oriented, so they will notice these visual cues. However, it is important not to excessively wave your hand or keep your arm raised, which could be seen as rude. Just a slight wave is enough to signal you need service.
Saying “Sumimasen”
In Japanese restaurants, softly saying “sumimasen” (“excuse me” in Japanese) is an appropriate way to get a waiter’s notice. Say it politely just once to politely indicate you need assistance. Do not repeat it or say it loudly. Waiters are accustomed to listening for this phrase. Using basic Japanese manners shows respect.
Holding Up Your Hand
Lightly raising your hand, with your palm facing down, is another common gesture used in Japan to call over a waiter. Again, just a slight raise of a few inches is all that is needed – do not hold your hand high or wave it around. The polite hand raise shows you need service without being disruptive.
Making Some Noise
In very busy restaurants with many tables, another technique you may see Japanese patrons use is making a bit of noticeable noise to attract attention. For example, you may see diners gently clink their chopsticks on their plate or against their glass. This slight clinking sound helps visually signal wait staff.
Ordering Something Small
Some savvy diners in Japan will order a small snack or drink when they first sit down even if they are not ready to order a full meal. This prompts the waiter to come over initially, so that the table has already been in contact with their server. It also allows the opportunity to ask the waiter to come back in 10-15 minutes after looking at the menu.
Having Patience
While using signals like the ones above is helpful, it is also important to have patience when dining in Japan. Always allow plenty of time for waits between courses and when trying to get attention. Signaling multiple times quickly is ineffective. The goal is to be as unobtrusive as possible, so take a relaxed approach.
Avoiding Rude Signals
There are some behaviors that can be very rude when trying to get waiter attention in Japan. Do not wave money around, snap your fingers, whistle, shout out loud “excuse me”, or make big gestures. These aggressive signals are impolite. Also avoid standing up, which can indicate you are leaving before finishing your meal.
Using Simple Japanese Words
Learning a few key Japanese phrases and words can help enhance communication with wait staff. Simple terms like:
- Mizu – water
- Chopsticks – hashi
- Spoon – supuun
- Fork – fooku
- Knife – naifu
- Bill – okaikei
Can help you specify what you need. Knowing numbers and basic greetings also helps. Just avoid complex sentences if your Japanese skills are limited.
Asking Your Neighbors
Don’t be afraid to politely ask neighboring Japanese guests to signal your waiter if you have been unsuccessful getting service after several attempts. Most Japanese diners will graciously help if they can tell you are struggling. They understand the challenge for non-native guests.
Checking for Service Buttons
Some modern and higher-end restaurants in Japan feature handy service call buttons at tables. Check around your table for a button, which if pressed will light up or buzz to summon your waiter. These buttons eliminate the need for other signals.
Going to the Counter
In very small restaurants, cafes, or casual bars, it is common to order at the counter rather than at your table. Look for signs guiding you to order at the register area. Line up politely and place your order there instead. Then find a seat and your order will be brought out.
Communicating With Gestures
Simple harmless gestures can also aid communication if there is a language barrier with your waiter. Pointing to menu items, holding up fingers to indicate numbers, or miming actions like drinking or eating can help get your needs across.
Leaving the Table
Rising from the table and standing near the front of the restaurant is a clear signal you need service. This should prompt staff to come check if you are waiting to pay your bill or takeout an order. Only do this if you have tried other methods unsuccessfully first.
Conclusion
Adapting to the more understated style of summoning servers in Japan takes some adjustment for visitors used to more direct approaches. But with some finesse using gestures, phrases, noises, and patience, getting good waiter service is very possible. Mindful diners will come to appreciate the non-intrusive dining experience in Japan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To help summarize, here are some key mistakes travelers should avoid when trying to get waiter attention:
- Waving your hand aggressively
- Snapping fingers
- Shouting out loud
- Standing up repeatedly
- Pounding the table
- Whistling
- Clanking dishes loudly
These kinds of rude signals should be avoided, as they will not induce better service and could offend staff.
Hand Signals to Use
Here are some acceptable hand signals to use for getting waiter attention:
- Raising hand slightly off table
- Brief eye contact + small hand wave
- Tapping table gently
- Clinking dish/glass softly
- Hand gestures indicating needs
These modest, polite hand signals are your best bet for flagging down wait staff respectfully.
Getting Waiter Attention in Japan – Q&A
Is it rude to wave your hand at waiters in Japan?
Yes, vigorously waving your hand at wait staff in Japan is considered very rude. A slight raise of the hand is acceptable, but waving aggressively can cause offense.
Do you tip waiters in Japan?
No, tipping is not customary or expected in Japan. Wait staff will politely refuse tips. Leaving spare change is acceptable.
Can you request a different waiter in Japan?
No, typically you would not request a specific waiter. Accepting the server you are assigned is considered polite in Japan.
Is clicking fingers rude in Japan?
Yes, snapping fingers is very impolite. It is an aggressive way to order service in Japan and should be avoided.
Can you shout to get attention in a Japanese restaurant?
No, loudly shouting words like “Excuse me!” would be seen as very disruptive and offensive. Use subtle signals instead.
Is standing up a signal in Japan?
Standing up can signal you are ready to leave before finishing dining, so avoid it to call wait staff. Stay seated and use other signals.
Useful Japanese Phrases for Waiters
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Check please | Okaikei kudasai | Oh-kai-keh koo-dah-sigh |
| Water | Mizu | Mih-zoo |
| Chopsticks | Hashi | Hah-she |
| Spoon | Supuun | Soo-poon |
| Fork | Fooku | Foh-koo |
Practicing these Japanese words and phrases can make it easier to communicate your needs to waiters.
Wait Staff Signals in Other Asian Countries
Japan is not the only Asian country that uses subtle signals for summoning waiters. Here are some common techniques used in nearby countries:
China
– Gentle hand wave
– Saying “fúwùyuán” (“waiter” in Chinese)
– Light tapping on table
Korea
– Saying “chulsŏhamnida” (“excuse me” in Korean)
– Placing used utensils across top of bowl/plate
– Small bow of head when making eye contact
Vietnam
– Saying “em ơi” (“waiter” in Vietnamese)
– Folding napkin or bill and placing on table
– Crooking finger lightly if waiting long
Thailand
– Saying “khun maak” (“I would like” in Thai)
– Folding hands together in prayer motion
– Light clapping sound
Understanding waiter signals in other Asian dining cultures can also help visitors adjust.
Tips for Waiting Well in Japan
As a courteous guest, you can also use certain tips to be patient and wait well when dining in Japan:
- Relax – don’t rush or watch the clock
- Appreciate the privacy
- Order conservatively at first
- Indicate you need more time if possible
- Thank the waiter for their patience
- Remember rush hours if planning
With the right etiquette, getting and waiting for waiter service in Japan can be much smoother.