Book · $17
Book a phone-only restaurant
Many local favourites only take bookings by phone, in Japanese. We call and book a table in your name.
Book any restaurant in Japan, even the phone-only ones
To book a restaurant in Japan that only takes phone reservations, you need someone who can call in Japanese. Send Call Japan the restaurant, date, time and party size on WhatsApp. We call, book in your name using our Japanese phone number, and send the confirmation in English, $17, or a full refund if we can't book it.
Book · $17No result? Full refund.
Chat on WhatsApp
No WhatsApp? Email hello@calljapan.jp
How it works for restaurant reservations
- 1
Send us the restaurant's name or a Google Maps / Tabelog link, your date, a preferred time plus two backups, and how many people.
- 2
We call the restaurant in Japanese, give your name and our Japanese phone number, and pass on any allergies or requests before they're asked.
- 3
You get the confirmation on WhatsApp in English, with the address in Japanese to show a taxi driver. Any callback from the restaurant comes to us first.
What to send us
- Restaurant name and a link (Google Maps, Tabelog or the restaurant's own site) or phone number
- Date and preferred time, plus 2 backup times
- Number of people, including children
- The name the booking should be under
- Allergies, dietary needs or special requests (birthday, counter seats, private room)
Hi Call Japan! I'd like to book a restaurant (BOOK $17). Restaurant name + link or phone: Date: Time (+ 2 backup times): Number of people: Name for the booking: Allergies or dietary needs:
What you get back
Customer:
Hi! Can you book Sushi Kaneda in Kanazawa for 2 on Friday the 14th, 7pm? Backups 6pm or 8pm. One of us can't eat shellfish.
Call Japan:
On it! Calling them now, we'll mention the shellfish allergy up front.
Call Japan:
Booked Friday 14th, 6:00pm, 2 people, under Smith. 7pm was full. They'll prepare a no-shellfish course. Address in Japanese for your taxi: 石川県金沢市…
Customer:
Perfect, thank you!
Which plan do I need?
- BookMost requests
$17per request
Needs a booking, a name or a Japanese phone number
One restaurant, booked in your name, with up to 3 backup times or places.
- Ask
$9per request
Just need to know something
Just checking something, opening days, allergy options, whether they take cards.
- Handle
$29per case
Needs several calls, callbacks or businesses
Groups, very hard-to-book places, or comparing several restaurants for you.
Not sure? Ask us, it's free. We confirm the plan before you pay. Compare all plans
Good to know
Why so many restaurants only take phone bookings
Many of Japan's best places are small and owner-run, with a handful of counter seats and no online booking system. Chefs often prefer the phone because they want to ask about allergies, arrival time and occasion before you come. That's not a barrier to tourists, it's just how they work. We make the call they expect.
Give us backup times
Popular places fill up, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Sending two backup times (or a backup restaurant) means we can usually book something on the first call instead of coming back to you and calling again.
Mention allergies when you book, not at the table
Set courses and omakase are often prepared in advance. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs with your request and we'll pass them on during the booking call, so the kitchen has time to adjust, or so we can tell you honestly if they can't.
Running late? Tell us before your booking time
Small counters work to a tight schedule, and some may give your seat away if you don't show up on time. If you're running late, message us and we'll call ahead. Changing or cancelling the same booking once is included in the Book plan.
Deposits and card guarantees
Some restaurants ask for a card guarantee or deposit through their own booking link. If they do, we tell you and send you their link to complete yourself. We never take or pass on your card details.
What we can't do
- We can't guarantee a table at a fully booked restaurant, if nothing is available, you get a full refund.
- We don't pay deposits or give card details on your behalf.
- A few famous counters only accept guests introduced by regulars or through their own system. We tell you upfront if that's the case.
- We can't book through members-only or invitation-only services.
Questions
Yes. Most people book before they fly. Restaurants open bookings at different times (some a month ahead, some only a few days ahead) so tell us your date early and we'll check when they start taking reservations.
We try your backup times and, if you've given one, your backup restaurant. If we can't book anything, you get a full refund. If you'd like us to find alternatives nearby, that's a Handle case.
Often, yes, many counters take phone bookings and are happy to accept overseas guests. A few famous counters only accept guests introduced by regulars. We'll tell you upfront if that's the case, so you don't pay for a booking that can't happen.
No. We give our Japanese phone number as the contact, so any callback comes to us. We pass the message to you on WhatsApp in English.
Related calls
- Book · $17
Change or cancel a restaurant reservation
We call and move or cancel it for you, politely.
- Ask · $9
Ask about allergies, vegetarian, vegan or halal options
Before you book or go, we ask exactly what the kitchen can do.
- Book · $17
Request a birthday cake, message plate or special seat
We arrange the little extras that make the night.
- Handle · $29
Try for a hard-to-book restaurant
For places that need many redials or a call on booking day, we keep trying for up to 7 days.
- Handle · $29
Book a group dinner or private room (10+ people)
We find a place that fits your group, budget and area, and book it.
No result? Full refund.
Ready? Send us your restaurant reservations request.
Message us in English on WhatsApp. We confirm the plan before you pay, and if there's no result, you get a full refund.
Chat on WhatsApp
No WhatsApp? Email hello@calljapan.jp