Early Last Orders at Restaurants
Except for chain restaurants and izakayas, places start closing after 10:00 PM.
In Japan, many restaurants close earlier than in major cities overseas. It is common, especially at privately owned shops and popular restaurants, to have a "last order" (the final time orders are accepted) set 30 minutes to an hour before closing. Therefore, after 10:00 PM, an increasing number of places start to close, with the exception of chain restaurants and izakayas.
When you are enjoying sightseeing, dinner time can easily get delayed. However, if you think, "I'll eat later," you might often find that the restaurant you wanted to visit is already closed. Particularly in rural areas or on weekdays, some eateries close around 9:00 PM.
Additionally, many restaurants in Japan close strictly at their designated closing time, and in most cases, you cannot enter after the last order. Because of this, if you are going to a popular restaurant, it is best to check their business hours and last order time in advance for peace of mind.
On the other hand, urban areas do have late-night ramen shops, izakayas, and 24-hour restaurant chains. By planning your meals a little earlier, you will be able to enjoy Japanese gourmet food much more comfortably.
