How do you call a waiter in a Japanese restaurant?

Find out how to get a server's attention in Japan with a polite phrase, a raised hand or a table button, and when it is better to wait.

Published October 20, 2026 at 7:40 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Staff usually do not come back to your table unless you signal them. Say "sumimasen" (sorry to bother you) in a clear but calm voice, raise a hand slightly, or press the call button on the table if there is one. Many restaurants now use touch screens or tablets for orders, and some use a button for anything else.

Why you need to call the staff yourself

Many first-time visitors wait for a server to return and wonder why nobody comes. In many Japanese restaurants, the custom is that staff give you space to eat in peace and appear when called. Nobody is ignoring you. After taking your order, a server may not check in again until you signal that you need something, which feels attentive to people who value an unhurried meal.

Staff also tend to use very polite language with customers, and customers are not expected to match that level, so plain, friendly words are perfectly fine. A simple, courteous signal from you is the normal way to start the next exchange.

This approach differs from systems in some countries where a server checks back every few minutes. Neither style is better; they simply reflect different ideas of good service. In Japan, giving diners privacy is often seen as a form of respect, and the quick response once you call is part of the same approach.

Step by step: the polite ways to signal

The classic method is to raise your hand slightly, make brief eye contact and say "sumimasen" (a versatile phrase used for getting attention, apologizing or saying thanks). Keep your voice clear but not loud, since the Tokyo tourism office's dining guide encourages keeping your voice low in restaurants. A slight lift of the hand is enough. Waving or snapping fingers is unnecessary.

An alternative is "onegaishimasu" (please, a request), said as staff pass. If the server is at the other end of the room, wait until they look in your direction, or let them finish what they are doing. When they arrive, state your request simply: "o-mizu onegaishimasu" (water, please) or "kore o kudasai" (this one, please) while pointing at the menu.

Call buttons, tablets and touch screens

Many casual restaurants, family restaurants and izakaya (Japanese pubs) have a call button on the table. Press it once and wait. A chime sounds in the kitchen or at a display, and a server comes over. Pressing repeatedly or holding it down makes no difference and can irritate staff.

Tablets and touch screens are increasingly common. They let you choose language options, browse photo menus and send orders to the kitchen without speaking. Some tablets also include a button for calling a server or asking for the bill. Ticket vending machines at the door of ramen shops and similar places work the opposite way: you pay first, take a ticket and hand it to the staff.

Costs and timing: what to expect

Calling a server costs nothing, and tipping is not customary in Japan, so a simple thank-you ("arigato gozaimashita") is all that is needed. Service speed varies. At a busy lunch counter, food may arrive in minutes, while at a sit-down restaurant a multi-course meal can take an hour or more.

Timing matters at certain points. Order drinks soon after you sit, then call again for the main dishes. Many izakaya let you add dishes through the evening, so signaling twice or three times is normal. Before you leave, call once more for the bill, or follow the restaurant's custom for paying at the register. Check each venue's own guidance for details.

Special cases: groups, families and quieter restaurants

Families can keep a call button within reach of an adult rather than a child, and it helps to order drinks and a children's meal together to reduce the number of calls. Older travelers may prefer restaurants with tablets or counters where staff are nearby. Solo travelers at counters can often catch the chef's eye and use a quiet "sumimasen."

At formal restaurants, such as kaiseki (a multi-course traditional meal), staff typically manage service closely and arrive between courses without being called. Quiet places like tea rooms, sushi counters and fine dining venues reward a lighter touch: wait for a natural pause and speak softly. Check ahead if you have allergies or special needs.

Conveyor-belt sushi shops and food courts follow another pattern. At the belt, you take plates yourself and need staff only for special orders or the bill, which is often counted by stacked plates at your seat. In a food court, you order and collect at the counter, then bring the tray back when done.

Common mistakes and misunderstandings

A common mistake is shouting across the room or waving both arms. It can feel rude, and a small raised hand works better. Another is assuming that a lack of service means poor service. If nobody comes for several minutes, it is likely that staff are waiting to be called, not avoiding you.

Some visitors also snap fingers or say "waiter" in English. Staff may still help, but it is more natural to use "sumimasen." Finally, do not press a call button for non-urgent tasks while staff are clearly busy with another table. Waiting a few moments is polite, and staff will usually arrive soon after.

It is also worth remembering that staff may be handling takeout orders, deliveries and kitchen runs at the same time. A calm second signal after a minute or two is entirely reasonable, and most servers are happy to be called back to the table.

Practical tips and next steps

Learn three phrases: "sumimasen" (sorry to bother you), "onegaishimasu" (please) and "okaikei onegaishimasu" (the bill, please). Smile, keep a calm voice and point at the menu. If you cannot make yourself understood, show a note on a phone or use a photo of the dish.

If the restaurant has a tablet, try it first, since the instructions are usually clear. For peak times, arrive early and ask for a table near the staff area. Check the restaurant's own page for service notes, and remember that Japanese servers appreciate effort more than perfect pronunciation.

A final habit that helps is to gather several requests into one call. Ask for water, an extra plate and the dessert menu together, and the server can handle them in one trip. Staff appreciate efficient requests, and the meal flows more smoothly for everyone at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it rude to shout sumimasen in Japan?

A clear voice is fine, but shouting is unnecessary. A moderate "sumimasen" with a slight raised hand is typical. In a busy, noisy restaurant a slightly louder call is understood. In quieter places, wait for eye contact and keep your voice low.

What if nobody notices a guest at the table?

Raise your hand slightly, say "sumimasen," or press the call button. Staff may be busy with other tables. Try again after a short wait. In tablet-based places, use the screen to send a request. Politeness and patience usually bring a quick response.

Do you tip when you call a waiter?

No, tipping is not customary in Japan. The price on your bill is the amount to pay, and service is included. A smile and "arigato gozaimashita" (thank you) are the normal way to show appreciation. Offering extra money can confuse staff.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Japanese for Your First Trip is available on Amazon.

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