How ordering actually works. What the dish in front of you is. What to do when there's no WiFi. Practical knowledge for travelers — no fluff, no listicles.
The guides travelers ask for most.
Ticket machines, noren curtains, and the 5 phrases that cover 90% of ramen shops.
How it works, how to pay, and what that surprise appetizer on your bill is.
The honest answer, by restaurant type — and what to do when they don't.
What to download and prepare before you fly, so no signal never ruins a day.
Not word-for-word translations — what the dish actually is, what's inside, raw or cooked, spicy or not.
Chicken & egg rice bowl — and why translators call it "parent and child bowl".
The 18-hour pork broth, and how to customize your bowl like a regular.
Octopus balls from Osaka — what's inside, how to eat them without burning your mouth.
It's not all "chicken skewers" — the cuts, the tare vs shio choice.
JapanMust is a knowledge project for travelers visiting Japan. We explain the things that confuse first-time visitors most: restaurant systems, menus, dishes, and everyday logistics. Every guide is written from real experience, and every dish explanation tells you what's actually in front of you — not a dictionary guess.
New guides and dishes are added regularly. If there's something you want explained, tell us.