Tokyo
Utilities
No Fragrance
At Kanda especially, and at every counter dining occasion: please come without perfume, cologne, scented hair products, or strongly scented hand creams.
Aroma carries on a still counter. The kitchen will refuse seating in serious cases. This is the single most important etiquette point of the trip.
Currency
Plan to settle each restaurant evening in yen, in cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept international cards.
Dining Etiquette
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Punctuality is precise
Arrive five minutes before the booked time — not earlier, not later. At Kanda, 19:55 sharp. The meal begins simultaneously for all guests.
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No fragrance, no scented products
No perfume, cologne, scented hair products, scented detergent, gum, or smoking beforehand. This is non-negotiable at omakase counters.
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Smart-casual is right
Japan values simplicity. A collared shirt is respectful at omakase. No jacket required. Comfortable shoes — you will walk.
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Protect the counter
Sushi counters are often single pieces of Hinoki cypress. Remove rings, bracelets, and watches before sitting.
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Tipping is not customary
Don't tip. A sincere "Gochisousama deshita" — "thank you for the meal" — is the right closing.
Connectivity
eSIM: Activate before departure. Airalo, HolaFly, and YO all work well in Japan. 4G/5G coverage is excellent across Tokyo.
Suica: Add to Apple Wallet for subway, bus, and most trains. Tap to pay at the gate.
WhatsApp group: Open one week before arrival. Use it in preference to email once live.
Cash
Japan remains a cash-based society at the level of dining we operate at. Plan to settle each restaurant evening in yen at the end of the meal — card is accepted at most venues but not all, and a cash settlement reads as both respectful and frictionless.
Withdraw from any major hotel ATM, Haneda or Narita on arrival, or any 7-Eleven / Japan Post.
Programme Investment
- Confirmed dining · three evenings USD 4,900
- Private touring with Iko · guide fees USD 2,350
- Ground transport · touring day USD 450
- Arrangement & on-trip support USD 2,500
- Introductory discount (USD 2,500)
Excludes food and beverage spend at the restaurants (settled directly in cash on the night), hotel accommodation, flights, and personal expenses.
Emergency
If something is not right
Quietly tell us — never the room. We will resolve it.
Happy Camper operates on the basis of long-standing personal relationships with each restaurant, guide, and driver. The fastest route to anything is the WhatsApp group, or the number above.
Useful phrases
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Sumimasen — すみません
"Excuse me" / "I'm sorry." Universal opener.
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Tasukete kudasai — 助けてください
"Please help me." For genuine emergencies.
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Eigo o hanasemasu ka? — 英語を話せますか？
"Do you speak English?"
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Gochisousama deshita — ごちそうさまでした
"Thank you for the meal." The right closing at every restaurant.