Short answer
Insert cash, choose your meal, take the ticket and give it to the staff. At many ramen and quick-service restaurants, you pay at a ticket machine near the entrance before sitting down. Insert cash, select the main dish and extras, take the change and printed ticket, then hand the ticket to the staff when directed.
What to do now
- 1Look at the menu before inserting money.
If there is a queue, decide the main dish and any add-ons first.
- 2Insert cash and press the item buttons.
Many machines are cash-first; check the accepted payment symbols on that machine.
- 3Take the printed ticket and change.
Keep both before moving away from the machine.
- 4Give the ticket to staff and wait for instructions.
They may ask about noodle firmness, a seat or a special option.
What you are looking at
The large buttons are usually the main dishes; smaller buttons are extras, drinks or toppings. A photo, English label or popular-item marker can help, but not every machine has English.
Some restaurants use a machine only for payment, while staff take the rest of the order. Follow the signs or copy what the people ahead do.
If you make a mistake
Do not press random buttons hoping to undo the order. Show the ticket to staff before food preparation starts; they can tell you whether a change or refund is possible.
If the machine will not take your payment, ask staff rather than blocking the queue. Some venues have a different payment counter.
FAQ
Do all Japanese restaurants use ticket machines?
No. They are common at some ramen, noodle and fast-service restaurants, but many restaurants take orders and payment at the table or counter.
Do I tip after using the machine?
No. Tipping is not normally expected in Japan.
Official sources
Check the source directly if your journey depends on a detail.
Checked against official Japanese sources · Last verified August 13, 2026