Question
I’m planning to visit Kyoto during the cherry blossom season and want to enjoy the local food at a restaurant. I’ve heard that making a reservation is important in Japan. How do I ask, “Do I need a reservation for dinner tonight?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
今夜（こんや）の夕食（ゆうしょく）は予約（よやく）が必要（ひつよう）ですか。
Kon’ya no yuushoku wa yoyaku ga hitsuyou desuka?
Do I need a reservation for dinner tonight?
In Japan, especially during peak tourist seasons like cherry blossom season in Kyoto, it’s often necessary to make a reservation at popular restaurants. The word “kon’ya” means “tonight”, “yuushoku” means “dinner”, “yoyaku” means “reservation”, and “hitsuyou desuka” means “is necessary?”.
You can adapt this expression for other meals or days by replacing “kon’ya no yuushoku” with the specific time or meal, for instance, “ashita no hirugohan” (tomorrow’s lunch).
