How to Prepare Your Restaurant Website for Foreign Tourists
Japan continues to welcome more foreign tourists every year, and many of them rely on the internet to choose where to eat. Before stepping into a restaurant, visitors check Google Maps, search for menus, and look for websites that help them understand what to expect. A website that supports foreign tourists can significantly increase your chances of attracting new customers.
The good news is that preparing your website for foreign visitors is simple — and you don’t need a designer or translator to get started.
1. Provide an English Version of Your Website
Even a basic English version makes a big difference. Foreign tourists want to quickly understand:
- your menu
- your opening hours
- your location
- how to reserve a table
You don’t need perfect English — simple, clear sentences are enough.
2. Use Simple English Descriptions for Menu Items
Keep Japanese dish names, but add short English explanations. For example:
- “Tonkatsu” — Breaded pork cutlet
- “Karaage” — Japanese fried chicken
- “Miso katsu” — Pork cutlet with miso sauce
This helps tourists understand your dishes without losing the Japanese identity.
3. Add Photos of Your Dishes
Photos are universal. A good photo can explain a dish better than text. Use:
- bright, natural lighting
- simple backgrounds
- close‑up shots
Photos help tourists feel confident ordering unfamiliar dishes.
4. Add a Simple Online Booking System
Many tourists prefer booking online because they may not speak Japanese. A simple reservation form asking for:
- Name
- Phone number or email
- Number of guests
- Date and time
…is enough. Avoid complicated forms or Japanese‑only instructions.
5. Make Sure Your Website Is Mobile‑Friendly
Most tourists browse on their smartphones while traveling. Your website should:
- load quickly
- use large, readable text
- have easy‑to‑tap buttons
- display photos cleanly
A mobile‑friendly website improves the experience for both tourists and locals.
Make Your Website Tourist‑Friendly Today
A bilingual, mobile‑friendly website with clear photos and simple booking can significantly increase your restaurant’s appeal to foreign tourists. Wazoka includes bilingual support, menu translation fields, and a built‑in booking system — all for ¥990 per month after the first 2 free months.