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Comment by mindwok | Hacker News Reader

Was there last week, third time visiting. Still had an incredible time, but hotels were pricy and almost everything was booked out, hotels and popular restaurants + attractions, about a month ahead of time. If you go I'd recommend not doing it spontaneously!

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Why would you need restaurant reservations in a country like Japan where there's interesting restaurant at literally every other door step?

The really good restaurants, even small joints, are full all the time, even without tourists. So, if you want a really excellent meal, be prepared to wait, or find a place where you can make reservations. :-)

Like the OP I was also in Japan this momth for the third time (first time in 2017), visited 4 major cities and few more towns. Never ever had I book a restaurant to eat good good. Yes, there were places that were packed but there was even more places that weren't and still had excellent food. It's just being spoiled and going after google maps reviews/ratings at this point and not really enjoying the place.

If you wanna try Omakase or Kaiseki for example. Even places that were just well reviewed I found were often booked out.

Book Ryokan that offers one (it's a must anyway), but as you said - likely hard at this time of year.

that's normal for higher end restaurant dining. trying to navigate reservations has always been a pain without concierge.

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