Japan Ramen Ticket Machine: Pay First, Then Hand Over the Ticket
At many ramen shops in Japan, you order and pay at a ticket vending machine near the entrance before you eat. Put your money in, press the button for your ramen, take the printed ticket and your change, then hand the ticket to the staff and take your seat as directed. At some shops you order from the staff instead.
Video out Oct 26The 24-second video, with Hako. Follow on YouTube to catch it.
The 4 things to know
Pay before you eat
In most ramen restaurants you pay in advance at a ticket vending machine. At some, you order from the staff instead.
Money first, then the button
Insert your money, press the button for your ramen, drinks or sides, then take the printed ticket and your change.
Give the ticket to the staff
Hand the ticket to the staff, then sit down where they show you and wait for your food.
Decide in line
Check the pictures on the machine while you wait, and keep cash handy, so you are ready when it is your turn.
Quick answers
Do all ramen shops in Japan use ticket machines?
No. Most ramen restaurants have you pay in advance at a ticket machine, but at some you order from the staff.
What do I do with the ticket?
Hand it to the staff, then take your seat as directed and wait for your food.
Do I press the button or put money in first?
Put your money in first, then press the button for your choice. Take your ticket and your change.
Read the video transcript
The machine wants your money before you've even picked.
Many ramen shops have no servers. A ticket machine takes your order and payment.
So decide in line, check the pictures, and keep cash handy.
Insert money, press your choice, take your ticket and your change, then hand the ticket to the staff.
Ticket first, then ramen. More Ramen Rules on the way.
Sources & how we checked
The tips on this page were checked against these official pages:
- Updated
- Video
- 24 seconds, made by Ready in Japan
- Good to know
- Rules can vary by place. Follow local signs and staff.
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