Taste Real Japan: Connect with Local Foodies Soon!

Our Story

We often heard from international visitors: “I want to explore local restaurants, but the menus are only in Japanese... I’m afraid I’ll order something I won’t like, or miss out on the best dishes!”

At MenuMate, we believe that language barriers shouldn’t keep you from savoring Japan’s incredible food culture. That’s why we created a service where local Japanese guides can join you for meals, explain the menu items in English, and help you discover the hidden delights that most tourists miss. Whether it’s a cozy izakaya or a high-end sushi bar, we want everyone to taste real Japan—authentically and with confidence.

We’re launching MenuMate to break down cultural barriers, spark new connections, and make every bite memorable. We hope you’ll join us on this delicious adventure!

Imagine Your Experience

Here are some examples of how MenuMate can transform your trip in Tokyo.

1. Jake (Solo Traveler from the U.S.)

Situation: Jake is visiting Tokyo for the first time. He’s eager to try a local izakaya but can’t read the menu.
MenuMate’s Support: A local guide meets him in Asakusa, helps him understand “otoshi,” “sashimi,” and other unique menu items in English.
Result: Jake discovers hidden dishes he never would have ordered alone and even chats with the locals. It’s a night he’ll never forget!

2. Maria & Tom (Couple from Spain)

Situation: They want the perfect wagyu steak dinner in Ginza but are overwhelmed by options.
MenuMate’s Support: Their guide researches the best steakhouse for their budget and taste, translating terms like “marbled beef” or “sirloin.”
Result: They enjoy an unforgettable meal, confident they’ve chosen the perfect place—no guesswork needed.

3. A Group of 4 Friends (Germany)

Situation: They want to do a food crawl—ramen, sushi, and more—but one friend has allergies.
MenuMate’s Support: The guide confirms ingredients and ensures everyone’s dietary needs are met, seamlessly coordinating each location.
Result: They safely and happily sample a variety of Japanese cuisines with zero stress about ingredients.

4. Alex (Business Traveler from the U.K.)

Situation: He’s taken to a local izakaya under the Tokyo train tracks for a business dinner—no English in sight.
MenuMate’s Support: The guide smooths out communication with Japanese colleagues, explains local etiquette, and helps him leave a great impression.
Result: Alex feels confident, his connections grow stronger, and the deal moves forward—no awkward language gaps.

5. Emily (Vegetarian from Australia)

Situation: Worried about fish-based dashi in Japanese food and unsure which restaurants offer true vegetarian dishes.
MenuMate’s Support: A guide researches a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Shibuya, confirms ingredients with the chef, and explains her dietary needs in Japanese.
Result: Emily enjoys a surprisingly diverse vegetarian feast, thrilled she didn’t have to settle for bland “safe” options.

Pricing

Basic Service: Free
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to explore authentic Japanese cuisine. That’s why we never charge a fee for the basic service. If your guide joins you for a meal, we kindly ask you to cover the cost of their food and drinks. And if you feel they’ve provided exceptional help, a tip is always appreciated!

Optional Extras:

• Reservation Assistance (from 3,000 JPY): Have a specific restaurant in mind? We’ll book it for you and handle any special requests.
• Custom Food Tour (from 5,000 JPY): Let us craft a personalized itinerary—perfect for foodies who want to sample multiple spots in one day.

If these services don’t fit your needs, no worries—the core guide service remains completely free. Use MenuMate as you like and pay only for the extras you want.