Ramen ticket machines in Japan: how to order when nobody speaks English
Checked against 7 official sources. 5 minute read.
What to know first
At many ramen, udon, soba, curry and gyudon shops you pay a machine by the door before you sit down. Put cash in first, press the button for your dish, take the ticket (and your change), then hand the ticket to the staff. The top-left button is usually the shop's standard bowl, and the most useful kanji are 大盛 (large), 味玉 (seasoned egg), 替玉 (extra noodles) and ライス (rice). Carry ¥1,000 notes and coins: some machines don't take ¥10,000 notes, and older ones may reject the new notes issued from 3 July 2024. Newer machines also take IC cards such as Suica and sometimes QR payments.
Next step: Download Japanese for offline camera translation in Google Translate before your trip, and keep ¥3,000 in ¥1,000 notes plus coins for small restaurants.
- New Bank of Japan notes issued
- 3 July 2024
- Google Translate camera works offline
- Yes, after downloading the language
- Example ramen prices used
- ¥980–¥1,130 a bowl (illustrative, not one shop)
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On this page
What to do at the machine
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| A machine by the door, staff point at it | Pay there before sitting. Staff won't take an order without a ticket. |
| Buttons lit only after you insert money | Insert cash or tap your IC card first. Buttons light up only for dishes you can afford. |
| A slot that rejects your ¥10,000 note | Use ¥1,000 notes, or change money at a konbini (convenience store) first. Smaller machines often take only ¥1,000 notes, while makers also sell models that take ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 notes. No figure for how many accept ¥10,000 is published (not stated officially as of 11 October 2026). |
| A ¥1,000 note of the new design is rejected | Try an older note or coins, or ask "Kore tsukaemasu ka?". Machines not yet updated may reject notes issued from 3 July 2024. |
| An IC or QR logo on the machine | Choose the payment type on screen, then tap. Some touch-screen machines are cashless-only. |
| Everything in kanji, no pictures | Use the camera translation, or press the top-left button. The top-left is very often the signature dish. |
| A sold-out light (売切) on a button | Pick another dish. 売切 means sold out. |
| You pressed the wrong button | Ask staff; don't press 返却 after printing. 返却 or おつり returns unused money, not a printed ticket. |
Worked example: two bowls, two people, ¥3,000 in cash
Two people at a tonkotsu ramen shop. The prices below are an illustrative example rather than one shop's menu, but they sit in the real range: Ichiran's standard tonkotsu ramen is ¥980, ¥1,080 or ¥1,180 depending on the branch (as of 11 October 2026). Prices on the machine:
ラーメン (ramen) ¥980
味玉ラーメン (ramen with seasoned egg) ¥1,130
大盛 (large portion) +¥150
替玉 (extra noodles) ¥150
瓶ビール (bottled beer) ¥650
Person A wants a large ramen with egg.
Insert ¥2,000 as two ¥1,000 notes. The credit display shows 2000.
Press 味玉ラーメン (¥1,130). Credit falls to 870.
Press 大盛 (¥150). Credit falls to 720.
Press the change lever or button (おつり). Collect ¥720 in coins and two tickets.
Person B wants plain ramen and a beer.
Insert ¥1,000 and ¥630 in coins (taken from Person A's ¥720 change) = ¥1,630.
Press ラーメン (¥980) and 瓶ビール (¥650). Credit falls to 0. No change.
Together: ¥1,280 + ¥1,630 = ¥2,910. If Person A still feels hungry, a 替玉 ticket costs ¥150 more, which some shops sell from the machine and others take in cash at the counter. Ask "Kaedama, kenbaiki desu ka?" (Is extra noodles from the machine?).
Hand all tickets over together on the counter. Staff may then ask how you like the noodles. That's the next section.
After the ticket: what staff may ask
At many ramen shops staff ask a question or two when they take your ticket. You can answer with one word.
Men no katasa wa?: How firm do you want the noodles?. Easy answers: Katame (firm), futsū (normal), yawarakame (soft).
Aji no koisa wa?: Broth strength?. Easy answers: Koime (strong), futsū, usume (light).
Abura wa?: How much fat/oil?. Easy answers: Ōme (more), futsū, sukuname (less).
Ninniku iremasu ka?: Add garlic?. Easy answers: Hai (yes), nashi de (without).
Rasuto ōdā desu: Last orders. Easy answers: Buy anything else now.
If in doubt, say "Futsū de onegai shimasu" (normal, please). It's always an accepted answer.
Other phrases that work:
"Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?" Is there an English menu?
"Osusume wa dore desu ka?" Which do you recommend? (Point at the machine.)
"Niku nashi de dekimasu ka?" Can it be made without meat? The answer is often no for ramen broths, and a yes is no guarantee about the broth or cross-contact, so don't treat it as an allergy check; see Vegetarian and vegan food in Japan.
"Gochisōsama deshita." Said as you leave; it's appreciated.
Translating the machine with your phone
1. In Google Translate, set Japanese → English, tap Camera, and point it at the text on the machine.
2. Small, unclear or stylised text may not translate accurately, so check it against the table above.
3. In poor light, use the flash. Hand-written menus translate badly; ask for the English menu instead.
4. Before you travel, download Japanese for offline camera translation, so it works without data.
Machine translations can be odd: 替玉 may appear as "replacement ball". The table above covers the usual traps.
Etiquette in the shop
Queue outside, not inside, unless staff wave you in. Some shops have you buy the ticket while queuing.
Sit where you're shown; counter seats are filled in order.
Slurping noodles is normal. Taking calls at the counter isn't.
Return the bowl to the raised counter if others do, wipe the counter with the cloth if one is provided, and leave promptly when the queue is long.
Tipping isn't customary. See everyday etiquette in Japan.
Your next step
Screenshot the button table in this guide, set up Google Translate's offline Japanese camera translation, and check your wallet holds at least three ¥1,000 notes before your first ramen.
Key facts, checked 11 October 2026
New Bank of Japan notes issued: 3 July 2024.
Google Translate camera works offline: Yes, after downloading the language.
Example ramen prices used: ¥980–¥1,130 a bowl (illustrative, not one shop).
Ichiran standard tonkotsu ramen: ¥980, ¥1,080 or ¥1,180 by branch.
Contactless-card ticket machines: Exist (Shibaura Jihanki EMV models, announced March 2019); share not published.
Sources for this section: Bank of Japan, "A New Series of Banknotes and a New 500 Yen Coin" · Google Translate Help, "Translate images" · Ichiran, in-store menu and prices (Japanese) · Payment Navi, Shibaura Jihanki EMV card ticket machines with Visa and Mastercard contactless (5 March 2019)
Questions about this guide
Can I pay a ramen ticket machine by credit card?
Rarely. Most ramen machines take cash, and newer ones add transport IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) and sometimes QR payments. Ticket machines that take Visa and Mastercard contactless do exist (Shibaura Jihanki announced card models with contactless support in March 2019), but there's no published figure for how many shops have one (not stated officially as of 11 October 2026). Don't count on it: load your Suica and keep ¥1,000 notes as backup.
What if the machine won't take my ¥10,000 note?
Change it at a konbini by buying something small. Some shop staff will give change from the till if you show the note and say "Kuzushite moraemasu ka?" (Could you break this?).
I pressed the wrong dish. Can I get a refund?
Ask before handing over the ticket. Show it and say "Machigaemashita" (I made a mistake). Most shops will swap it or refund cash from the till. Once the bowl is made, expect to pay.
Do all ramen shops use machines?
No. Many order at the table or counter with a paper or tablet menu. Some combine both: at Ichiran you hand in your meal tickets together with a paper order sheet for noodle firmness and other preferences. If there's no machine by the door, sit down and wait for the menu.
Is there an English button?
On touch-screen machines, often yes: look for a globe icon or "English" in a corner. Push-button machines almost never have one, which is why the kanji table above matters.
Official pages for this guide
The rules in this guide come from the official pages below. Japan, Booked. does not book or submit requests on your behalf.
- Bank of Japan, "A New Series of Banknotes and a New 500 Yen Coin"
- Bank of Japan, remarks at the issuance of the new banknotes (3 July 2024)
- Google Translate Help, "Translate images"
- Ichiran, in-store menu and prices (Japanese)
- Payment Navi, Shibaura Jihanki EMV card ticket machines with Visa and Mastercard contactless (5 March 2019)
- Payment Navi, Mamiya-OP VMT-620 touch-screen ticket machine taking high-value notes and cashless payments (14 July 2025)
- Office 24 / Payment Navi, cashless-only restaurant ticket machine release (example of IC/QR machines)
Read next
- Cash or card in Japan: plan your everyday paymentsBuild a practical mix of cash, cards and transport payments for shopping, food and getting around.
- Suica, cards and mobile wallets for your Japan tripChoose between a phone-based wallet and a physical card, then fit it alongside your other travel payments.
- Planning meals in Japan with food allergiesPrepare questions about ingredients, translations, and cross-contamination for dining out and packaged items, along with clear ways to communicate your needs.
- Vegetarian and vegan food in Japan: a first-timer's guide"Vegetarian" isn't enough in Japan: the catch is fish stock (dashi). Get a Japanese phrase card, temple-food prices from ¥3,800 and chains with plant-based menus.
- A practical guide to everyday etiquette in JapanLearn the everyday habits that help you enjoy trains, restaurants and shared spaces while respecting local life.
Sources and how this guide was checked
Published · Based on official sources · no affiliate links
Official sources
These official sources explain the rules and conditions used in this guide. Live availability and your own booking, admission or service outcome still need to be confirmed for your trip.
- Bank of Japan, "A New Series of Banknotes and a New 500 Yen Coin"
What this confirms: Supports the key facts on: New Bank of Japan notes issued.
Last checked - Bank of Japan, remarks at the issuance of the new banknotes (3 July 2024)
What this confirms: Background source checked for this guide.
Last checked - Google Translate Help, "Translate images"
What this confirms: Supports the key facts on: Google Translate camera works offline.
Last checked - Ichiran, in-store menu and prices (Japanese)
What this confirms: Supports the key facts on: Example ramen prices used; Ichiran standard tonkotsu ramen.
Last checked - Payment Navi, Shibaura Jihanki EMV card ticket machines with Visa and Mastercard contactless (5 March 2019)
What this confirms: Supports the key facts on: Contactless-card ticket machines.
Last checked - Payment Navi, Mamiya-OP VMT-620 touch-screen ticket machine taking high-value notes and cashless payments (14 July 2025)
What this confirms: Background source checked for this guide.
Last checked - Office 24 / Payment Navi, cashless-only restaurant ticket machine release (example of IC/QR machines)
What this confirms: Background source checked for this guide.
Last checked
About this guide
How to use a Japanese ramen ticket machine: cash and IC cards, the kanji on the buttons, a worked order with change, and what staff will ask you.
Checked against the Bank of Japan, Google Translate Help, Ichiran and Payment Navi on 11 October 2026. For the bigger payment picture, see Cash or card in Japan and Suica, cards and mobile wallets. If you have an allergy, read Planning meals in Japan with food allergies first: a ticket machine can't tell you what's in the broth. Japan, Booked. is independent and this page has no affiliate links.
How we checked this
Sources and limits of this guide
These dated notes show what each source supports, and what you still need to check yourself.
If columns are cut off, scroll sideways. Keyboard: focus the table, then use Left/Right Arrow keys.
| Question | What we found | Where it comes from | What this means for your trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Bank of Japan notes issued | 3 July 2024 | Bank of Japan, "A New Series of Banknotes and a New 500 Yen Coin" | Checked 11 October 2026. Recheck before you rely on it. |
| Google Translate camera works offline | Yes, after downloading the language | Google Translate Help, "Translate images" | Checked 11 October 2026. Recheck before you rely on it. |
| Example ramen prices used | ¥980–¥1,130 a bowl (illustrative, not one shop) | Ichiran, in-store menu and prices (Japanese) | Checked 11 October 2026. Recheck before you rely on it. |
| Ichiran standard tonkotsu ramen | ¥980, ¥1,080 or ¥1,180 by branch | Ichiran, in-store menu and prices (Japanese) | Checked 11 October 2026. Recheck before you rely on it. |
| Contactless-card ticket machines | Exist (Shibaura Jihanki EMV models, announced March 2019); share not published | Payment Navi, Shibaura Jihanki EMV card ticket machines with Visa and Mastercard contactless (5 March 2019) | Checked 11 October 2026. Recheck before you rely on it. |
Based on official sources, linked below.
Guide updates Reviewed
When this guide was checked and what changed
- First published
- Last checked
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- What we checked
- Bank of Japan, Google Translate Help, Ichiran, Payment Navi and Office 24 / Payment Navi, checked 11 October 2026.
- Latest update
- : First published: how to pay a ramen ticket machine, the kanji on the buttons, a worked order with change, phone translation and what staff will ask, checked against official pages on 11 October 2026.
The date above reflects when these checks were last run. If an individual source was rechecked later, you’ll see that date next to it below. Other copy edits are listed in the update history.
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One editor looks after this guide
Japan, Booked. is run and edited from Japan. The same editor checks the Japanese and English sources, writes the traveller-facing guidance and keeps the correction history up to date.
What changed
Update history
- First published
First published: how to pay a ramen ticket machine, the kanji on the buttons, a worked order with change, phone translation and what staff will ask, checked against official pages on 11 October 2026.
If an operator, organiser or product changes in a way that affects the guide, we check it again sooner. Reader reports help us spot what to investigate, and we verify them against current official information before publishing. Read our update and corrections policy. See every guide's review schedule. Suggest an improvement to this guide.