The F&B industry in Japan is one of the most dynamic sectors with great growth potential, not only due to its rich culinary culture but also because of innovations in customer service approaches. One of the prominent trends shaping this market is the rise of online booking services.

This blog will help you explore:

• The current state of booking services in Japan’s F&B industry: How restaurants, eateries, and chain stores are integrating reservation solutions to optimize business operations and serve customers more efficiently.
• Development trends: Technological innovations, changes in consumer behavior, and the strong recovery of international tourism are driving the growth of booking platforms in the F&B sector. Additionally, the article will analyze the impact of factors such as economic growth, consumer preferences, and the demand for personalized dining experiences, especially in key areas like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Join us in exploring this blog to gain a deeper understanding of how booking services are transforming the F&B industry in Japan, and uncover opportunities and solutions suitable for your business!

1. Introduction to Booking service

1.1. What is a booking services?

Booking Service is a system that simplifies the process of making reservations or scheduling appointments across various sectors such as hotels, restaurants, healthcare, beauty services, and events. This system is typically integrated into online platforms, providing convenience and speed for both customers and service providers.

1.2. Which industries are booking services being strongly implemented in?

In Japan, Booking Services are being widely implemented across various industries, thanks to the development of technology and modern consumer habits. Some notable sectors include:

Travel and Hospitality

• Hotels and Ryokan (traditional inns): Travelers can easily book rooms online through platforms such as Rakuten Travel, Jalan, or Booking.com.
• Tourism: Services for booking local tours, train tickets, or buses are being digitized extensively.

Food and Restaurants

• Restaurants and Eateries: Platforms like Tabelog, Hot Pepper Gourmet, and Gurunavi allow customers to search, reserve tables, and even pre-order food.
• Fine Dining: Reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants or exclusive eateries are becoming increasingly popular.

Beauty and Spa

• Hair salons, nail salons, and spas: Apps like Hot Pepper Beauty help customers book beauty services quickly and conveniently.
• Onsen (hot spring baths): Reservation services for using facilities or booking rooms at luxury Onsen resorts.

Healthcare and Medical Services

• Clinics and Hospitals: Online booking services for medical appointments help patients save time and reduce pressure on healthcare facilities.
• Personal Healthcare: Booking online consultations with nutritionists, psychologists, or physiotherapists.

Entertainment and Events

• Cinemas and Theaters: Customers can reserve tickets in advance to select their seats.
• Amusement Parks: Booking entry tickets or priority services like Disney FastPass.
• Cultural Events: Booking tickets for concerts, art exhibitions, or workshops.

Education and Training

• Learning Centers and Courses: Booking classes at language centers, yoga studios, or personal development courses.
• Study Abroad or Career Counseling: Services that help book appointments with consultants.

Transportation and Logistics

• Car Rental and Taxis: Booking vehicles through apps like Uber Japan or DiDi.
• Train and Flight Tickets: Booking Shinkansen (bullet trains) or domestic flights through online platforms.

Real Estate and Housing Services

• Real Estate Services: Scheduling property viewings or consultations with real estate professionals.
• Cleaning and Repair Services: Booking appointments with home service providers.

2. An Overview of the F&B Industry Worldwide and in Japan

The Global F&B Industry

The food and beverage (F&B) industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors worldwide, playing a vital role in the economy of many countries. With the increase in population, urbanization, and changes in consumer habits, the F&B industry not only meets basic needs but also creates rich culinary experiences.

Some prominent trends in the global F&B industry include:

• Convenience and speed: The development of fast food chains, delivery services, and online booking platforms.
• Healthy and sustainable food: Consumers are increasingly focused on health and eco-friendly products.
• Technology application: Technological solutions such as AI, blockchain, and automation are being applied to enhance management efficiency and customer service.

The global F&B industry is valued at trillions of USD each year, with strong growth in emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The F&B Industry in Japan

In Japan, the F&B industry is not only a business sector but also an art form and a cultural phenomenon. With its rich culinary heritage, Japan is one of the leading countries in terms of food quality standards and dining experiences.

Some notable characteristics of the F&B industry in Japan include:

• Diverse market:
  Traditional restaurant chains (ramen, sushi, yakiniku) continue to attract both locals and international tourists.
  The popularity of high-end restaurants and fusion styles that combine Japanese cuisine with international flavors.
• High consumer demand:
  Japan has a high rate of dining out, especially in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Reservation habits and the use of online services are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among younger generations and international visitors.

• Consumer trends:
  Japanese consumers care about product quality, ingredient origins, and sustainability factors.
  Convenient services like convenience stores (konbini), food delivery, and booking services are becoming mainstream.
• International influence:
  Japanese cuisine, such as sushi, sashimi, and ramen, has become a global culinary symbol.
  Japanese businesses are expanding into international markets, bringing the flavors of Japan closer to global consumers.

3. Market Trends and Consumer Trends of Booking Services in the F&B Industry

3.1. Consumer Trends

The consumer trends for booking services in Japan are strongly influenced by various cultural and social factors. First, consumer behavior has significantly changed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With over 29% of the population being over 65 years old, the demand for safety in transactions has increased, leading to a trend of reducing face-to-face interactions and shifting to online purchases. However, the culture of queuing for meals remains a distinctive part of the dining experience in Japan, especially given the abundance of small, traditional restaurants. As a result, reservation systems are not yet widely popular at regular restaurants. Instead, booking services are mainly favored at high-end restaurants, where making a reservation is considered essential to ensure the best service and quality experience.

3.2. Main Customer Segments

In the F&B industry, the primary users of booking services include a variety of customer groups with diverse needs. Firstly, tourists, especially those from Western countries, often prefer to make reservations through agencies or third-party travel apps. These platforms offer convenient travel packages that include dining services at well-known restaurants.

Additionally, individuals who want to secure a seat when dining are also actively using booking services, especially international tourists who wish to experience local cuisine without the worry of unavailable seating. Moreover, high-end customers and businesspeople frequently use booking services to ensure comfort and privacy, catering to events such as parties or important meetings.

Also see: AI Development in E-Commerce: The Future of Online Shopping

3.3. Market Segment

B2B

• Chain Restaurants and Popular Brands:

This segment includes chain restaurants or well-known brands that have established a stable customer base and a loyal following. The clientele primarily consists of locals and tourists, with the market concentrated in urban areas that have high population density and foot traffic, such as train stations, shopping malls, or night markets. The demand for reservations in this segment tends to peak during busy hours when the volume of customers is highest.

• High-End Restaurants:

These are famous restaurants with luxurious and upscale settings, catering to customers with high expectations for dining experiences. Restaurants in this segment are typically located in central areas of major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, where businesspeople and high-end clientele gather.

B2C

• Tourists and Affiliate Services:

This customer segment mainly consists of both domestic and international tourists, who typically seek restaurants capable of offering multilingual services for easier access. Restaurants in this segment often partner with international booking platforms to expand their customer base. The market is concentrated in major tourist cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, where there is a high demand for the convenience of making reservations in advance.

• Foreign Tourists and First-Time Visitors:

This group of customers usually looks for easy, multilingual, and convenient reservation services to enhance their travel experience. Online booking services designed to cater to them help simplify the process of finding restaurants.

• High-End Customers:

This segment includes businesspeople or individuals with upscale lifestyles, who often entertain guests or organize important meetings. They are willing to pay more to ensure they have a convenient seat without having to wait, while enjoying a luxurious atmosphere and top-tier service.

• Mass Consumers and Young People:

This group primarily consists of office workers and young people living in large cities who require quick and convenient table reservations. They typically book reservations for lunch or dinner, looking for efficiency to fit into their busy schedules.

4. Booking platform products in the F&B industry in Japan.

4.1. Table Check

Product: Table Check provides a reservation and customer management platform for restaurants, featuring multi-language support, real-time table status management, and integration with POS systems. It is a comprehensive solution that helps restaurants optimize the reservation process and serve customers efficiently.

Target Audience: Currently, more than 5,000 restaurants worldwide, ranging from small establishments to large restaurant chains, are using the Table Check platform.

Main Features / Services:

• Reservation Management: Table Check enables restaurants to easily manage and track customer reservations, ensuring no overlaps and allowing for optimal customer service.
• Notification System: The platform sends notifications via email or SMS to customers about reservation confirmations, reminders, and promotional offers.
• Data Analytics: Table Check provides detailed reports and analytics on revenue, customer behavior, and business performance, helping restaurants implement effective business strategies.
• Customizable Experience: The platform allows restaurants to customize the reservation interface and experience to align with their unique brand and style.
• Customer Management Functionality: Table Check stores customer information and reservation history to personalize services, providing a better experience for returning customers.
• Integration with Other Platforms: The platform supports integration with other restaurant management systems, optimizing workflow and improving operational efficiency.
• Multi-Language Support: With the rise of international tourism, Table Check offers multi-language support and interfaces to meet the needs of international customers, making reservation processes more convenient.

4.2. ResDiary

Product: ResDiary is a reservation management system that includes tools such as waitlist management, customer notifications, and reservation reminders. It is designed to streamline the reservation process for restaurants and hotels, ensuring a seamless customer experience.

Target Audience: Since its launch in 2006, ResDiary has served over 7,500 restaurants and hotels, ranging from small boutique venues to large hotel chains.

Main Features / Services:

• Reservation Management: ResDiary allows restaurants to easily manage reservations, including confirmation, cancellation, and adjustments. This feature helps optimize table utilization and improve operational efficiency.
• Website Integration: The system integrates directly with a restaurant’s website, enabling customers to make reservations online conveniently.
• Reports and Analytics: ResDiary provides detailed reports on business performance, helping restaurants make data-driven decisions to improve their operations and profitability.
• Customer Management: The platform stores customer information and reservation history, allowing restaurants to personalize customer experiences and offer tailored services.
• Mobile Application: ResDiary offers a mobile app that allows staff to manage reservations and customer data on-the-go, enhancing operational flexibility and customer service.
• Reminder Features: The system sends notifications and reminders to customers about their upcoming reservations, ensuring better customer engagement and reducing no-shows.
• Customizable Reservation Display: ResDiary enables restaurants to customize the way reservations are displayed, allowing them to meet specific operational needs.
• Multi-Language Support: With support for multiple languages, ResDiary helps restaurants better serve international customers, making the reservation process more accessible and user-friendly..

4.3. OpenTable

Product: OpenTable is a globally renowned reservation platform that offers real-time booking tracking, reviews, and integration with the international OpenTable network. It simplifies the reservation process for customers and restaurants alike, providing a seamless experience.

Main Features / Services:

• Online Reservations: OpenTable allows users to quickly and easily book tables at restaurants, offering a convenient and efficient solution for diners.
• Restaurant Search: The platform provides a search tool that lets users find restaurants based on location, cuisine type, ratings, and price range, helping them make informed dining choices.
• Reviews and Ratings: Users can view reviews and ratings from other customers, providing insights into the quality of the restaurant and the dining experience.
• Menu and Photos: OpenTable offers detailed information on restaurant menus, images, and descriptions, helping customers make decisions on where to dine based on their preferences.
• Reservation Management: Users can manage and modify their reservations through their personal accounts, making it easy to adjust bookings as needed.
• Rewards Program: OpenTable has a rewards program that allows users to accumulate points when making reservations, which can be redeemed for discounts or special offers, enhancing the value for frequent users.
• Sharing Experiences: The platform enables users to share their dining experiences with friends via social media, promoting restaurants and fostering community engagement.

4.4. Toreta Asia Pte.Ltd

Product: Toreta provides a comprehensive reservation and customer management system for restaurants, offering an online booking solution and efficient management features tailored to various types of dining establishments.

Target Audience:

• High-End Restaurants: These establishments require professional reservation services and customer management systems to efficiently handle bookings and ensure a premium dining experience.
• Mid-Range Restaurants: Restaurants looking to optimize their reservation processes and customer management to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
• Cafes and Bars: These venues also need effective reservation and customer management systems, especially during peak hours, to accommodate high customer demand.
• Restaurant Chains: Large restaurant chains require a synchronized system to manage multiple branches effectively, ensuring consistent service and operational efficiency.

Main Features / Services:

• Multi-Channel Management
• Table Management
• Centralized Management
• Cloud-Based Platform
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Deposit Management
• POS Integration

4.5. EPARK

Product: EPARK is a platform that enables users to make reservations and wait at various types of establishments, including restaurants, hospitals, and hair salons, all with a single ID.

Target Audience: EPARK is particularly popular with restaurant chains and family-owned restaurants due to its wide range of features.

Main Features / Services:

• Restaurant Reservations: Allows users to make reservations at restaurants and eateries in advance.
• Medical Appointments: Users can schedule appointments at healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics.
• Beauty Services: Enables users to book appointments at hair salons, spas, and other beauty service providers.
• Sports and Recreation: Offers booking services for sports and recreational activities, such as gyms, sports fields, and more.
• Parking Services: Provides information and booking options for parking spaces.

5. Forecast of the Booking Services Market in the F&B Industry

Economic Growth

The F&B industry currently contributes about 3% of Japan’s GDP and is considered one of the most promising sectors within the service industry. This is driven by the strong recovery of the tourism sector and significant changes in consumer habits.

Forecasts predict that Japan’s GDP will grow steadily by 1.3% to 1.5% in 2024 and 2025. This is a positive sign, indicating that consumers are likely to spend more on premium F&B services, especially in economically developed areas and tourist destinations.

Increase in International Tourism

The recovery of international tourist arrivals, particularly from Asian countries like China and South Korea, has been and continues to boost the demand for F&B services at popular tourist spots and major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Booking services have become the optimal solution for tourists to easily access restaurants and secure seating during peak travel times.

Spending Trends

Personal spending by Japanese consumers is expected to grow by 3-5% during the 2023-2024 period. In particular, major urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka are not only economic hubs but also top tourist destinations, where the demand for convenient F&B services continues to rise.

Japanese customers, especially the younger generation and office workers, are increasingly favoring online booking services due to their convenience and ability to optimize the dining experience. This is a key driver of the growth of the booking market in the F&B industry.

With the increase in personal spending, the recovery of the tourism industry, and changing consumer habits, the booking service market in Japan’s F&B sector is expected to continue strong growth, creating significant opportunities for businesses to leverage this trend and expand their market share.

Conclusion

Booking services in the F&B industry in Japan are undergoing a significant transformation, playing a crucial role in enhancing customer experiences and optimizing business efficiency for restaurants and eateries. The combination of advanced technology and the growing consumer demand for convenience has driven the development of online booking platforms.

With the recovery of international tourism, increased personal spending, and the demand for personalized dining experiences, booking services are not just a trend but the inevitable future of the F&B industry in Japan.

Businesses in the F&B sector must seize these opportunities by investing in technology, improving services, and focusing on meeting the diverse needs of both domestic and international customers. This is the key to maintaining a competitive edge and achieving sustainable growth in a continuously evolving market.