✂️ How to Make a Reservation in Japan (Part 2)

— I hope your haircut in Japan becomes a wonderful memory —

In the previous article, I explained the basics of Japan’s “reservation culture.”
Now, let’s go one step deeper.

This is the practical guide for travelers:
real trouble cases, how to book smoothly, and useful English templates you can copy and use.

Making a reservation at a Japanese barbershop is actually very easy.
With just a few simple tips, your haircut in Japan becomes more comfortable, relaxing, and stress-free.

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⭐ STEP 1: Avoid Trouble Before It Happens!

① Common Problem: “I can’t find the shop…”

This is one of the most frequent issues foreign travelers face.
The reservation is confirmed—but the shop is hard to locate.

✔ Solutions (these prevent 90% of problems)

• Pin the shop on Google Maps right when you make the reservation
• Keep the search page for the shop open in your browser
• Exchange phone numbers if possible
  → The shop can guide you if you get lost
  → You can quickly say “I’m running late!”
  → The shop can contact you if an earlier spot opens

If you prefer not to share phone numbers,
LINE / Instagram / Facebook messages or calls work perfectly.

A reliable communication method solves almost all issues.

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⭐ STEP 2: Understanding Japan’s Reservation Culture (Advanced)

✔ Japanese barbers expect you to arrive on time

You might wonder:

“Why are Japanese people so strict about time?”

The reason is simple:

When you arrive on time, the next customer can also be served happily.
And because the previous customer arrived on time,
the barber can give you the best possible service.

In Japan, there is a saying:

“Nasake wa hito no tame narazu.”
(One good turn deserves another.)

Your actions create a positive chain for everyone.

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✔ No contact = Your reservation may be treated as canceled

If you don’t contact the shop when you’re late,
they may have to give your spot to someone else.

But:

If you inform them you’ll be 5–10 minutes late,
they can often adjust by:

• Changing the menu slightly
• Asking the next customer to wait a moment

Still, the best kindness you can show is simply:

“Try not to be late ❤️”

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✔ Telling your menu in advance is very helpful

When the shop knows what you want, they can perfectly plan:

• Timing
• Preparation
• Tools and setup

This allows them to give you the best time performance.

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✔ Messaging apps are better than phone calls

This is very important.

Why?

Because text can be translated by AI into clear English or Japanese.

Messaging is smoother, more accurate, and less stressful for both sides.

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⭐ STEP 3: Three Types of Reservations (Practical Guide)

The key is choosing the right style depending on your situation.

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1. Last-minute bookings (same-day or next-day)

Example (Customer → Barber)

“Hi, this is ○○. Do you have any availability today?”

If available

“Yes, please come at ○○:○○. I’ll be waiting for you!”

If fully booked

“Sorry, we’re full today. How about ○○:○○ tomorrow?”

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2. Date-first booking

“Hi, is next Wednesday at 13:00 available?”
→ “Yes, that time works. See you then!”

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3. Menu-flex booking

“Hi, can I get only a face shave?”
→ “Yes, that’s no problem. I’ll be waiting for you.”

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⭐ STEP 4: Troubleshooting (Real Situations)

Case 1: You’re running late

“Hi, this is ○○. I’ll be 5–10 minutes late.”
→ This is enough!

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Case 2: You want to change the time

“Hi, this is ○○. Can I change my reservation time?”

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Case 3: The shop hasn’t replied yet

During busy periods, barbers may not check messages immediately.

If there’s no “Seen” mark:

• Try calling
• If language is difficult, simply hang up and send a message again

This is the smoothest way to communicate.

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⭐ STEP 5: English Templates (10 Essential Phrases-Full Version)

(These are the templates from the previous section—already translated and ready to use)

• First-time booking
• Rescheduling
• 5-minute delay
• 15-minute delay
• Cancellation
• Menu consultation
• Adding another person
• Couple booking
• Barber’s reply templates
• Thank-you message

These phrases are ready to copy and send directly to the barber.
Short, polite, natural, and perfect for travelers in Japan.

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① First-time Booking

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. Do you have any availability today?
Hi, I’d like to make a reservation. Is ○○:○○ available?

Barber:
Yes, you can come at ○○:○○. I’ll be waiting for you.
Sorry, we’re fully booked today. How about ○○:○○ tomorrow?

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② Rescheduling

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. Can I change my reservation time?

Barber:
Sure. What time would you prefer?
Sorry, only ○○:○○ is available. Is that okay?

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③ 5-minute Delay

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. I’ll be about 5 minutes late.

Barber:
No problem. Please come safely.

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④ 10–15 Minute Delay

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. I’ll be around 10–15 minutes late. I’m sorry.

Barber:
Thank you for letting us know. We’ll adjust as much as possible.

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⑤ Cancellation

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. I’m sorry, but I need to cancel my reservation today.

Barber:
Thank you for contacting us. I hope to see you next time.

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⑥ Menu Consultation

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. Can I get a haircut and shave?
Hi, can I get only a face shave?

Barber:
Yes, that’s possible. I’ll be waiting for you.

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⑦ Adding Another Person

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. Can I add one more person to my reservation?

Barber:
Yes, if the time allows. What time would you prefer?

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⑧ Couple Booking

Customer:
Hi, this is ○○. Can I book for two people at the same time?

Barber:
Yes, two people are OK. Please come together at ○○:○○.

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⑨ Barber’s Reply Templates

Thank you for your message.
Your reservation is confirmed for ○○:○○.
Please arrive on time. Looking forward to seeing you!

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⑩ Thank-you Message

Customer:
Thank you for today! I really enjoyed the haircut.

Barber:
Thank you very much! I’m happy you liked it. See you again!

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⭐ STEP 6: Important Notes

✔ Words to avoid?

None!

In fact, even a simple
“Hello 😀” “Thank you 😀”
in Japanese makes the atmosphere very friendly.

Kindness is universal.

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✔ What is NG in Japanese barbershops?

Long phone calls during the haircut.
It stops the barber’s hands and interrupts the service.

Short messages are fine—just avoid long conversations.

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⭐ STEP 7: Summary

To guide readers to the next article, you can end with:

“Coming next: Useful Japanese phrases you can use at the barber!”

Perfect for creating a helpful series for travelers.

If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, check it out here:

👉 How to Make a Reservation in Japan (Part 1)