Midnight
Challenge Guide
"Authentic Fast Food"
~ Take the Chopstick Challenge ! ~
Matsuya is your 24/7 lifeline.
Matsuya is a recommended restaurant for beginners to secretly practice using chopsticks late at
night.
Unlike others, Matsuya gives you free miso soup and requires almost zero interaction
with staff.
Spotting It
Look for the YELLOW sign and the blue/orange circles.
First thing to note: THE DOOR
Don't just stand there waiting! Many doors in Japan won't open just by standing in front of them. Look for one of these:
-
● "Hand-Wave" Sensor (Touchless):
Post-pandemic, many doors have a sensor where you hover your hand near the panel (without touching it) to trigger the door. -
● "Touch-to-Open" Button:
A physical silver or black panel that says "PUSH" or "TOUCH". You actually have to press it. -
● Manual Doors (Slide, Push, or Pull):
If you don't see any buttons or sensors, it’s a manual door.
Try sliding it sideways first. If it doesn't budge, push or pull the handle. Don't be shy—some can be a bit heavy!
QUICK FLOW
Matsuya uses a Ticket System.
Here is how it works:
- Find the machine near the entrance and buy your ticket.
- Once paid, your order is automatically sent to the kitchen.
- Take a seat anywhere and wait for your food.
- Don't lose your ticket!
You need to exchange it for your meal.
The Machine
It's usually near the entrance.
- Switch Language:
Locate the button, usually at the under left corner.
- Of course, you can also choose "take-out."
This time Select "Eat-In"
Menu & Size
Main Menu :
There are many options.
This time Order "Beef Bowl" (Beef on Rice).
It's the standard test.
This dish is served in a very short time.
Size Matters
BEFORE you pay, choose the size.
"Regular" (Nami) provides a good balance of meat and rice, but it might feel small for an adult male.
If you are hungry, go for "Large" .
Matsuya Bonus
Matsuya includes Miso Soup for FREE with Gyumeshi.
Pay & Get Ticket
Cash, IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo), and Credit Cards are accepted.
CRITICAL STEP
Don't just walk away!
Collect your ticket (Receipt) from the slot below.
This is your food voucher.
This ticket will be handed to the staff when you collect your
meal.
※The number is usually printed in large font at the
top.
This number will be displayed on the call monitor.
PHASE 2:
AFTER GETTING YOUR TICKET
Your order is already in the kitchen! Now, follow these steps:
- ✔ Secure your
seat:
Pick any empty spot. - ✔ Get your
tea:
It's self-service and free. - ✔ Watch the
monitor:
When your number appears with a loud chime and Japanese announcement, it’s ready! - ✔ Double-check your
number:
Make sure you don't accidentally take someone else's meal! - ✔ Get a
meal:
Give the ticket to the kitchen staff to exchange for a meal. - ✔ Grab your chopsticks:
Don't forget to grab cutlery at the pickup counter before heading back to your seat.
The Wait
Most modern Matsuya shops are Self-Service.
- Sit anywhere you like.
- Do NOT hand the ticket to staff yet.
- Wait for your number on the monitor.
Get Water (Self-Service)
While you wait, GET A FREE DRINK
① Take a cup
② Set the cup
③ Press the water
or Green tea
or Brown rice tea (Roasted Rice Tea)
※You can choose COLD or HOT.
※ Press the button once to dispense one cup.
Pick Up
When your number is displayed and the sound chimes:
- Go to the Pick-up Counter.
- Show/Hand your ticket to the staff.
- Take your tray.
Cutlery Check
Hard to use chopsticks?
Spoons are usually next to the pick-up counter.
Grab them NOW.
(Some shops have them on tables).
Customize (Free)
Matsuya has a huge variety of sauces. Customize at your table.
Sauces (Watch the Stripes!)
⚠️ Warning: All labels say "Yakiniku Sauce" in English. Identify them by the color of the stripes on the side.
-
BBQ Sauce (Barbecue)
BLUE Stripes Label.
Garlic & Soy-based. Savory punch. -
Sweet Sauce (Amakuchi)
RED Stripe label.
Fruity & Mild. Good for beginners. -
Ponzu
GREEN Stripe Label.
Citrus Soy Sauce. Sour & Refreshing. -
Soy Sauce
White Button on top.
Tilt, then push the button to pour.
For the Salad (Dressings)
-
French (White)
BLUE Stripes Label.
Tangy and sour. -
Sesame (beige)
Yellow stripe label.
Creamy, nutty, and sweet.
The "Spicy" Kick
-
Beni-Shoga (Red Ginger)
Sour & Spicy pickle. Cleans your palate. -
Shichimi (7-Spice)
Chili blend with sesame, citrus, ginger, etc.
Eat
Do: Lift the bowl with one hand. Bring it close to your mouth. This is the elegant Japanese style.
Don't: Leave the bowl on the table and lower your head to eat. This is called "Dog Eating" (Inu-gui) and looks bad.
How to eat:The two ends are kept parallel to each other, and the rice and meat are scooped up into the gap between the ends to eat.
How to drink①:The miso soup bowl has a lid.
Hold the edge of the bowl with one hand and lift the lid with the other.
Place the lid upside down on your tray.
How to drink②:Lift the bowl with one hand and drink directly from the bowl.
Clean Up & Exit
Take your tray to the Return Slot.
If you see staff, say "Go-chi-so-sa-ma" (Thank you for the meal).
The staff will also say "thank you"
Still Hungry?
One More Round
Did you know? You can order more.
Just go back to Step 1 and buy another ticket.
(Try a different size or topping next time!)
MISSION COMPLETE?
Relax with Hot Tea
& Sweets!
How was the Beef Bowl?
We are open nearby for your "Dessert Time".
Come and share your story with us!
- Hot Bottled Green Tea (Unsweetened)
- Japanese Sweets included
- Midnight Hangout (Smoking Balcony)
Book Your Seat