FAQ Background
Guest Question Mark FAQs
Search frequently asked questions about byFood.
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Getting Started
How does byFood work?
What can I book on byFood?
How do you select your hosts?
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Experience Bookings
How do I book an experience?
What is Instant Booking?
What is Manual Confirmation?
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Restaurant Reservations
What types of reservations are available?
How long does it take to confirm my reservation?
How do I make a reservation?
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Payments & Security
Do I pay online or at the restaurant?
Is my payment secure?
What payment methods are accepted?
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Arrival & Attendance
Where is the meeting point?
What if I'm late for a restaurant reservation?
What if I'm late or lost for an experience?
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Cancellations & Refunds
How do I cancel my booking?
Can I modify my booking?
When do cancellation fees apply?
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Groups & Events
Do you accept large group bookings?
Can I request a private event?
What is the difference between general and private bookings?
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Food for Happiness
What is the Food for Happiness Project?
Where do I see the amount donated on my behalf?
How do I find out if the host contributes to the Food for Happiness Project?
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Account & Support
What languages do you support?
How can I reset my password?
How can I change my email address?
Photo of faq question markMost Popular Answers

How do I book an experience?

First, use the search bar and filters to find a specific experience. Then, select the date for the experience and number of participants. Add any additional notes, such as dietary restrictions, in the additional notes section. Next, please submit your payment information. If the host has set the experience to "Instant Confirmation," the booking will be confirmed automatically. If the host has set the experience to "Manual Confirmation," the host will need to confirm or reject. You will likely receive a reply within one business day. After confirmation, you will receive the detailed meeting instructions and access info.

What types of reservations are available?

There are two types of reservations available on byFood:

1. "Meals Included" Tag (Set Course)

  • What you pay for: The price includes a specific multi-course meal (e.g., an Omakase sushi course or a multi-course Kaiseki dinner).
  • Payment: You pay for the food in advance via byFood. When you arrive at the restaurant, the meal is already covered.
  • Additional Costs: You will still be responsible for paying the restaurant directly for any "extras" ordered on-site, such as drinks, appetizers not in the set menu, or service charges/taxes if they aren't explicitly listed as included.

2. No Tag (Seat-Only Reservation)

  • What you pay for: You are paying a concierge service/booking fee (typically ¥2,000 per person) to secure a seat at a high-demand or non-partner restaurant.
  • Payment: You do not pay for the food in advance. Once you are at the restaurant, you order a la carte from the menu. There are some exceptions where a restaurant requires payment in advance; in these cases, the byFood concierge will communicate with you in advance.
  • Final Bill: You settle the full price of your meal and drinks directly at the restaurant on the day of your visit.

Do I pay online or at the restaurant?

Course Menu: Full payment is made online through byFood. Any additional orders (drinks or extras) are paid directly at the restaurant.

Seat Reservation: Food and drinks are paid at the restaurant on the day of your visit. Only the ¥2,000 per person concierge fee is paid online and it does not include the cost of food, drinks, or any additional charges incurred at the restaurant, and cannot be deducted from your restaurant bill.

Is my payment secure?

Certainly! All payments are securely processed through Stripe, a trusted global payment gateway. Your card information is encrypted and safely handled to ensure maximum security.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept AMEX, VISA, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, LINK, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

What if I'm late for a restaurant reservation?

We completely understand that delays can happen while traveling. If you anticipate being late, please contact us immediately. However, please note that late arrival policies vary by restaurant.

What if I'm late or lost for an experience?

Contact the host using the phone/email on your voucher. Experiences typically start on time to respect other guests and venue schedules.

When do cancellation fees apply?

Cancellation fees apply once the cancellation policy period begins. Before that time, cancellations are free. Policies are shown on the experience/restaurant page and in your confirmation email.

How can I reset my password?

Please log in, click on your profile image in the top right corner and select "Profile." Then, fill out a new password using at least 8 characters and click "Save" at the bottom of the page. An email will be automatically delivered to you to notify you of the change.
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