If you find yourself with an unintelligible menu, ask for the o-makase, or chef's recommendation and you can specify your budget in some instances. The custom of dining early, from 6 PM until 8 PM, still endures in very traditional restaurants, but many restaurants are open until 10 PM or 11 PM. If possible, let the hotel staff make reservations for you where necessary. For more formal restaurants try to book at least two days in advance; bookings are often not accepted for the following day if called in after 4 PM. Keep in mind that not all restaurants accept credit cards.