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Facebook and Instagram aren't just for sharing photos and updates—they're essential tools that top Japanese restaurants use strategically to attract diners.
We understand that running your restaurant keeps you busy, and the idea of managing social media might seem like an extra hassle.
But here's the thing: you don't need to be a marketing guru or spend a lot of money to make it effective. Just a few minutes a day can bring new customers to your sushi bar or tatami room.
To assist you, we've created a free list of content ideas - and for a comprehensive action plan, please check out our strategy pack for Japanese restaurant owners.
Get the content idea list made for Japanese restaurant owners
A lot of Japanese restaurants manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a Japanese restaurant
We have meticulously analyzed numerous Japanese restaurants' social media accounts to create our strategy pack for Japanese restaurants - here’s what consistently drives new customers to your establishment.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Restaurant |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Food Photos | Stunning images of sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies can make potential customers crave the food, encouraging them to visit the restaurant. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the kitchen, sushi chefs, and preparation processes builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to try the restaurant. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and happy hours can attract new customers looking for deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local influencers or businesses can introduce the restaurant to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, such as sushi-making classes or sake tasting nights, can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal dishes like cherry blossom-themed desserts or holiday menus can attract customers looking for special dining options during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions about Japanese cuisine engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
| Recipe Shares | Sharing recipes of popular dishes like ramen or tempura can intrigue food enthusiasts and motivate them to try the original dish at the restaurant. |
| Daily Specials Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily specials keeps the restaurant top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members, especially the sushi chefs, creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Food Preparation Tips | Sharing tips and tricks from the kitchen, such as how to properly roll sushi, can engage followers who are food enthusiasts and home cooks. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or locally sourced ingredients appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into customers. |
Some Japanese restaurants make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best Japanese restaurants in the world. Replicate them now!
How can Japanese restaurant owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your dishes are essential.
People eat with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the sushi looks fresh, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your restaurant. Behind-the-scenes photos of sushi chefs at work, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, events, or seasonal dishes like sakura-themed desserts or special ramen bowls. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your restaurant’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your restaurant, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for restaurant owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficiently
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo of a beautifully plated sushi roll on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your restaurant. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for Japanese restaurants on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for Japanese restaurants, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize your social media presence.
Consider incorporating some of these ideas into the marketing plan of your Japanese restaurant.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Food Photos | Utilize natural light by placing sushi and other dishes near windows during the day. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Invite happy diners to record a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a complimentary mochi or green tea as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage patrons to share their dining experience by tagging your restaurant on Instagram. Hold a monthly raffle for those who participate. |
| DIY Recipe Videos | Film short, simple recipes of popular dishes like ramen or tempura using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Edit with free software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to showcase sushi preparation or introduce the chefs during quieter hours. |
| Daily Special Posts | Create simple, eye-catching graphics for daily specials using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a mouth-watering photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the restaurant. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite sushi rolls or suggestions for new menu items. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite dishes. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your restaurant. |
| Homemade Food Photos | Create attractive table settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, napkins, and props from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using sustainable seafood or locally sourced ingredients. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the kitchen prep work, such as slicing fish or rolling sushi. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free meal. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free appetizer. |
| Seasonal Dish Posts | Highlight seasonal ingredients and dishes using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the dish to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best Japanese restaurants in the world!
There are Japanese restaurants that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for Japanese restaurants
Investing in high-quality social media content for your Japanese restaurant can be a game-changer. Many other establishments might not put in the effort, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal following.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Virtual Sushi-Making Classes | Hosting live or recorded virtual sushi-making classes where your chefs teach viewers how to create your signature rolls can foster a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Restaurant Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your restaurant, including the sushi bar and traditional tatami rooms, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Seasonal Omakase Menu | Creating buzz with a seasonal omakase menu available for a limited time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Chef’s Table Experience | Offering an exclusive dining experience where customers can sit at the chef’s table and interact with the sushi chefs while they prepare dishes can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Menu Integration | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your menus where customers can see a 3D representation of dishes can enhance the dining experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Dining Events | Hosting themed dining events, such as a sakura (cherry blossom) festival or a sake pairing night, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Food Challenge Contests | Organizing food challenge contests (e.g., eating a giant bowl of ramen in under 30 minutes) can create viral moments, attracting competitive eaters and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local chefs or restaurants to host pop-up events can introduce your restaurant to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your dishes, the fishermen you source from, or the personal journey of your chefs can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Ingredient Selection | Allowing customers to choose ingredients for a custom sushi roll via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable seafood sourcing or zero-waste dishes, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Food Truck Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile sushi truck in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main restaurant later. |
| Recipe Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly recipes and ingredient kits to cook your restaurant’s dishes at home can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Culinary Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced Japanese cooking techniques from your chefs can attract food enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Dining Experiences | Organizing flash mob dining events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous diners looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for Japanese restaurants on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many Japanese restaurant owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new reservations for your restaurant.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Restaurants | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the restaurant appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your sushi, sashimi, and other dishes, as well as your chefs and restaurant ambiance, to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories of your sushi-making process, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with Japanese cuisine or your restaurant confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your restaurant, Japanese food, cultural events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your restaurant's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your sushi-making skills and restaurant ambiance positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on Japanese cuisine, community, and your restaurant's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags like #SushiLovers, #JapaneseCuisine, and #TokyoDining to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos of sushi, ramen, and other dishes feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your restaurant can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local Japanese cultural centers, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your restaurant seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your restaurant. |
Make your Japanese restaurant more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best Japanese restaurants in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your Japanese restaurant
We understand that as the owner of a Japanese restaurant, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a Japanese restaurant are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for Japanese restaurant owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your Japanese restaurant. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small Japanese restaurants on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your restaurant's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your Japanese restaurant's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your Japanese restaurant could make more money!
Most Japanese restaurant owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
