Go To Eat Campaign: Online Reservation Sites, Duration, And More!

Go To Eat Campaign: Take Advantage of Discounted Dining

Following the Go To Travel campaign, the government-subsidized Go To Eat campaign was launched in October 2020.

Backed by the Japanese government, this campaign aims to boost business at restaurants and food manufacturers challenged by the self-imposed lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will continue until the end of March 2021 (*).

This campaign offers discounts and benefits for dining out. However, many diners have wondered how they can take advantage of this subsidy program. This article will explain how to effectively utilize the Go To Eat campaign.

By utilizing this campaign's rewards, you can enjoy dining out and supporting local restaurants and manufacturers!

*The points program and sale of premium meal vouchers will last until the end of January 2021.

Categories of the Go to Eat Campaign

There are two categories in the Go To Eat campaign.

1. Earnig points on online restaurant reservation sites

2. Premium meal vouchers

In the next section, we'll delve into the characteristics of each category and how to use them.

1. Earn Points on Online Reservation Sites

To earn discounts and points, reservations must be made at participating restaurants via online reservation sites.

Points are awarded per person at 500 yen for lunch and 1,000 yen for dinner (after 15:00). Reservations can be made for up to 10 people (maximum 10,000 yen points per reservation). The points will be awarded after visiting the restaurant.

The campaign does not apply to bills below the amount of points earned (i.e. below 499 yen for lunch or below 999 yen for dinner). You'll find a list of participating online reservation sites below (all in Japanese).

Online Reservation Sites

The advantage and disadvantages of using points on these online reservation sites are indicated below.

■ Advantage

1. You can confirm participating restaurants via the reservation site.

■ Disadvantages
1. Earned points can only be used on your future reservations.
2. Reservations must be made beforehand.
3. Points have an expiration date (depending on the reservation site).

2. Premium Meal Vouchers

In addition to earning points on online reservation sites, another money-saving option are premium meal vouchers (*) sold by each prefecture.

Purchased meal vouchers can be used at participating restaurants in that region. They are valued 25% higher than the initial cost price. For example, a meal voucher purchased for 10,000 yen can be used at a value of 12,500 yen.

Each voucher will have different requirements for use and purchase. Some can only be purchased by residents of that prefecture while others are sold via raffles. Please check the official campaign website (linked below) of each respective prefectures for more details.

*The meal vouchers are separate from Go To Travel's special regional coupons.

Types of Premium Meal Vouchers

There are two types of premium meal vouchers available: paper and electronic.

1. Paper Vouchers
Each booklet contains vouchers worth 500 to 1,000 yen and is used in place of cash. Please note that you will not receive change from the vouchers.

2. Electronic Vouchers
Electronic vouchers can be purchased on the LINE app. To use this coupon, scan the restaurant’s QR code on your LINE app and enter the amount on your bill to pay. It can be used in 1 yen increments.

Both paper and electronic vouchers can be purchased for a maximum of 20,000 yen at a time. Vouchers can be rebought once you’ve used up the purchased amount.

The advantage and disadvantages of premium meal vouchers are listed below.

■ Advantage
1. Can be used at participating restaurants without a reservation.

■ Disadvantages
1. Purchasing methods are different in each prefecture. In some prefectures, coupons can only be purchased by mail.
2. They can only be used in the prefecture they were purchased.
3. No change will be given for paper vouchers.
4. Restaurants may vary in their acceptance of paper and electronic vouchers.

Check Each Prefecture’s Official Campaign Site!

Want to learn more about the premium meal vouchers in each prefecture? Or interested in checking which restaurants are participating in the Go To Eat campaign? Check your prefecture’s official campaign website for answers!

The official websites are linked below (all in Japanese).

Reservations, Purchase Period, and Valid Dates

Finally, we’ll introduce the purchase period and deadline of the Go To Eat campaign.

The deadline to earn points on online reservation sites is until the end of January 2021. These points will be valid until the end of March 2021.

Sales of premium meal vouchers will continue until the end of January 2021. These vouchers can be redeemed until the end of March 2021.

Take advantage of the Go To Eat campaign by indulging in the joys of dining out. This unique opportunity enables you to dine at an eatery you normally wouldn't have visited!