What is the proper response to the staff of a Japanese restaurant when they say, "Irraishimase!"?

Question

I'm going to Japan soon so I'd like to give the proper response in Japanese.

Answer 1

its really funny how people actually tell you that you have to say this and that... well, because in honesty, you dont say anything... as obviously in my name (if you can understand it), i may not be japanese, but am an avid student of the japanese language and culture.
anyway, people do not respond to "irrasshaimase"... you simply don't say anything... well, the person who might greet you might come up to you and ask, "nanmei sama desu ka?" asking how many people, then just raise how many fingers in correspondence to how many people are in your group.
i love keigo... you'll hear words which are not used at all in conversational language like "kashikomarimashita" meaning i understood. "kochiara kouso" this way please... these are the most often used ones in public shops and other establishments. dont worry about the language barrier, japanese are very welcoming to customers (in fact have a saying, "Customer is god!") especially if they see that you are a foreigner.
just be careful, if you hear someone especially kids say,"Ah! Gaijin dayo!" ("Ah! An outsider") you can always shout back, "Ah! Nihonjin dayo!"(Ah! A Japanese!")
Enjoy Japan as much as I did and hopefully will...

Answer 2

Look, David gave you a good suggestion. "Domo" is acceptable, but it isn't the only option. More often, we answer back with the following, depending on the time of day:

Konnichiwa = Good afternoon
Konnbanwa = Good evening
Ohiyo gozai-imasu = Good morning

I should also note that we don't respond at fast food or chain restaurants. You want to save a reply for the smaller, family-owned restaurants. If your hosts respond, you should, too. Don't be overly concerned with your pronunciation either. Japanese appreciate your effort and are very forgiving.

Answer 3

Domo or Arigoto, it rougly translated means "be my guest", Best pick up a pharse book, I had one for friend from Coles notes, in the states it is the Cripps company, it is a small booklet that has many everyday and commonly used pharses for travellers and business people, it is very helpful.

Answer 4

Don't believe these guys. The truth is: you don't have to say anything. You are not expected to say anything. If you want to seem extra friendly and nice, just smile and nod.
Take kaiten sushi for example: the employees all automatically shout, "irasshaimase" whenever the door opens. They are busy making sushi and waiting on others, so they aren't even looking at you.

Answer 5

"Doumo" with a nod of the head and a warm smile. :)