Izakaya
居酒屋 Izakaya · Japan (nationwide) (Shinjuku Omoide Yokochō)
Japan after work: a draught beer, a few small dishes and a 'kanpai' across the counter with friends.
Know before you go
- Don't argue with staff about the otōshi charge — it's customary
- Japan has no tipping culture and service is usually included, so there's no need to tip
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Izakaya are Japanese pubs where drink comes first and food second. Dishes are mostly designed for sharing, and everyone gets a small plate (torizara) for serving themselves.
Local customs
- Once you're seated you'll be brought a small dish called 'otōshi' (also sakizuke) — often edamame, pickles or potato salad. It doubles as a cover charge and is billed even if you don't eat it
- people often order draught beer together for the first round and say 'kanpai' in unison
- dishes are ordered a few at a time and shared
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
An izakaya's otoshi is a cover charge
- Accept the otoshi as an appetiser
- Arguing with staff about it or asking for it to be taken back
There is no penalty: before you order at an izakaya, a small dish of otoshi always arrives. It doubles as the cover charge and cannot be chosen or swapped.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: JNTO: drinking in Japan
Don’t DON'T
- Don't argue with staff about the otōshi charge — it's customary
- Japan has no tipping culture and service is usually included, so there's no need to tip
Locals appreciate DO
- Locals appreciate guests who toast together before eating and share when ordering
- when paying, say 'gochisōsama deshita'.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Popular izakaya need booking on weekend evenings
- some old places are still mainly cash-only
- Omoide Yokochō in Shinjuku and the arches under the tracks at Yūrakuchō are the places for an old-style izakaya
Photos
Photos
Eden, Janine and Jim · CC BY 4.0
Mx. Granger · CC0
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