Izakaya (居酒屋) are Japan's beloved casual drinking restaurants — lively, affordable, and packed with delicious small dishes. But for first-time visitors, the unwritten rules can feel overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy izakaya like a local.
🚨 The Most Common Izakaya Mistakes
Mistake #1
Refusing or complaining about the otoshi
You sit down, and a small dish appears that you didn't order. Many tourists try to send it back or refuse to pay for it.
✅ The Fix: Otoshi (お通し) is a mandatory table charge — like a cover fee at a bar. It's typically ¥300–600 per person and comes with a small snack. Just accept it and enjoy it.
Mistake #2
Pouring your own drink first
Grabbing the beer jug and filling your own glass before others is considered rude in Japan.
✅ The Fix: Always pour for others first, then let someone pour for you. When your glass is being filled, hold it up slightly as a gesture of thanks. Start with a kampai (乾杯 — "cheers") before anyone drinks.
Mistake #3
Ordering all your food at once
At izakaya, the culture is to order drinks first, then gradually order food throughout the evening — not everything at once like a restaurant.
✅ The Fix: Start with drinks and 2–3 dishes. Order more as you go. This is part of the relaxed izakaya experience — there's no rush to finish and leave.
Mistake #4
Shouting "Excuse me!" across the room
Waving your arms or snapping fingers to get a waiter's attention is frowned upon in Japan.
✅ The Fix: Say "Sumimasen!" (すみません) clearly but calmly. Most modern izakaya have a call button (呼び出しボタン) on the table — press it and staff will come to you.
Mistake #5
Expecting to split the bill individually
Asking for separate bills (betsu betsu) can be complicated and is sometimes not possible at busy izakaya.
✅ The Fix: The most common approach is warikan (割り勘) — splitting evenly by the number of people. Decide before ordering and settle up among yourselves. Say "warikan de onegaishimasu" if you want to split.
Mistake #6
Leaving a tip
Tipping is not part of Japanese culture and can actually cause confusion or embarrassment.
✅ The Fix: Never leave money on the table as a tip. Say "Gochisosama deshita" (ごちそうさまでした — "Thank you for the meal") when leaving. That's the highest compliment you can give.
📋 Izakaya Quick Guide
🍺 How an izakaya visit typically goes:
- Seated → otoshi arrives automatically (pay it, it's the table charge)
- Order drinks for everyone → kampai! (wait for everyone)
- Browse the menu and order 2–3 dishes to share
- Keep ordering food and drinks throughout the night
- When ready to leave, say "Okaikei onegaishimasu" (お会計お願いします) to ask for the bill
- Pay at the register or at the table — no tip needed
💬 Useful Izakaya Phrases
- Sumimasen! — Excuse me (to call staff)
- Kampai! — Cheers!
- Okaikei onegaishimasu — Bill please
- Warikan de onegaishimasu — We'd like to split evenly
- Gochisosama deshita — Thank you for the meal
- Osusume wa nan desu ka? — What do you recommend?
❓ FAQ
Do I need to tip at an izakaya in Japan?
No. Tipping is not done in Japan and can cause confusion or offense. The otoshi (table charge) already covers the service.
What is otoshi at an izakaya?
Otoshi is a small appetizer automatically brought to your table when you sit down. It is not free — it acts as a table charge (usually ¥300–600 per person).
How do I get a waiter's attention at an izakaya?
Say "Sumimasen!" (すみません) to call the staff. Many izakaya also have a call button on the table.
Can foreigners go to izakaya in Japan?
Yes, most izakaya welcome foreign visitors. Some may have picture menus or English menus. A very small number of traditional places may be members-only, but these are rare.
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