An izakaya is not only for people who drink alcohol. Many serve grilled skewers, fried chicken, edamame, sashimi and other small dishes that work well as a meal. If this is your first visit, you may wonder what happens after you sit down, whether you can decline the otoshi appetizer, or whether it is fine to order food without alcohol.
This guide explains the visit from entering to paying, with checks that help avoid surprises on the bill. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is the source for the general dining customs and examples of dishes below. Charges, ordering systems and menus differ by restaurant, so check the signs and menu at the location. The images are AI-generated illustrations, not photographs of a real restaurant or dishes.
You can enjoy an izakaya for the food
An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub serving food alongside drinks, but some are suitable for a meal-focused visit too. JNTO lists edamame, yakitori, karaage, tofu and grilled fish among common dishes. Depending on the restaurant, you may also find rice dishes, noodles, hot pot or options for children.
If you do not drink, ask whether dining without alcohol is okay and check the soft drink or non-alcoholic menu. You do not need to choose an all-you-can-drink plan. Hours, age policies and whether children can enter vary by location, so confirm with the restaurant.
What to check when you sit down
Tell the staff how many people are in your party and follow their seating instructions. At some busy restaurants, you enter your party size and preferences into a reception machine. Seating can include tatami rooms where you remove your shoes, private rooms or counter seats; options depend on the restaurant.
Once seated, check the menu or table information for:
- Otoshi and table charges: whether a small appetizer is served automatically and whether a seat or service charge applies
- How to order: through staff, a tablet, a QR code or another method
- How prices are shown: tax included or excluded, and whether the price is per person, plate or skewer
- How to pay: at the table or at a register near the exit
- Time limits: dining time limits or last-order times, especially when busy
JNTO explains that at some izakaya, an otoshi—an appetizer brought without being ordered—serves as a table charge and may appear on the bill. It is not necessarily complimentary. If you cannot find the amount, ask before ordering: “How much is the otoshi or table charge?” Practices differ by restaurant and area.
Start with a few dishes and share
Some izakaya focus on small plates intended for the table to share. To avoid ordering more than you can eat, you could begin with two or three dishes and drinks, then add more after you see the portions. This is only a practical suggestion, not a minimum-order rule.
| Dish | What it is | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Edamame | Salted, boiled soybeans in the pod | Portion size and salt level |
| Yakitori | Grilled chicken or other ingredients on skewers | Price per skewer or per set |
| Karaage | Bite-size seasoned fried meat | Number of pieces and cut of meat |
| Hiyayakko | A small dish of chilled tofu | Toppings and whether soy sauce is included |
| Sashimi | Slices of raw fish | Suggested number of diners and selection |
| Yakisoba | Stir-fried noodles, often with sauce | For sharing or one person |
Before ordering a platter or hot pot, check how many people it serves and whether add-ons cost extra. Use serving chopsticks or small plates to share; ask the staff if you need them.
Check the time, drinks and rules in nomihodai plans
Nomihodai is an all-you-can-drink plan for a set period. Not every beverage is included, and conditions may include ordering it for everyone in the party, a glass-exchange rule or an earlier last-order time.
Before choosing a plan, check which drinks are included and excluded, the time limit and last-order time, whether everyone in the party must join, whether there is a soft-drink-only plan, and whether extra time or unfinished drinks incur a fee.
If you drink little or are visiting for the food, ordering drinks individually may suit you better. Follow the restaurant’s current menu terms. You must be at least 20 to drink alcohol in Japan.
Avoid surprises when paying
Some restaurants ask you to take the check to a register; others let you pay at the table. Look for instructions on the menu or check, or ask the staff. If you are with a group, confirm whether the restaurant can split the bill before you order or when requesting payment.
When setting a budget, include the cost of food and drinks, plus any otoshi, table or service charge and tax shown on the menu. If prices are listed before tax, consumption tax will be added. If a charge is unclear, ask to see an itemized bill. Tipping is not normally expected in Japan.
Useful Japanese phrases
- Shokuji dake demo daijōbu desu ka? (食事だけでも大丈夫ですか？) — Is it okay if we only order food?
- Otoshi-dai / sekiryō wa ikura desu ka? (お通し代・席料はいくらですか？) — How much is the otoshi or table charge?
- Kore wa hitori-mae desu ka? (これは一人前ですか？) — Is this one serving?
- Non-arukōru no nomimono wa arimasu ka? (ノンアルコールの飲み物はありますか？) — Do you have non-alcoholic drinks?
- Okaikei o onegaishimasu. (お会計をお願いします。) — Could we have the bill, please?
If you have allergies or dietary requirements, ask about ingredients and preparation rather than relying on the dish name or a photo. A restaurant may use the same cooking equipment or oil for different dishes.
A quick checklist for your first visit
Check the menu and prices before you enter. Once seated, find out whether an otoshi or table charge applies, how to order and where to pay. Knowing these basics makes a first izakaya visit easier. You can choose food and soft drinks at restaurants that allow it. Start with a few dishes, then order more based on the portions and the restaurant’s instructions.
Official information
- JNTO: Izakaya Dining Guide — common dishes, sharing and drinks
- JNTO: Japanese Customs and Etiquette — otoshi and table charges, considerate ordering and tipping
- JNTO: Entertainment and Nightlife in Japan — food and drink at izakaya
Information checked on October 19, 2026. Prices, menus, payment methods and child-entry policies vary by location. Confirm current details with the restaurant you plan to visit.
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