Izakaya for Beginners | How to Order, What Otoshi Is, and How Much It Costs

What Is an Izakaya?

An izakaya (居酒屋) is a Japanese-style pub-restaurant where you enjoy drinks alongside a wide variety of small dishes. It sits somewhere between a bar and a full-service restaurant — casual enough to drop into on a whim, yet serving food that ranges from simple bar snacks to impressively crafted dishes.

For travelers, an izakaya is the easiest and most authentic way to experience real Japanese food culture.

Step-by-Step: From Entering to Paying

1. Entering — The staff will ask how many people are in your group ("Nan-mei-sama?"). Simply hold up fingers to show your group size
2. Seating — You may be offered table seats, counter seats, or zashiki (tatami floor seating where you remove your shoes)
3. Otoshi arrives — A small dish appears automatically. This is the table charge (explained below)
4. First order — Order drinks first. "Toriaezu biiru" ("Beer for starters") is the classic Japanese phrase
5. Order more dishes — The izakaya style is to order several small plates gradually throughout the evening, rather than one large meal
6. Paying — Say "Okaikei onegaishimasu" ("Check, please") or bring your bill slip to the register

Otoshi — The Automatic Cover Charge

When you sit down at an izakaya, a small appetizer dish will be served without you ordering it — perhaps edamame, pickled vegetables, or a small salad. This is called otoshi (お通し), and it costs ¥300-500 (~$2-3 USD) per person.

• This is a standard and universal custom at Japanese izakaya, and it generally cannot be refused
• In a country with no tipping, otoshi serves a similar economic function as a tip or cover charge
• The otoshi charge is automatically added to your bill

Important: Otoshi is charged per person. A group of 4 will be charged ¥1,200-2,000 (~$8-13 USD) automatically.

Menu Guide with Prices

Drinks

• Nama biiru (draft beer, medium mug) — ¥500-700 (~$3-5 USD)
• Highball (whisky and soda) — ¥400-500 (~$2.70-3.30 USD)
• Sour / Chuhai (shochu-based cocktails) — ¥400-500 (~$2.70-3.30 USD)
• Nihonshu / sake (one serving) — ¥500-800 (~$3.30-5.30 USD)
• Soft drinks — ¥300-400 (~$2-2.70 USD)

Food

• Edamame (soybeans) — ¥300-400 (~$2-2.70 USD). The quintessential izakaya starter
• Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) — ¥150-250 (~$1-1.70 USD) per skewer. Choose shio (salt) or tare (sweet soy glaze)
• Karaage (Japanese fried chicken) — ¥400-600 (~$2.70-4 USD)
• Sashimi moriawase (assorted sashimi platter) — ¥800-1,500 (~$5-10 USD)
• Yakizakana (grilled fish) — ¥500-800 (~$3.30-5.30 USD)
• Tamagoyaki (rolled omelette) — ¥400-500 (~$2.70-3.30 USD)
• French fries — ¥300-500 (~$2-3.30 USD)

Budget Breakdown Per Person

Light Session: ~¥2,500-3,000 (~$17-20 USD)

• Otoshi — ¥400
• 2 beers — ¥1,000
• 3 yakitori skewers — ¥600
• Edamame — ¥350

Full Dinner: ~¥4,000-5,000 (~$27-33 USD)

• Otoshi — ¥400
• 2 beers + 1 highball — ¥1,500
• Sashimi platter — ¥1,000
• 5 yakitori skewers — ¥1,000
• Karaage — ¥500

Nomihodai — All-You-Can-Drink Plans

Many izakaya offer nomihodai (飲み放題, all-you-can-drink) plans for ¥1,500-2,000 (~$10-13 USD) for 2 hours. If you add a food course, a full food-and-drink package runs ¥3,000-4,000 (~$20-27 USD) per person. For groups, this is extremely good value.

Izakaya Etiquette for Visitors

• Kanpai! — Wait until everyone has their drink, then say "Kanpai!" (Cheers!) and gently clink glasses before the first sip
• Sharing dishes — Izakaya food is meant to be shared. Use the small plates (torizara) provided to serve yourself from shared dishes
• Pouring for others — It is polite to refill your companions' glasses when they are empty. They will do the same for you
• Smoking — Since 2020, indoor smoking is restricted by law, though some izakaya still allow it

Summary

An izakaya visit is one of the must-have experiences of any Japan trip. Now that you understand the otoshi system, you will not be surprised by the extra charge. With a budget of ¥3,000 (~$20 USD), you can enjoy an authentic evening of Japanese pub-dining. Start with "Toriaezu biiru!" and go from there.