A Guide to Manners and Etiquette at Izakaya Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Mar 11 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Izakaya

A Guide to Manners and Etiquette at Izakaya

Izakaya (Japanese pubs) can be found everywhere in Japan. Japan has their own culture when it comes to izakaya, which may make them seem a little difficult to approach for foreigners. If this rings a bell to you, check out this simple guide to izakaya that'll explain the charms of izakaya and all the ways you can have fun at one!

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants.

What Makes Izakaya Appealing?

All the Japanese are very familiar with izakaya. Whereas some are seen as places to drop by for some solo drinking, most of them are perfect for enjoying a drink on your way back from work or celebrating with drinks together with large groups of friends. In general, the food menu includes all sorts of dishes. Part of their appeal is getting the chance to taste a variety of delicacies, from traditional Japanese cuisine to original dishes incorporating recipes from all over the world, in one place. Plus, prices can start from as little as 300 JPY for 1 plate!

What Is "Otoshi"?

One of the things that most foreign tourists are puzzled about is "otoshi." It's nothing more than an appetizer plate served in almost all izakaya in Japan. Being served something that you haven't ordered and having it tacked on when paying your bill (it's normally a few hundred yen) may be unpleasant to many, but think of it more like a "table charge" or a "tip." Enjoy it as something to nibble on with your drink until you get the main dish you ordered. Recently, there are more and more restaurants that either doesn't serve any otoshi, or let you decide whether you want it or not.

First, Order a Drink!

Usually, the first thing you order is your drink. Japanese people prefer to start with a beer, but you're free to choose whatever you like. Aside from beer, the menu displays sake, shochu, wine, whiskey, fruit sours, and much more. Of course, if you don't drink alcohol, you may as well go for juice, tea, or other non-alcoholic drinks.

The Standard Izakaya Menu

Now, let's dive into the standard food menu. One of the most popular menu items is salty boiled edamame (green soybeans). This is one of the quickest foods to be served, so it is recommended to have some at the beginning so you can take the time to appreciate the other dishes later.
Other classics are healthy items in the vegetable menu, such as salads or some refreshing salty cabbage, which is simply seasoned with sesame oil and salt. Fried delicacies that taste amazing with beer, such as French fries and chicken karaage (deep-fried item), are also standard menu items.
If you prefer something more Japanese, the most recommended menu items are the mellow-tasting dashimaki tamago, wherein a fluffy omelet is seasoned with seafood dashi (stock), and the sashimi assortment, perfect if you're in the mood for fresh fish.

How to Order with the Touch Panel

Most izakaya require you to say your order directly to a server, but some chains will provide a touch panel instead. It's particularly handy for foreigners because the language can be changed for the majority of them. Here is a small guide on how to use them.
Whether it's a fixed touch panel or a tablet, the display will show all the menu items available. First off, choose your language, then select the food and drinks you want to order, and in the end, tap "Order." When your meal is over, you can tap the "Order Complete" button. The total bill will be displayed, and all you have to do is head to the register and pay. Another great thing about touch panels is all the info they provide: you can make your choice by looking at a ranking of the most recommended items, and you will also know if the item is out of stock (though it depends on the device).

If You're Going to Drink a Lot, Go for the "All-You-Can-Drink" Plan!

If you plan to drink a lot, an "all-you-can-drink" plan comes highly recommended. It's a system that allows you to order any drink you like from a certain category and for a limited amount of time. It doesn't matter how much you drink, the price is fixed and the bill will be no surprise to you. Most izakaya include non-alcoholic drinks in the list you can order from. Just keep in mind that ordering a drink and just not finishing your previous drink is considered bad manners.

Be Careful About the "Last Order"

Almost any izakaya has a set time past which you can no longer make an order. This is called "last order." Usually, it's 30 minutes to 1 hour before the restaurant closes. Generally, when it's about time, a server goes around saying, "We're calling last order, would you like anything else?" Also, sometimes the last orders for food and drinks are set at different times, so be careful!

Paying the Bill

There are several ways to proceed with your payment. If every table has a receipt with the total bill, you can bring that to the register, and they'll do the math for you. Sometimes they'll put the receipt in plain sight on the table, but other times the table may be equipped with a receipt holder, and it may be hard to see. If there's nothing on or next to your table, it means you must call the staff and have them bring it to you, or in some restaurants, you may even pay without leaving your seat.

When in Tokyo, Visit Shimbashi for Izakaya

There's a nearly infinite number of izakaya in Japan, but Shimbashi is known as Tokyo's foremost izakaya mecca. It's also called the "holy land of the salaryman," as it's scattered with big companies and therefore always crowded with businessmen looking for a place to drink on their way home from work. The following izakaya are the 3 most recommended ones in Shimbashi.

1. Uokin Main Store (Shimbashi / Seafood Izakaya)

10. Uokin Main Store (Shimbashi / Seafood Izakaya)

This is one of the most popular izakaya among the sake lovers of Shimbashi, who are notoriously fussy with food. Its secret lies in the super-fresh seafood served in huge and filling quantities. Above all, first-timers should order the [Sashimi Assortment Special]. Pair it with [Oze no Yukidoke] or other carefully-selected sake from all over Japan. It's always packed, so you better make a reservation!

Uokin Main Store

Open: [Weekday] Normal Hours 17:00-23:30　[Saturday] Normal Hours 16:30-23:30 [Sunday / Public Holiday] Normal Hours 16:30-23:00
Closed: Mondays
Average price: -
Access: Get off at "Shimbashi" Station, which can be reached by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, JR's Keihin Tohoku, Tokaido Main, Yamanote or Yokosuka lines, Toei Asakusa Line or New Transit Yurikamome.
Address: Dai-2 Fuji Bldg. B1 to 3F, 3-18-3 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

2. Torifuji (Shimbashi / Japanese Izakaya)

11. Torifuji (Shimbashi / Japanese Izakaya)

This popular yakitori spot sits only 3 minutes away on foot from Shimbashi Station. In its welcoming retro atmosphere, you can stuff your cheeks with delicious yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). The ingredients used are the best available, chosen by the owner himself regardless of the production area or brand. Though the menu focuses on juicy and fragrant yakitori, it also includes a-la-carte dishes like [Shrimp Shinjo], wherein fresh shrimp paste is deep fried. As for the drinks, there are craft beers, sake, and all the other classics.

Torifuji

Open: [Weekdays / Saturday / Day before Holidays] Normal hours: 5:00 p.m. - Midnight
Closed: Wednesdays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Three minutes on foot from the Karasumori Exit of Shimbashi Station
Address: 3-13-7 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
More Details Reservation

3. Miyashin (Ginza / Izakaya)

This popular yakitori restaurant is located in Ginza, an area neighboring Shimbashi. Inside, you'll find a beautiful white wooden counter and a quiet, classy atmosphere. The owner has dedicated 50 years of his life to yakitori, and he thoroughly grills the ingredients with amazing techniques, bringing out exceptional flavors. The key is to "evenly heat the moisture inside the meat." With one hand, he rotates the skewers, and with the other, he regulates the heat using a big fan. Other than the various cuts of chicken meat, don't forget to try his skewers of seasonal vegetables. The drink options are countless, but wine is undoubtedly the most popular.

Miyashin

Open: [Weekdays] 17:00 - 23:00 [Saturday, Sunday, Holidays] 16:00 - 22:00　
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,500 JPY
Access: 2 minute walk from exit C1 of Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
Address: 2F Ginza Corridor Machi , 7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details Reservation

Go to an izakaya if you want to enjoy different delicacies and delicious drinks in a lively atmosphere. It's a must-do for any traveler visiting Japan!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.