What this solves
Tourists walk into an izakaya, get a small dish (otōshi / 突き出し / テーブルチャージ) at the start, then 30 minutes later realize it's been added to their bill as a ¥300-600 mandatory item. All-you-can-drink ("就餐タイム" nomihōdai) has a 90-min cap and a draft-beer minimum charge. Karaoke-hōdai is ¥2,000-3,500 extra. Smoking rules vary by prefecture; Tokyo is non-smoking in most indoor public spaces. This decoder picks the right type of visit.
Plan
How to read results
- Otōshi: mandatory cover dish (¥300-600 per person). It's a cultural rule, not a scam. Just eat it.
- Nomihōdai (飲み放題): "all-you-can-drink" with 90-120 min cap. Usually ¥1,500-2,500 per person. Sub-categories: draft beer only ¥1,500; all drinks ¥2,500-3,500; highballs/sour only ¥1,800.
- Course (コース): pre-set meal ¥3,000-6,000 per person + nomihōdai. Often best value for groups.
- Tabehōdai (食べ放題): all-you-can-eat, less common than nomihōdai. Usually ¥3,000-4,500.
- Karaoke-hōdai: ¥1,500-2,500 extra, usually at karaoke-izakaya.
Limitations
2026 reference. Nomihōdai times often 90 min from your first drink. Smoking rules vary by prefecture — Tokyo, Kyoto, Hokkaido, Osaka are mostly non-smoking indoors. Chiba, Saitama, Fukuoka have more flexible rules.
FAQ
Can I refuse otōshi?
Politely, but most izakaya won't let you. If you don't want a mandatory cover, choose a tachinomi (立ち飲み, standing bar) or chain (Seicomart style).
What is "Beer Expert" mode?
Japanese izakaya usually start with one small nomihōdai ticket ¥350-500. It's not "free" — you order a second beer after finishing it.
What if I don't drink?
Most izakaya let you order non-alcoholic. "Soft drink nomihōdai" exists at some chains for ¥800-1,200. You can also bring kids — many have no age limit.
About this tool
Purpose: explain Japanese izakaya rules. Scope: typical izakaya + tachinomi. Not affiliated with any restaurant chain.
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Disclaimer
Reference for 2026. Always confirm with staff.