Izakaya Guide: How to Order Like a Local

What Is an Izakaya?

An izakaya (居酒屋) is a Japanese-style pub where food and drinks are equally important. Think of it as the Japanese equivalent of a Spanish tapas bar — a place to unwind after work with friends, sharing small plates over beer, sake, and highballs. Izakaya are where real Japanese social life happens.

There are over 80,000 izakaya across Japan, from rowdy chain establishments to intimate, chef-driven gems hidden down alleyways. Almost every memorable night out in Japan starts — and often ends — at an izakaya.

How to Find a Good Izakaya

• Look for red lanterns (赤提灯, aka-chochin) — the universal sign of a traditional izakaya
• Follow the noise — A lively izakaya filled with locals is usually a good sign
• Check the entrance — Handwritten menus and noren curtains often indicate independent, quality establishments
• Avoid tourist-heavy areas — Side streets one or two blocks away usually have better options
• Ask your hotel staff — They often know hidden local favorites

Understanding the System

Otoshi (Table Charge)

Most izakaya charge an otoshi (お通し) of ¥300-500 per person. This is not a scam — it is a standard table charge that comes with a small appetizer. Think of it as a cover charge with a snack included.

Ordering Drinks

The first order is always drinks. The most common first round is beer — simply say "toriaezu nama" (とりあえず生), meaning "draft beer for now." This is practically a ritual phrase in Japan.

• Nama biiru (生ビール) — Draft beer, the default starting drink
• Highball (ハイボール) — Whisky and soda, hugely popular
• Chuhai (チューハイ) — Shochu-based cocktail with various fruit flavors
• Nihonshu (日本酒) — Sake, often available from local breweries
• Nomihodai (飲み放題) — All-you-can-drink plans, usually 90-120 minutes for ¥1,500-2,500

Essential Izakaya Food to Order

Must-Try Dishes

• Edamame — Salted soybeans, the classic starter
• Karaage — Crispy fried chicken, juicy and perfectly seasoned
• Yakitori — Grilled chicken skewers (try negima, tsukune, and kawa)
• Sashimi moriawase — Assorted sashimi platter
• Agedashi tofu — Lightly fried tofu in dashi broth
• Tataki kyuri — Smashed cucumber with salt and sesame
• Nikujaga — Comfort-food meat and potato stew

Finishing the Night

Japanese izakaya meals typically end with a carb dish to settle the stomach:

• Ochazuke — Rice with green tea poured over it
• Onigiri — Rice balls
• Yakisoba — Fried noodles

Izakaya Etiquette

• Pour drinks for others, never for yourself — this is fundamental Japanese drinking culture
• Say "kanpai" before the first sip, making sure to clink glasses lower than your senior's
• Share dishes — Izakaya food is meant to be communal
• Use the call button or shout "sumimasen!" (すみません) to get the server's attention — this is normal and expected
• Pay at the register, not at the table — ask for "okaikei" (お会計) when ready

Budget Guide

• Chain izakaya (Torikizoku, Uotami): ¥2,000-3,000 per person including drinks
• Independent izakaya: ¥3,000-5,000 per person
• Premium izakaya: ¥5,000-10,000+ per person