Eating Out in Japan: Izakaya and Sushi Basics
Quick answer
At an izakaya you usually get a small otoshi appetizer as a seating charge, order a few dishes to share, and pay together at the front counter. At a sushi counter, order a few pieces at a time, eat them fresh, and follow basic chopstick manners. A relaxed, polite tone fits both.
Izakaya or sushi counter — what is each like?
Izakaya and sushi restaurants are two of the most common places tourists eat out in Japan, and they work differently. Knowing what to expect makes ordering easy.
| Izakaya | Sushi counter | |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Casual pub with food to share | Focused meal, often at a counter |
| How you order | Several small dishes over time | A few pieces or a set at a time |
| Drinks | Central — beer, sake, highballs | Often tea, beer, or sake |
| Pace | Relaxed, social, long | Fresher and quicker per piece |
| Seating charge | Usually an otoshi appetizer | Sometimes a charge; varies |
As of June 2026, both are welcoming to visitors. An izakaya is about sharing and chatting; a sushi counter is about eating each piece at its best.
How do I order and behave at an izakaya?
When you arrive, staff will seat you and often bring an otoshi, a small appetizer that doubles as a cover charge. This is normal. You then order a few dishes at a time and share them around the table, adding more as you go.
Order drinks first if you can — a common opening is “toriaezu beer” (a beer to start). Call staff with a polite “sumimasen” (excuse me); some places have a call button on the table. Dishes arrive when ready, not all together.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Order a few shared dishes at a time | Expecting one big individual plate |
| Say “sumimasen” to call staff | Shouting or whistling for attention |
| Accept the otoshi as a seat charge | Arguing about the otoshi on the bill |
| Pour for others, let them pour for you | Filling only your own glass repeatedly |
| Keep your voice at a friendly level | Getting loud enough to disturb others |
A nice habit: when drinking together, pour for the people next to you and let them top up your glass, rather than serving only yourself. Wait for a shared “kanpai” (cheers) before the first sip.
How do I order and eat at a sushi counter?
At a counter you can order directly from the chef. Start with a few pieces and order more as you go, or ask for “omakase” to let the chef choose. Eat each piece soon after it is placed in front of you, while the rice and fish are at their best.
For dipping, lightly touch the fish side to soy sauce, not the rice, so the rice does not fall apart or soak up too much. Eating a nigiri piece in one bite is normal and tidy. Use the pickled ginger (gari) between pieces to refresh your palate, not as a topping. As of June 2026, many sushi spots are happy to serve visitors and will guide you if you ask.
At conveyor-belt (kaiten) sushi, take plates from the belt or order on the touch screen, keep your used plates in a neat stack, and the plate colors or count are used to total your bill.
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Order a few pieces at a time | Ordering everything then letting it sit |
| Dip the fish side lightly in soy | Soaking the rice in soy sauce |
| Eat each piece while fresh | Mixing lots of wasabi into the soy dish |
| Use ginger between pieces | Piling ginger on top of the sushi |
| Stack used plates at kaiten sushi | Scattering plates around the counter |
What chopstick rules matter most?
A few chopstick habits are linked to funeral customs and are best avoided at any meal. The rest is just everyday tidiness.
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Standing chopsticks upright in rice | Resembles a funeral offering |
| Passing food chopstick-to-chopstick | Resembles a funeral bone-passing rite |
| Spearing food with chopsticks | Seen as careless |
| Waving or pointing with chopsticks | Considered rude at the table |
| Pulling dishes with chopsticks | Use your hands to move bowls |
When you are not eating, rest your chopsticks on the chopstick rest, or lay them across your bowl or dish. For shared plates, it is polite to use the serving chopsticks or the clean end of your own.
How does paying work?
In most izakaya you pay at the front register when you leave, not at your table. Ask for the bill by saying “okaikei onegaishimasu.” Many places total the whole table as one bill; splitting it evenly among friends afterward is common, but the restaurant often prefers a single payment.
| Step | What to do (as of June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Ask for the bill | Say “okaikei onegaishimasu” |
| Where to pay | Usually the front counter, not the table |
| Check the total | Includes tax, otoshi, maybe a service charge |
| Payment method | Cash always works; confirm if cards/IC are taken |
| Tip | None — do not tip |
Smaller and traditional places may be cash-only, so it is wise to carry some yen. There is no tipping anywhere. A simple “gochisousama deshita” (thank you for the meal) on the way out is a warm, natural way to finish. For the small payment tray at the register, see our payment tray etiquette guide, and when in doubt at any restaurant, a friendly, low-key manner is always welcome.
FAQ
What is the small dish I did not order at an izakaya?
That is the otoshi (also called tsukidashi), a small appetizer brought automatically. As of June 2026, it usually works as a seating or cover charge of roughly 300–700 yen per person. It is normal and not a mistake on your bill. You can eat it or leave it, but you are still charged for it.
Do I tip at an izakaya or sushi restaurant in Japan?
No. As of June 2026, tipping is not expected anywhere in Japan, including izakaya and sushi counters. Trying to leave a tip can cause confusion. Good service is included. The price you see, plus consumption tax and any otoshi or service charge, is what you pay.
How do I order at a sushi counter?
If you sit at the counter, you can order a few pieces at a time directly from the chef, or choose a set (omakase means chef's choice). Eat each piece soon after it is served, while it is fresh. At conveyor-belt sushi, take plates from the belt or order on a screen, and keep your used plates stacked.
Are there chopstick rules I should know?
Yes, a few. Do not stand chopsticks upright in rice or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick, as both relate to funerals. Do not spear food, wave chopsticks around, or use them to pull dishes toward you. Rest them on the chopstick rest or across your dish when not eating.
How do I pay at an izakaya?
In most izakaya you pay together at the front register when leaving, not at the table. As of June 2026, many places expect one payment for the whole table rather than splitting individually, though casual splitting among friends afterward is common. Say 'okaikei onegaishimasu' to ask for the bill, and check whether cards are accepted.