No, you do not tip at an izakaya in Japan. Tipping is not part of the culture and can cause confusion or be considered rude. Instead, a small "table charge" (otoshi or sekiryō) is automatically applied, which acts as a cover charge for a small appetizer.
Izakayas are casual Japanese pubs, but there are unspoken rules visitors often search for before their first night out. Yes, you may be served otoshi automatically, no, tipping is not expected in Japan, and pouring drinks for others is part of the experience.
If there is a touch-panel, you can ask for the bill by pressing the 'pay bill' button. If there is no touch-panel, directly ask a member of staff. The place to pay depends on the Izakaya - you may be able to pay at your table or you may need to pay at the cash register.
In Japan tipping is not customary. If you insist on leaving a tip this may be seen as rude - and can cause acute embarrassment even if you think someone should be rewarded extra for their work. Instead, thank your hosts politely, and be respectful.
The most typical instance is if you stay in a ryokan that provides personal attendants. Your nakai-san will serve your dinner, arrange your futons, and be with you every step of the way. It's customary to prepare an envelope with 1,000 JPY per person and to give it during check-in.
How to choose an Izakaya 🍶 : Eat & Drink Like a Local in Japan!
Are izakayas cash only?
Japan is still a very cash-based society, and this certainly extends to its more traditional izakaya. Many of these will only accept cash or, if they do accept cashless payments, may only accept Japanese forms of cashless payment like PayPay or IC travel cards.
The one-third rule refers to the business practice that is unique to the food industry, in which the best before date is divided into 3 parts and food manufacturers and wholesalers deliver products to retailers before the end of the first part period.
It is not customary to tip in Japan, and if you do, you will probably find the restaurant staff chasing you down in order to give back any money left behind. Instead, it is polite to say "gochisosama deshita" ("thank you for the meal") when leaving.
If you only remember one thing, the golden rule is to simply be respectful. As long as you mind your surroundings and always act with respect, you'll do great!
Izakaya is a place where you can come as you are – there is no dress code. The atmosphere is lively, and is one of the best places to spend time with your company. Many people are attracted to Izakaya because it is affordable.
Irasshaimase and yokoso are both words of welcome used when greeting customers as they enter. You will hear them when you enter almost any shop in addition to izakaya, but it can be confusing the first time you hear it! It sounds like they're shouting at you as you walk in, but it's just a heart welcome.
Traditionally, 4 is unlucky because it is sometimes pronounced shi, which is the word for death. Sometimes levels or rooms with 4 do not exist in hospitals or hotels.
While holding hands is generally fine in Japan, kissing in public is strongly frowned upon and considered awkward or inappropriate, making it best to save passionate displays for private settings like hotels or homes, as it goes against traditional Japanese modesty and personal space norms, even if younger people are slightly more tolerant.
Travelers can wear shorts in hot weather, but don't wear cut-offs, board shorts, etc. Most Japanese women don't show their shoulders, belly or cleavage.
Because tipping isn't part of daily culture in Japan, an unexpected gratuity can sometimes cause confusion or even embarrassment. In Japan, it's thought that by dining out or drinking at a bar, you are already paying the establishment for good service.
The cost of dishes ranges from 400 yen to 1,500 yen per item, and drinks are typically priced between 400 yen and 800 yen per glass. There is a range in prices depending on the quality of the food and alcohol. The price range varies depending on the type of cuisine.
Not finishing one's meal is not considered impolite in Japan, but rather is taken as a signal to the host that one wishes to be served another helping. Conversely, finishing one's meal completely, especially the rice, indicates that one is satisfied and therefore does not wish to be served any more.
In sum, the Squeeze-Out Right enables a shareholder holding (directly or through one or more wholly owned subsidiaries) at least 90% of the total voting rights (a “Special Controlling Shareholder”) to force a cash acquisition of the remaining shares held by the minority shareholders.
Passengers leaving Japan either by ship or aircraft are required to pay an international tourist tax worth 1,000 yen per departure, although there are some exceptions to the rule.
$1,000 is only just enough for very tight, budget travel on that timeline. For a more comfortable week, you'd likely spend $1,500–$3,000 more. A 10-day stay typically costs about 1.5× a week (¥225,000-675,000/$1,500-4,500), and is plenty to see the main attractions.
