What is an Izakaya?

An izakaya is a type of informal Japanese gastropub where coworkers, friends, and families gather to enjoy drinks accompanied by a wide variety of small, shareable dishes, such as grilled meats (yakitori), seafood, vegetable dishes, and more. It’s akin to tapas in that each meal ordered is small, offering an experience both travelers to Japan and residents enjoy.

Otoshi = seat fee

A unique concept of an Izakaya is that as customary, most Izakayas serve a small appetizer or snack to customers as soon as they are seated, before they order their food. This appetizer is not ordered by the customers and is automatically brought to the table. It is called “Otoshi”, and it works like a seat fee. The cost of the “Otoshi” is added to the bill, and it usually runs between 400 to 1000 yen per person.

Rip-off or mild rip-off Izakayas

Lately, a small number of izakayas have started charging outrageously expensive Otoshi and other fees on top of the bill. Understandably, an expensive izakaya with good food and excellent sake options may charge above 1,000 yen for Otoshi per person. However, rip-off izakayas, which often serve mediocre food and drinks, likely add a seating fee, service fee, peak time fee, late night fee, and weekend fee, etc.

While these fees are not illegal, this borderline scam tactic is becoming increasingly common even though establishments are required by law to inform customers about these fees prior to seating. It is highly recommended to inquire about fees before sitting down.

How to avoid it?

Personally, if an establishment charges fees beyond ‘Otoshi,’ I would not consider entering. Such places are often unpopular due to poor service or mediocre food, and resort to charging extra fees to stay afloat. Here are a few strategies to ensure you never set foot in a rip-off izakaya

The first step is to research izakayas and restaurants before going, reading the reviews to spot rip-off izakayas on Google reviews. If an izakaya imposes all kinds of fees on the tab, chances are that people will have written about it on Google reviews. Good, reputable izakayas don’t rely on service fees to run their business. If an establishment doesn’t appear on Google Maps or has no website, avoiding it is the best course of action.

Rip-off izakayas employ a ‘catch,’ standing outside of restaurants to bring customers in, often advertising all-you-can-drink and/or available seats during busy times. Usually, ‘catches’ are college kids looking to make quick money since bars pay them per number of customers they bring in. You should never follow these ‘catches;’ instead, go to a bar or restaurant you have researched. If desperate for a seat during a busy season and you decide to follow a ‘catch,’ ensure you ask about service charges once inside with a server, not with the ‘catch’ (recording is recommended).

Avoiding izakayas or bars in entertainment districts such as Kabukicho, Susukino in Sapporo, Shinsaibashi in Osaka, and Nakasu in Fukuoka is wise. Some izakayas in touristy areas like Shinsekai tend to charge extra fees.

Also you should Steer clear of establishments with all-you-can-eat and/or drink promotions, as these places tend to add fees to the bill. An exception is chain izakayas and restaurants.

Going to an izakaya chain is a good option, as many chain izakayas are publicly traded companies, which prohibits from engaging in dishonest business practice (of course there are exceptions) so those places don’t collect fees to run their food business. Examples include Torikizoku, Uotami, Yamachan, Isomaru Suisan, and Prestigious Yakitori Akiyoshi. These places don’t hire a ‘catch’ to bring in customers.

Lastly, family restaurants such as Saizeriya, Gusto, Bamiyan, and Jonathan’s serve alcoholic beverages and izakaya-like food at reasonable prices, with no fees, and credit cards are widely accepted. I like this option as the food selection is so much wider than an Izakaya.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while dining and drinking at an izakaya is a quintessential Japanese experience. Caution is advised due to the practice of adding unexpected fees by some establishments. A little research and awareness can help avoid these pitfalls, ensuring that your izakaya experience is both enjoyable and free of unwanted surprises. Remember, the vast majority of izakayas operate with honesty and integrity, focusing on providing a delightful culinary experience without resorting to excessive fees. By choosing wisely, you can fully embrace the rich tapestry of Japanese dining culture.