Did I Get Scammed by an Izakaya Hidden Fee? If you were charged for a small appetizer you did not order at an izakaya in Tokyo, you probably were not scammed. In many Japanese izakayas, this charge is called otoshi (お通し), and it works like a small table charge. As of 2026, a normal otoshi … Read more
Stepping into a local izakaya in Tokyo can be one of the most memorable dining experiences of your trip. It is casual, noisy, social, and built around small plates, drinks, and a relaxed pace. But for first-time visitors, the unspoken rules can feel confusing: a small dish appears before you order, menus may be handwritten … Read more
If you want to try a Japanese izakaya in Tokyo but do not speak Japanese, start with the right kind of place. A large chain izakaya is the lowest-stress option, Gonpachi gives you a famous English-accessible restaurant setting, and Shinjuku’s alleyways give you the classic Tokyo nightlife atmosphere. If you feel nervous about Japanese-only menus, … Read more