Information sheet - Izakaya (a Japanese bar) in Japan

No shoes!

• You have to be 20 to drink in an Izakaya. If you look young, sometimes ID card is required.
• Some izakayas will have tatami areas. Be sure to remove your shoes before stepping on the tatami mats.
• Many izakayas will have a locker with wooden keys. Make sure exactly where your locker is.
• While being seated at your table, you will usually find a small white towel, called "Oshibori". You should wipe your hands before eating.
• A lot of izakaya will automatically serve you a small dish when you are first seated. You have to pay a small charge for this dish.
• Many people tend to start with beer. But there are various drink menues in izakayas.
• You are allowed to smoke in izakaya in Japan.
• In izakayas, it is traditional to share the dishes. As a group, sharing each dish by taking small plate.
• When receiving drinks, it is polite to hold the glass with both hands. One hand should be underneath and one on the side.

Posted for Yuki