Alo Japan All About Japan
Japanese Izakaya MUST-KNOW Table Manners & Key Phrases
In Travel

Japanese Izakaya MUST-KNOW Table Manners & Key Phrases



Japanese Izakaya MUST-KNOW Table Manners & Key Phrases

No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to a local izakaya. There, you’ll find office workers gathering to refresh after a long workday with a cold glass of beer, groups of friends cheering to celebrate a special event, and travelers looking to make friends. Izakayas are typically affordable, accessible, and welcoming, but knowing a few etiquette rules is a great way to ensure a great dining experience.

Join Shizuka and Toni as they visit two izakaya restaurants and go over some of the key phrases, useful tips, and unwritten dos and don’ts for dining like a local. Did you know about all these rules, or were any of them surprising to you?

Check out more must-know izakaya phrases for your trip: https://bit.ly/3VtmSuf

*About byFood*

ByFood is a platform that connects foodies with food experiences in Japan, from bustling food markets to serene countryside tastings. Besides exploring Japanese food culture in an authentic way, your booking fuels positive change! For every booking, we donate 10 meals to children in need through our Food for Happiness program. Ready for your next food adventure?

Browse trending restaurants and award-winning menus ➡️ https://bit.ly/4g5gB03
Find and book food experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and beyond ➡️https://bit.ly/49JRv4R

Want a tailor-made Japan experience? Let our travel experts craft culinary experiences just for you ➡️https://bit.ly/4ioD1uZ

Follow byFood online for more food and travel tips from Japan!

Japan byFood on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japanbyfood
Japan byFood on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japanbyfood
Japan byFood on X: https://twitter.com/japanbyfood

*TIMELINE*

00:00 Introduction
00:34 What is an Izakaya?
01:41 Phrase #1: How many people?
02:06 Tip #1
02:35 Vocab: Horigotatsu
02:48 Vocab: Oshibori
02:59 Tip #2
03:31 Phrase #2: “What would you like to drink?”
03:52 Phrase #3: “Beer for now!”
04:14 Phrase #4: “Cheers!”
04:39 Vocab: Otoshi
05:02 Phrase #5: “Let’s eat!” or “Thank you for this meal.”
05:39 Tip #3
06:29 What are some izakaya food staples?
06:51 Phrase #6: What are your recommendations?
07:14 Phrase #7: Excuse me!
07:29 Tip #4
07:49 Vocab: Chumon
08:24 Vocab: Torizara
08:47 Tip #5 (Chopstick Etiquette)
09:33 Tip #6
10:09 Phrase #8: Check Please!
10:44 Tip #7 (Cash or Card?)
11:19 Tip #8 (Tipping)
11:57 Phrase #9: Thank you for the meal!
12:28 Showtime: Trying it all out in Ueno, Tokyo!

47 Comments

  1. @JapanbyFood

    Thanks for watching! All these tips aside, byFood makes it it easy to experience Japan by food!
    Plan your next foodie trip with the links below! 🗾✈Arigato Gozaimasu!

    Browse and book trending restaurants and award-winning menus all in English! ➡ https://bit.ly/4g5gB03

    Find and book food experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and beyond ➡https://bit.ly/49JRv4R

    Want a tailor-made Japan experience? Let our travel experts craft culinary experiences just for you ➡https://bit.ly/4ioD1uZ

  6. @kaylec4951

    This, this is what I have needed. Tips on customs and language. Time to take some notes. Thank you.

  7. @HabuBeemer

    Tip: When you pull the chopsticks apart hold them horizontal and pull up and down instead of side to side. If you are sitting close to a person next to you, you won't accidentally hit them if you pull apart too hard. Great video!

  10. @MarcoS-xe7wd

    Guy in Hawaiian Shirt -Who is he? Why use him in your vlog? Can not find another talent? Looks lousy and no sense in style. Please next time choose someone with a classy look. Sorry for being honest.

  14. @Matto-91

    Amazing video! We were in Japan in October (my 2nd time in Japan but my wife's first time) We had so much fun in Izakaya's it's a great place to make local friends, especially if you speak a little of the language, many of nights we had were in Izakaya's drinking with locals and making new friends ( and social media is a great way to stay in touch) we tried to go using no English but some times the menus were hard to read so translator app helped 😉 but use with caution sometimes it isn't 100% I had ordered what the translator said was wasabi pickles but it ended up being pickled wasabi and that was fire to eat 🥵

  22. @kamonohasheesh

    It’s actually terrifying when you use an app to translate but it ends up translating to things that dont make sense cuz it turns out it’s the literal translation for the name of a mushroom or something like that 🥲

  24. @biofrog

    Nicely presented video. These are all the words/phrases I've tried to memorise for my current 1st trip to Japan. The main problem I have is remembering the correct phrase at the time, when the conversation seems to be going 10 times faster than i can keep up.. Being a solo traveller I can definitely say, old mate in the video has it easy with someone along side who is fluent and can help out!

  26. @zenwave5272

    thank you! love these videos – going to make flashcards with all of these phrases – can't wait to visit! ありがとう

  28. @3StarPanda

    These "doctors" working for the insurance companies are no better than the one from last week doing unnecessary procedures. They not just put money before patients but burned their Hippocratic Oath to the ground.

  40. @imtiajahamed4390

    When visiting a Japanese izakaya, knowing a few key manners and phrases can enhance your experience and show respect for the culture. Here’s a quick guide:

    ### *Table Manners:*
    1. *Wait to be seated:* Don’t sit until directed by staff.
    2. *Oshibori (wet towel):* Use it to clean your hands before eating, but never your face or tableware.
    3. *Sharing dishes:* Many izakaya dishes are meant to be shared. Use the provided serving utensils, not your personal chopsticks.
    4. *Pour drinks for others:* It’s polite to pour drinks for your companions, and they’ll reciprocate. Never pour your own drink.
    5. *Say “itadakimasu” before eating:* This phrase expresses gratitude for the meal.
    6. *Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice:* This resembles a funeral ritual and is considered disrespectful.

    ### *Key Phrases:*
    1. *“Sumimasen” (すみません):* Use this to call the server or get attention.
    2. *“Osusume wa nan desu ka?” (おすすめは何ですか？):* Ask for recommendations.
    3. *“Kore o kudasai” (これをください):* Point to a menu item and say this to order.
    4. *“Kanpai!” (かんぱい！):* Cheers! Say this before drinking.
    5. *“Okanjou onegaishimasu” (お勘定お願いします):* Ask for the bill when you’re ready to pay.

    Enjoy your izakaya experience with confidence and respect! 🍶🍢

  41. @mikehong2691

    At A Japanese Restaurant In San Francisco's Japantown!-I Ate-A Salad-Bowl Size-Full Of RAMEN NOODLES For $20.00!-Raymond "Mike" Hong!&(I ATE IT-ALL&DELICIOUS!-Mike!)😎👍!!!!!!!!!

Write A Comment