Do this now
Follow these steps in order.
- 01
Check the entrance, menu or reservation terms for a seating or otoshi charge.
- 02
Ask the price before sitting if it could affect your decision.
- 03
State allergies and dietary restrictions before the dish is served.
- 04
Confirm whether the charge is per person.
- 05
Review the itemized bill and ask about an unfamiliar line politely.
- 06
Pay the disclosed charge without adding a separate restaurant tip.
What to know
Otoshi is a small dish linked to the seat
GO TOKYO describes otoshi as a small appetizer served automatically before the main order at places such as izakaya. Its cost is commonly included in an otoshidai or seating charge.
The dish may be vegetables, tofu, fish, pickles or another small preparation chosen by the venue. It is not the same item at every izakaya, and some venues do not use the system.
What to know
The charge is usually per person
Current GO TOKYO dining guidance says otoshi is usually charged per person as part of the dining experience. A group of four may therefore see four charges even when the food arrived on one or two plates.
Confirm the basis of the fee rather than dividing the number of dishes on the table. Children, non-drinkers and guests who order little may be treated differently only if the venue’s policy says so.
What to know
It is not a free sample or a tip
Otoshi may arrive without a conventional order, but official visitor guidance identifies it as a cover or seating charge. Eating none of it does not automatically erase that charge.
The fee belongs to the restaurant bill and is distinct from gratuity. Japan’s no-tipping norm does not mean that a disclosed seating charge can be subtracted.
What to know
Ask before sitting if you may decline
GO TOKYO says the custom is generally not optional. A request made after the dish arrives may not remove the charge, even if staff take the food away.
If you do not want an otoshi system, ask before accepting the seat: “otoshi wa arimasu ka?” asks whether there is an otoshi. “otoshi wa ikura desu ka?” asks its price. You can choose another venue if the terms do not suit you.
What to know
Declare allergies immediately
JNTO specifically warns that otoshi tends to arrive automatically and tells diners to express dietary restrictions as soon as possible. Do not taste an unidentified dish to determine whether it is safe.
Show a written allergy card before ordering. Ask whether the dish can be replaced or omitted, and separately confirm whether the seating charge still applies; food safety and fee policy are two different questions.
What to know
The first small items on the table are not all otoshi
An oshibori is the wet hand towel, and water or tea is often provided separately. GO TOKYO distinguishes these from the charged appetizer.
Do not eat the towel packet’s contents, take reusable items away or assume every small dish is complimentary. When in doubt, point to the item and ask staff what it is.
What to know
Read the bill by line item
The charge may appear as otoshi, otoshidai, sekiryo or another venue-specific label. Late-night surcharges and service charges can be separate entries rather than alternative names for the same fee.
Ask for an itemized explanation if the amount or count is unexpected. Keep the conversation on what was disclosed and how many guests were charged instead of treating the entire practice as a scam.
What to know
Use the dish as the start of the izakaya meal
Otoshi fills the interval while drinks and ordered food are prepared. Try it if it is safe for you, then order shared dishes in rounds rather than expecting a fixed course.
If you dislike the particular item, leave it without making a scene and enjoy the rest of the visit. The payment obligation depends on the venue’s policy, not on whether the dish became your favorite.
If that does not work
Use the fallback.
- If the dish has already arrived and you have an allergy, do not eat it; alert staff immediately.
- If staff say the fee cannot be removed, ask for the amount and decide calmly whether to remain.
- If the bill shows more charges than diners, request an itemized explanation before paying.
- If you cannot identify the fee label, show the receipt line to staff or a translation app.
- If you do not want a seating-charge system, choose a venue that confirms it has none before entry.
- If an unfamiliar late-night or service charge also appears, ask about that line separately.
Before you need it
Save this offline.
- Otoshi is usually a charged small appetizer
- The charge is commonly per person
- Ask before sitting: “otoshi wa arimasu ka?”
- Ask the price: “otoshi wa ikura desu ka?”
- Declare allergies before the automatic dish arrives
Primary evidence
Official sources used
Open these pages again before travel. External links lead to the responsible Japanese authority or transport organization.
