"A small dish I didn't order showed up. I ate it, and ¥500 was charged at the bill."
This is one of the most baffling moments for foreigners visiting an izakaya or bar in Japan. The dish is called otoshi (also "tsukidashi," "sakizuke," or "charge") — a uniquely Japanese custom.
This guide explains what otoshi is, why it exists, whether you can refuse it, and how to avoid disputes — including the legal background.
What is otoshi?
Otoshi is a small dish that automatically arrives at your table when you sit down, separate from anything you ordered, at an izakaya or bar.
- Names: "otoshi" (Kanto region) / "tsukidashi" (Kansai region) / "sakizuke" (formal Japanese cuisine) / "charge" (bars)
- What it is: Edamame, cold tofu, simmered dish, small slice of sashimi, etc. — varies by establishment
- Price: ¥300–500 per person (¥700+ in tourist areas)
- Billing: Often added to the bill without appearing on the menu
Why does otoshi exist?
Historically there are two functions.
1. As a "cover charge"
Izakaya are establishments where customers stay for hours, with low table turnover. Otoshi was set up as compensation for the seat itself — similar to the "cover charge" or "service charge" found at Western bars and restaurants.
2. As something to nibble until your food arrives
It's also a gesture of consideration — something to eat with your drink while waiting for your order. Sometimes it doubles as the chef's "today's recommendation."
Etymology of "otoshi" "Otoshi" derives from the phrase "your order has been put through" or "a sign that you've been seated." "Tsukidashi" means "to push out (the dish)," and "sakizuke" means "served first." The names vary by region and establishment type, but the essence is the same.
Can you legally refuse it? — A clear answer
This is what most people want to know. The bottom line:
"If you clearly state 'no otoshi please' before ordering, you generally have no obligation to pay" — this is the view of most legal experts.
The legal basis
Under Japanese civil law, a sales contract is formed by "offer" and "acceptance." Since the customer never ordered the otoshi, refusing it means no contract was formed — that's the principle.
However, if "Otoshi: ¥500" is clearly displayed inside the shop and your entry can be interpreted as accepting that condition, the establishment can charge you. The Consumer Contract Act also supports the claim if there was no "non-disclosure of important information."
The practical approach
- At entry: Ask "Is there an otoshi? Is it paid?"
- If paid: Ask "Can I refuse the otoshi?"
- At establishments where you can refuse: Clearly say "no otoshi please"
- At establishments where you can't: Either leave before it's served, or accept it
The pattern that causes the most trouble: Saying after the fact that "I didn't order this" or "I won't pay." Even if you'd win on legal grounds, in-shop disputes are exhausting. Confirming at the entrance is the best prevention.
"Otoshi trouble" with tourists is rising
Since the late 2010s, complaints about otoshi from foreign visitors have spiked, prompting the Consumer Affairs Agency and Japan Tourism Agency to issue warnings. Common complaints:
- No advance explanation before being charged
- No price displayed, then charged at "scam pricing" after eating
- Insufficient multilingual signage led to misinterpretation as "free service"
Establishments catering to foreign visitors are increasingly:
- Eliminating otoshi entirely (folding it into prices)
- Listing the otoshi fee on multilingual menus
- Verbally explaining at entry ("This is otoshi, JPY 500 per person")
- Featuring on gourmet sites that highlight "no-otoshi" venues
Otoshi by establishment type
| Type | Otoshi tendency |
|---|---|
| Major izakaya chains (Torikizoku, Isomaru Suisan, etc.) | Mostly no otoshi (built into the menu prices) |
| Neighborhood izakaya | Yes (typically ¥300–500) |
| Long-established kappō / kaiseki restaurants | Yes (sakizuke as part of the formal course) |
| Bars (especially counter bars) | Yes ("cover charge" or "seat fee") |
| Sushi restaurants (high-end, non-conveyor) | Yes (not called "otoshi" but functions like sakizuke) |
| Family restaurants, cafes, fast food | Generally no |
To find "no-otoshi" places, search "otoshi" in Tabelog or Gurunavi reviews, or pick a major chain to be safe.
"Cover charge" at bars
At bars (especially hotel bars and authentic cocktail bars), the same function as otoshi is called "cover charge," "table charge," or "seat fee."
- Range: ¥500–2,000 (hotel bars are higher)
- What's served: Nuts, olives, dried fruit, etc.
- Display: Usually printed on the menu or at the entrance
- Refusal: Same as otoshi — generally refusable, but establishments that explicitly state "cover-charge system" do require payment
Difference from a service charge
At high-end restaurants, hotels, and ryokan, you'll sometimes see a "service charge 10%" added to your bill. This is different from otoshi.
| Item | Otoshi (charge) | Service charge |
|---|---|---|
| What you pay for | Seat + 1 small dish | Overall service experience |
| How it's calculated | Fixed amount per person | 10–15% of food and drink |
| Subject to consumption tax | Yes | Yes |
| Display | Menu / shop entrance display recommended | Must be shown on the menu |
Service charges should also be displayed in advance. If you only notice at the bill, ask the establishment.
What to do if there's a dispute
- First, calmly check with the staff: Show the receipt and menu, and explain "this wasn't displayed" or "I wasn't told about it"
- Ask for the manager: Don't get into an argument with individual staff
- Don't withhold payment: It can be treated as dine-and-dash. Pay first, negotiate later
- Consumer Hotline 188: Free, with multilingual support varying by region
- Police (110): For genuinely malicious cases like overcharging or threats
FAQ
Q. Do I have to pay for otoshi if I don't eat it?
A. Once it's served and you've accepted it, payment generally becomes obligatory — that's the common interpretation. "I won't pay because I didn't eat it" doesn't work. If you want to refuse, do it before it's served.
Q. What if I say "I have an allergy and can't eat the otoshi"?
A. Many establishments will swap it for a different dish. Allergies, vegetarian, halal, and Muslim accommodations are often available if you mention them in advance.
Q. Are children charged for otoshi?
A. Pre-school and elementary-age children are not charged at most establishments. From middle school age, they may be treated as adults. Confirm at entry: "Is there an otoshi for children?"
Q. Can I pay with an overseas credit card?
A. Major chains and central-city restaurants generally accept them, but neighborhood izakaya are often cash-only. Even at major izakaya, confirm in advance which networks they accept.
Q. How do I find izakaya marked "no otoshi"?
A. Major gourmet sites sometimes let you filter by "no otoshi." A growing number of shops (especially major chains like Torikizoku) advertise "no otoshi" or "no seat fee" on their signage.
Q. Can I take a photo of the otoshi for social media?
A. Generally yes, but some establishments prohibit photography indoors. Don't capture other customers, and if you're unsure, ask the staff "shashin ii desu ka?" ("OK to take a photo?").
Q. The otoshi was delicious! Can I get another?
A. Most establishments don't allow seconds (one dish per visit). If you really want more, ask the staff whether the same dish appears on the regular menu.
Q. Is there an otoshi at lunchtime?
A. Generally no. Otoshi is a custom tied to drinking establishments — at lunchtime, when food is the focus, it's not normally added.
Final thoughts
Otoshi isn't a "mystery charge" — it's a long-standing seat-fee custom unique to Japan. With this knowledge:
- Confirm at entry: "Is the otoshi paid?"
- Choose "no-otoshi" establishments and you can use them without worry
- Once you're used to izakaya, treat it as the chef's "today's recommendation"
Don't misread it as a "free service." Understand it as "seat fee + a small dish," and izakaya culture becomes much more enjoyable.
At Nihongo-tomo, we offer free vocabulary lists for izakaya and dining. Learning words like "otoshi," "sekiryō" (seat fee), and "service charge" in advance helps prevent surprises at the bill.
References / 参考・出典
- INVOY — Can You Refuse the Otoshi? Izakaya's "Unspoken Rule" Explained — Legal basis explained
- Otonanswer — Is There a Legal Obligation to Pay for "Otoshi"? — Lawyer's legal view
- Inshokuten Journal — Is the Izakaya "Otoshi" Unnecessary?
- macaroni — What is "Otoshi"? Can You Refuse It? Differences from Tsukidashi and Sakizuke
- Consumer Hotline 188 (Consumer Affairs Agency)
- National Consumer Affairs Center (Restaurant Trouble Consultation)
The legal views in this article are general perspectives as of May 2026 and don't guarantee the outcome of any individual case. For specific disputes, consult your local consumer affairs center or a lawyer.