What is nomihodai all you can drink in Japan?

Nomihodai is a timed all-you-can-drink plan at izakaya and other restaurants; this guide explains how it works, what it costs, last orders and common rules.

Published October 20, 2026 at 8:11 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Nomihodai means all you can drink for a set price per person within a time limit, usually somewhere between 90 minutes and three hours. It is offered at many izakaya (casual Japanese pubs) and group dining venues, often paired with a food course. Staff usually announce last orders before time runs out.

What nomihodai means

The word nomihodai comes from nomu (to drink) and hodai (as much as you like). It describes a plan where a group pays a fixed amount per person and can order drinks from a set list for a limited time. A similar idea exists for food, called tabehodai, meaning all you can eat. Published descriptions of izakaya culture note that these deals usually come with a time limit of two or three hours.

Nomihodai is common at izakaya, which are casual Japanese bars serving shared plates, and at some karaoke venues, barbecue restaurants and banquet-style restaurants. It is especially popular for group parties, such as work gatherings and celebrations, where a clear price per head makes planning easy.

Not every place offers it. Small, traditional bars and high-end restaurants often do not, and some offer it only on certain days or for groups of a certain size. Always check the menu or ask the staff before sitting down.

How it works step by step

Most nomihodai plans are booked together with food. A typical set menu is called a course (kosu), and the course lists dishes plus the drink plan and the time limit. Staff will tell you the start time, and the clock usually starts when you order or when the group is seated. Popular drinks include beer, highballs, chuhai (a spirit-based fruity drink with soda), shochu mixes and soft drinks.

Ordering is usually done through staff or a tablet or paper form at the table. A server brings the first round and then you order more as you go. Many places use a drink menu with a separate nomihodai section, and premium drinks like specialty sake may be excluded or require an upgrade.

Read the rules before you begin. Some plans require everyone at the table to join, and some limit the number of drinks per order. Most restaurants will explain these points when you book, and an English menu or a translation tool can help. If you are unsure, ask the staff.

Time limits and last order

Time limits differ by venue, and published descriptions of izakaya dining mention two or three hours as typical. Many places use shorter windows, such as 90 or 120 minutes, to keep tables turning over. The plan will state the exact time, so check it when ordering.

Last order is an important part of the system. Restaurants usually call last order, known as raasuto ohda, shortly before the plan ends, often a short time to half an hour ahead depending on the venue, so that the kitchen and bar can finish on time. After last order is called, you cannot order additional drinks, but you can usually finish what you have until the end time.

Plan your orders so you do not rush near the end. If you want a final round, order a bit earlier, and keep an eye on the time. Staff will usually give a gentle reminder, and they may also tell you when you must leave the table so the next group can sit.

Costs and what is included

Prices vary by restaurant, region, time of day and plan length. Many venues advertise a per-person price for a drink-only plan and a higher price for a food course with nomihodai. The cost can change with the season and special events, so check the restaurant's current menu and booking page rather than relying on a general figure.

Look for what is included and excluded. A table charge or small appetizer, called otoshi, may be added to the bill at izakaya in place of a seating fee. Some places add a service charge, and menu prices may or may not include consumption tax, so look for a note on the menu. Premium drinks, cocktails and bottles may cost extra or be unavailable on the plan.

Compare plans with ordering drinks one by one. If you plan to have only a few drinks, the plan may cost more than paying per drink. If your group will drink several rounds, nomihodai is usually good value. A quick calculation before booking helps.

Who it suits and special cases

Nomihodai suits groups who plan to socialize for a few hours and want a predictable bill. It is common at company gatherings, farewell parties and reunions, and it can be a friendly way for visitors to join in local drinking culture. For couples or solo travelers, it can be less useful, since you may not drink enough to benefit.

Japan's legal drinking age is 20, and staff may ask for identification from young-looking guests. Many venues offer soft drink nomihodai or non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers, sometimes at a lower price. Ask about this if some members of your group do not drink.

Alcohol is not suitable for everyone. Anyone who is pregnant, taking medication or living with a health condition should avoid alcohol or ask a doctor. If you will be traveling afterward, remember that drink driving is a serious offense. Trains often stop running around midnight, so plan your trip home before you start.

Common mistakes and etiquette

A common mistake is assuming that nomihodai covers every drink on the menu. Often it includes only a defined list. Another is forgetting the time limit and trying to order after last order. Some visitors also try to share a drink with someone who is not on the plan or to carry drinks out of the venue, both of which are usually not allowed.

Drinking too fast to get your money's worth can lead to a bad evening. Pace yourself, drink water, and eat food alongside. Many izakaya courses are designed with this in mind, and plates arrive gradually.

Restaurants typically expect groups to stay within the allotted time. Leaving on time is polite, since the next party may have the table booked. Tidying plates a little and thanking the staff is appreciated, though not required.

Planning tips and wrap-up

Book ahead for groups, especially on Fridays and before holidays, and ask about the plan when you reserve. Decide who will order for the table, and agree on a plan so everyone is comfortable. Check the menu for non-alcoholic choices and any dietary needs, and tell the staff in advance.

On the day, arrive on time since the clock may start at the reserved time. Keep your receipt, and confirm whether payment is by one bill or split. Credit card acceptance and splitting rules differ by restaurant, so ask early.

Rules, prices and plan names change, so confirm current details with the restaurant before you go. Having a clear plan makes the evening relaxed for everyone. This guide shares general information, not professional advice; for health concerns about alcohol, talk with a doctor or local clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to order food with nomihodai?

Not always. Some restaurants sell drink-only nomihodai plans, while others require a food course. Policies vary, so ask when booking or check the menu. Many venues offer both choices, with the food course typically priced higher.

Can one person in a group order nomihodai alone?

Often the plan must be taken by everyone at the table, but this depends on the restaurant. Some places allow individuals to choose, especially if the plan is drink-only. Ask the staff before ordering, since the rules are usually explained at the start.

What is otoshi on an izakaya bill?

Otoshi is a small appetizer served when you sit down, and it is usually charged to the bill in place of a seating fee. It is a normal part of izakaya dining. In the Osaka and Kobe area it may be called tsukidashi.

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