All-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink customs

Time Limits and Last Orders

Tabehodai (all-you-can-eat) and nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) plans are often time-limited, commonly 90 or 120 minutes. Last orders are usually 20 to 30 minutes before the end, so it's worth keeping an eye on the time.

Nomihodai Is Often Bundled

Few shops let you order all-you-can-drink on its own; it's often bundled with a food course or all-you-can-eat plan. Checking the menu combinations ahead of time helps.

Ordering Rules

Some shops ask you to finish what's on the table before ordering more, rather than ordering everything at once. Following staff guidance on this keeps things smooth.

Extra Charges for Leftovers

Some shops charge extra if you leave a lot of food unfinished, so it's best to order what you can realistically eat.

Hard to Book for Just One Person

Usually everyone at the table needs to join the same plan, one person alone can't opt into all-you-can-drink while others order individually.

It Varies by Type of Restaurant

Rules differ by format: yakiniku (grill-changing timing), shabu-shabu (broth choices), sushi (limits on pieces or types), and dessert buffets all have their own conventions.

Extensions Are Usually Not Available

Most shops don't allow extending your reserved time slot, so it helps to arrive with plenty of time to enjoy it.

Related dishes

Tabehodai and nomihodai are often paired with sushi, and go naturally with sake or shochu.