Ordering drinks in Japan is much easier than it can seem before your first visit.
You don’t need to speak fluent Japanese or memorise complicated sentences. In most bars, restaurants and izakayas, a few simple phrases — combined with pointing at the menu when needed — are enough to order confidently.
If you only learn one phrase, make it:
生ビールをお願いします。
Nama biiru o onegaishimasu.
Draft beer, please.
Travelling as a couple?
生ビールを二つお願いします。
Nama biiru o futatsu onegaishimasu.
Two draft beers, please.
This guide covers the Japanese phrases you’ll actually use for ordering beer, whisky highballs, sake and other drinks, plus how to order another round, ask for recommendations and get the bill.
Quick Answer
The easiest way to order a drink in Japan is:
[Drink] + onegaishimasu
For example:
Nama biiru onegaishimasu — Draft beer, please.
Haibooru onegaishimasu — Highball, please.
Nihonshu onegaishimasu — Sake, please.
If you can’t pronounce the drink or don’t know its Japanese name, point at the menu and say:
Kore onegaishimasu — This one, please.
That’s enough to handle a surprising number of situations in Japan.
Japanese Drinking Phrases to Save on Your Phone
If you’re heading out tonight, these are the phrases worth screenshotting.
| What You Want to Say | Japanese Phrase |
|---|---|
| Excuse me | Sumimasen |
| Draft beer, please | Nama biiru onegaishimasu |
| Two draft beers, please | Nama biiru futatsu onegaishimasu |
| Highball, please | Haibooru onegaishimasu |
| Sake, please | Nihonshu onegaishimasu |
| This one, please | Kore onegaishimasu |
| Another drink, please | Mou ippai onegaishimasu |
| What do you recommend? | Osusume wa nan desu ka? |
| Cheers! | Kanpai! |
| The bill, please | Okaikei onegaishimasu |
| Thank you | Arigatou gozaimasu |
Don’t worry about producing perfect Japanese. Short, polite phrases are far more useful for travellers than trying to construct complicated sentences.
How to Order a Beer in Japan
Beer is one of the easiest drinks to order in Japan.
For a draft beer, say:
生ビールをお願いします。
Nama biiru o onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
Draft beer, please.
You’ll often hear the phrase shortened in casual situations, but onegaishimasu is easy to remember and keeps your request polite.
What Does Nama Beer Mean?
Nama biiru (生ビール) means draft beer.
On a Japanese drinks menu you may see:
生ビール — draft beer
生 — often shorthand for draft beer
瓶ビール — bottled beer
If you see 生 beside a beer listing at an izakaya, it commonly indicates draft beer.
How to Order One Beer in Japanese
If you want to specifically say one beer, you can use:
ビールを一つお願いします。
Biiru o hitotsu onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
One beer, please.
But don’t make ordering more complicated than it needs to be.
If you’re ordering for yourself, simply saying:
Nama biiru onegaishimasu
will usually make your request clear.
How to Order Two Beers in Japanese
This is one of the most useful phrases for couples travelling around Japan.
Say:
生ビールを二つお願いします。
Nama biiru o futatsu onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
Two draft beers, please.
An easy version to remember is:
Nama biiru, futatsu onegaishimasu.
Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, staff will generally understand what you’re asking for.
How to Order Three Beers in Japanese
For three draft beers:
生ビールを三つお願いします。
Nama biiru o mittsu onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
Three draft beers, please.
You don’t need to memorise Japanese counters for every possible number before your trip.
If you’re unsure, pointing at the beer on the menu and holding up the appropriate number of fingers is perfectly practical.
How to Get the Staff’s Attention
At restaurants and izakayas where staff take your order directly, use:
すみません。
Sumimasen.
This means “excuse me” and is one of the most useful Japanese words you’ll learn.
Then order:
Sumimasen. Nama biiru futatsu onegaishimasu.
Excuse me. Two draft beers, please.
However, don’t assume every restaurant uses traditional table service.
Depending on the venue, you might order using:
- a touchscreen tablet
- a QR code
- a button at the table
- staff at your table
- the counter
Take a moment to see how the venue operates before trying to call someone over.
How Ordering Works at a Japanese Izakaya
An izakaya is a casual Japanese drinking and dining venue where people typically order drinks alongside multiple smaller dishes.
When you enter, staff will usually establish how many people are in your group and show you to your seats.
Drink orders are often taken early.
If staff are taking orders directly, you can start with:
Sumimasen.
Then:
Nama biiru onegaishimasu.
If there’s a tablet, QR code or call button on your table, use that instead.
The important thing is that you don’t need to understand an elaborate ritual.
Watch what the venue expects, order politely and enjoy yourself.
How to Order a Japanese Highball
You’ll see highballs throughout Japan, particularly in izakayas.
A Japanese whisky highball is generally whisky served with ice and carbonated water, creating a lighter and refreshing way to drink whisky alongside food.
To order one:
ハイボールをお願いします。
Haibooru o onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
Highball, please.
For two:
Haibooru futatsu onegaishimasu.
If trying Japanese whisky is part of your trip, continue here:
How to Order Sake in Japan
There’s an important language distinction when ordering sake.
English speakers commonly use sake to mean Japanese rice wine.
In Japanese, however, sake (酒) can be used more broadly for alcohol.
If you specifically want Japanese rice wine, the useful term is:
日本酒
Nihonshu
You can say:
Nihonshu onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
Sake, please.
If the menu lists several types and you don’t know which one to choose, ask:
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
Meaning:
What do you recommend?
Or point at a bottle or menu item and say:
Kore onegaishimasu.
How to Order a Lemon Sour
Another drink you’ll regularly encounter at Japanese izakayas is the lemon sour.
To order one:
レモンサワーをお願いします。
Remon sawaa o onegaishimasu.
Lemon sours are a popular alternative when you want something refreshing but don’t feel like beer or whisky.
How to Order a Non-Alcoholic Drink
You don’t need to drink alcohol to enjoy an izakaya or bar in Japan.
Look for:
ノンアルコール
Non-arukooru
Meaning:
Non-alcoholic.
Many menus have a separate section for non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and other alcohol-free options.
If you see something you want, you don’t need to know its name.
Simply point and say:
Kore onegaishimasu.
The Most Useful Ordering Phrase in Japan
This may be even more useful than learning the names of individual drinks.
これをお願いします。
Kore o onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
This one, please.
Point at the menu while saying it.
That’s it.
For two of the same thing:
Kore futatsu onegaishimasu.
This works particularly well when you’re dealing with a menu entirely in Japanese or you’re worried about pronouncing the drink incorrectly.
How to Order Another Drink
Ready for another round?
Say:
もう一杯お願いします。
Mou ippai onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
Another drink, please.
If you want another of the same drink, you can also point at your glass while saying it.
This is especially convenient at smaller bars where the bartender already knows what you’ve been drinking.
How to Ask What the Bartender Recommends
At whisky bars, cocktail bars and sake-focused venues, asking for a recommendation can be more interesting than ordering something familiar.
Try:
おすすめは何ですか？
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
Meaning:
What do you recommend?
Even where there is a language barrier, staff may be able to point you towards a popular drink or house speciality.
How to Say Cheers in Japanese
Once everyone has a drink, you’ll hear:
乾杯！
Kanpai!
Meaning:
Cheers!
If you’re drinking as a group, it’s common to wait until everyone has their drink before starting with a toast.
What Is Otoshi?
This catches many first-time visitors by surprise.
At some izakayas, you may sit down and receive a small dish you didn’t order.
This is called:
お通し
Otoshi
It can function as part of the venue’s seating or cover-charge system.
So if food suddenly appears at your table before you’ve ordered it, don’t immediately assume staff have delivered someone else’s meal.
However, not every bar or restaurant in Japan uses an otoshi system.
The practice varies between venues.
This is one reason it’s useful to understand basic Japanese bar etiquette before going out.
Do You Tip in Japanese Bars?
Generally, no.
Tipping isn’t customary at ordinary restaurants, izakayas and bars in Japan.
You normally pay the amount on your bill rather than calculating an additional percentage for service.
For travellers coming from countries where tipping is expected, this makes paying considerably simpler.
How to Ask for the Bill in Japanese
When you’re ready to leave, say:
お会計お願いします。
Okaikei onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
The bill, please.
Depending on the venue, staff may bring the bill to you or expect you to take it to a register near the entrance.
Watch what other customers are doing or follow the staff’s instructions.
Can You Pay by Card at Bars in Japan?
Card and cashless payments are increasingly common, particularly at larger restaurants, chains and modern bars.
But don’t assume every small izakaya or independent bar accepts your preferred payment method.
Keeping some Japanese yen available is sensible.
If you’re unsure, check for payment logos at the entrance or register.
Do You Need to Speak Japanese to Order Drinks?
No.
Knowing a few Japanese phrases certainly makes going out easier, but you shouldn’t avoid bars or izakayas because you don’t speak Japanese.
Depending on the venue, you might find:
- English menus
- menus with photographs
- touchscreen ordering
- QR-code ordering
- staff who speak some English
- menus entirely in Japanese
If you encounter the last option, pointing is your friend.
Kore onegaishimasu.
This one, please.
That simple phrase can get you through an enormous number of situations.
What If the Menu Is Entirely in Japanese?
Don’t panic.
First look for photographs or familiar brand names.
Translation tools on your phone can also help with written menus.
If you’re still unsure, ask:
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
What do you recommend?
Or point at something and say:
Kore onegaishimasu.
You don’t need to translate every item on the menu before ordering a drink.
Ordering Drinks at a Standing Bar
Japan has casual standing bars known as tachinomi.
They can be excellent places for a quick drink without committing to a long evening.
Ordering and payment systems vary.
Some have you order at the counter, while others may operate differently.
Take a moment to observe what other customers are doing.
If you’re unsure:
Sumimasen.
Then point at what you want and say:
Kore onegaishimasu.
Simple.
Ordering at a Japanese Whisky Bar
A specialist whisky bar can feel very different from a large izakaya.
Some are intimate venues with only a small number of seats.
The bartender may ask what flavours or styles you enjoy rather than expecting you to immediately choose from a long whisky list.
If you’re unsure, asking:
Osusume wa nan desu ka?
can be particularly useful.
Japan’s whisky bars can also be a great opportunity to try expensive Japanese whisky by the glass rather than buying an entire bottle.
Ordering at a Cocktail Bar
At specialist cocktail bars, you may not always need to order from a fixed list.
Some bartenders can recommend a drink based on flavours you enjoy.
If there is a menu, pointing still works perfectly well.
Smaller bars may also have seating or cover charges, so check the menu or information provided by the venue if you’re uncertain.
If you’re travelling alone, counter seating can make smaller Japanese bars particularly convenient.
👉 Best Bars for Solo Travellers in Tokyo
Ordering Drinks in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto
The basic phrases in this guide work across Japan.
You don’t need a different phrase for ordering beer in Tokyo than you do in Osaka or Kyoto.
What changes more noticeably is the type of venue you’re visiting.
Tokyo has everything from tiny whisky bars to enormous izakayas.
Osaka has an extensive casual food and drinking culture, particularly around areas such as Namba and Umeda.
Kyoto combines traditional drinking areas with modern cocktail, whisky and sake bars.
If you’re planning a night out in Kyoto:
👉 Kyoto Nightlife Guide: Bars, Pubs & Hidden Spots
Common Mistakes When Ordering Drinks in Japan
The biggest mistake is assuming you need perfect Japanese.
You don’t.
Instead, remember a few practical points.
Don’t automatically tip. Tipping isn’t generally expected.
Don’t panic if an otoshi arrives. It may be part of the establishment’s normal system.
Don’t assume every venue accepts cards. Carrying some cash is useful.
Don’t assume every venue uses table service. Look for tablets, QR codes and call buttons.
Don’t be embarrassed about pointing. Combining pointing with kore onegaishimasu is a perfectly practical way for visitors to order.
Don’t assume you have to drink alcohol. Non-alcoholic options are available at many establishments.
And don’t worry if you mispronounce something.
A polite attempt plus pointing at the menu will usually communicate far more than you think.
Example: Ordering Two Beers in Japan
Here’s how simple the entire interaction can be.
You and your partner sit down at an izakaya.
You want two draft beers.
You:
Sumimasen.
Staff:
Hai.
You:
Nama biiru futatsu onegaishimasu.
Meaning:
Two draft beers, please.
Your drinks arrive.
You:
Arigatou gozaimasu.
When you’re both ready:
Kanpai!
Later you want another round.
You:
Mou ippai onegaishimasu.
At the end of the evening:
You:
Okaikei onegaishimasu.
That’s enough Japanese for a perfectly straightforward night out.
Example: Ordering When You Can’t Read the Menu
Imagine you’ve walked into a small izakaya and the menu has almost no English.
You recognise a picture of a drink you want.
Point at it.
Say:
Kore onegaishimasu.
If you want two:
Kore futatsu onegaishimasu.
That’s it.
You don’t need to know what every character on the menu means before you can order successfully.
How to Order Drinks in Japan FAQ
How do you order a beer in Japan?
Say:
Nama biiru onegaishimasu.
This means “Draft beer, please.”
How do you order a beer in Japanese?
A useful phrase is:
Nama biiru o onegaishimasu.
You can also point at the beer on the menu and say kore onegaishimasu.
How do you order two beers in Japanese?
Say:
Nama biiru futatsu onegaishimasu.
This means “Two draft beers, please.”
How do you order three beers in Japanese?
Say:
Nama biiru mittsu onegaishimasu.
This means “Three draft beers, please.”
What does nama beer mean?
Nama biiru means draft beer.
How do you order a highball in Japan?
Say:
Haibooru onegaishimasu.
How do you order sake in Japan?
If you specifically want Japanese rice wine, ask for nihonshu.
Say:
Nihonshu onegaishimasu.
How do you say “this one, please” in Japanese?
Say:
Kore onegaishimasu.
This is one of the most useful phrases when ordering from a Japanese menu.
How do you call a waiter in Japan?
Say:
Sumimasen.
Some restaurants and izakayas instead use a call button, tablet or QR-code ordering system.
How do you ask for another drink?
Say:
Mou ippai onegaishimasu.
How do you say cheers in Japanese?
Say:
Kanpai!
How do you ask for the bill in Japanese?
Say:
Okaikei onegaishimasu.
Do you tip bartenders in Japan?
Generally, no. Tipping isn’t customary at ordinary Japanese bars and restaurants.
What is the small dish you didn’t order at an izakaya?
It may be otoshi, a small appetizer associated with the venue’s seating or cover-charge system.
Can you order drinks in Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes. Simple phrases, pointing at the menu, photographs, translation tools and electronic ordering systems can make the process straightforward.
What is the easiest Japanese phrase for ordering?
For something you can see on the menu:
Kore onegaishimasu.
This one, please.
It’s one of the most useful phrases a traveller can learn.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to order drinks in Japan doesn’t require memorising dozens of Japanese phrases.
Start with these five:
Sumimasen — Excuse me.
Nama biiru onegaishimasu — Draft beer, please.
Kore onegaishimasu — This one, please.
Mou ippai onegaishimasu — Another drink, please.
Okaikei onegaishimasu — The bill, please.
And if you’re travelling as a couple, remember:
Nama biiru futatsu onegaishimasu — Two draft beers, please.
Those phrases, a little pointing and some patience are enough for most straightforward drink orders.
After you’ve ordered your first beer or highball successfully, the whole process becomes much less intimidating.
Then you can concentrate on the enjoyable part: exploring Japan’s izakayas, sake bars, whisky bars and cocktail scene rather than worrying about what to say.
Continue Planning Your Trip
👉 Best Bars for Solo Travellers in Tokyo