Nomihoudai: All you can drink (but not too much)

Nomihoudai - all you can drink - is a very customary service in a Japanese pub. The service usually includes all of the drinks in one part of the menu, usually beer and some mixed drinks, and sometimes wine. Nomihoudai usually has a time limitation, such as 2 or 3 hours. But as is common in Japan, there are a few unwritten rules about how to behave. First, most places do not allow you to order multiple drinks per person at once. You must finish one drink before ordering another. This is especially true near the end of the time, when there is considerable desire to order some last drinks before you get charged for them. Second, don't drink so much that you become belligerent or unruly. This is, of course, common sense, but it is especially true in Japan. Finally, nomihoudai is generally for the entire group. Thankfully, nomihoudai usually includes soft drinks as well. If it is included in the drink menu, try the umeshu, or plum wine. There may be more than one available. Some are sweet, others sour. They are made with a wide variety of alcohol, both distilled and fermented. Highly recommended!