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Vocabulary
〜しか〜ない

B1 noun #2,000 most common 9 min read

〜しか〜ない

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 〜しか〜ない in 30 Seconds

Explanation 〜しか〜ない in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn 'shika...nai' as a fixed phrase to say you 'only' have a small amount of something. You might use it with numbers, like 'I only have one apple' (Ringo ga hitotsu shika nai). The focus is on the basic rule: Shika + Negative. You don't need to worry about complex nuances yet; just remember that if you use 'shika', the end of the sentence must be 'nai' or 'arimasen'. It's a useful way to talk about basic needs and possessions when they are limited. You will mostly see it with nouns and the verbs 'aru' (to exist/have) or 'iru' (to exist for people/animals). Practice by looking at your wallet or your fridge and saying what little you have left.

At the A2 level, you start using 'shika...nai' with more variety in verbs and contexts. You begin to understand that it's not just about 'having' things, but also about 'doing' things. For example, 'I only drink water' (Mizu shika nomanai). You also learn that 'shika' replaces the particles 'ga' and 'wo'. You might start to notice the difference between 'dake' and 'shika', where 'shika' sounds a bit more like you are emphasizing that it's 'just' that and nothing else. You can use it to describe your daily routine or habits that are very limited. It's also common to use it with time, like 'I only slept for 3 hours' (3-jikan shika nene-katta).

At the B1 level, you master the nuance of 'insufficiency'. You use 'shika...nai' to express that something is less than expected or desired. You also learn the 'Verb (Dictionary Form) + shika nai' pattern, which means 'have no choice but to...'. This is a big step up as it moves from describing quantities to describing situations and decisions. You understand how 'shika' interacts with other particles like 'ni' or 'de' (e.g., 'Koko ni shika nai'). You are expected to use it naturally in conversations to show your feelings about a limitation, rather than just stating a neutral fact with 'dake'. This level is where you start to sound more like a native speaker by using the correct emotional tone.

At the B2 level, you use 'shika...nai' in more complex sentence structures and formal contexts. You can use it to express strong conviction or exclusive focus in debates or essays. You understand its use in idiomatic expressions and can distinguish it from 'bakari' or 'nomi' in nuanced writing. You might use it to describe social issues, like 'Only a few people know the truth' (Wazuka na hito shika shinjitsu wo shiranai). You are also comfortable with its use in potential forms to describe very specific skills or limitations. Your use of 'shika' helps you convey subtle shades of meaning, such as modesty or critical observation of a situation's constraints.

At the C1 level, you recognize 'shika...nai' in literary texts and high-level academic discourse. You understand how it can be used for rhetorical effect to emphasize a singular point or a dire situation. You are aware of historical or dialectal variations and how they might appear in classical literature or specific regions. You can use the pattern to create sophisticated arguments, highlighting that a certain outcome is the 'only' logical conclusion (e.g., 'Kono michi wo susumu shika nai'). You also understand the psychological impact of the 'shika' construction in persuasive speaking, using it to narrow the listener's focus to a single, inevitable option.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'shika...nai' is complete. You can use it with perfect timing and nuance in any context, from high-stakes negotiations to poetic expression. You understand the deepest philosophical implications of 'shika nai' (the inevitability of a single path) and can discuss the linguistic evolution of the particle. You can effortlessly switch between 'shika', 'dake', 'nomi', and 'kagiri' to achieve the exact tone required for your audience. You might even use it in wordplay or complex irony. For you, 'shika...nai' is not just a grammar rule, but a precise tool for defining the boundaries of reality and choice in the Japanese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

〜しか〜ない in 30 Seconds

Used to express 'only' with a negative verb.
Emphasizes scarcity, insufficiency, or lack of choice.
Replaces 'ga' and 'wo' particles in most cases.
Commonly used in the 'Verb + shika nai' form for 'no choice but to'.

The Japanese grammar pattern 〜しか〜ない is a fundamental structure used to express the concept of 'only' or 'nothing but.' However, unlike the more neutral particle 'dake' (だけ), 'shika' carries a distinct emotional weight. It emphasizes that the amount or variety of something is insufficient, surprisingly small, or limited in a way that might be disappointing or restrictive. When you use this pattern, you are essentially saying 'I have X, and absolutely nothing else,' or 'Only X exists, which is less than expected.'

Core Concept: Exclusivity with a negative focus. It highlights the absence of everything except the mentioned item.

財布には百円しかありません。(I have only 100 yen in my wallet.)

To understand this deeply, one must look at the psychological nuance. If you say 'Hyaku-en dake arimasu,' you are stating a fact: 'I have 100 yen.' If you say 'Hyaku-en shika arimasen,' you are implying: 'I only have 100 yen (and that is not enough, or I wish I had more).' This makes it a powerful tool for expressing feelings of scarcity. It is often used when complaining, expressing modesty, or highlighting a specific limitation in a situation. In linguistics, this is often referred to as a 'negative polarity item' because it must be paired with a negative verb form to be grammatically correct. You cannot say 'shika arimasu'; it must always be 'shika arimasen' or 'shika nai.'

Grammatical Function: It replaces the particles 'ga' and 'wo', and can follow other particles like 'ni' or 'de'.

ひらがなしか書けません。(I can only write Hiragana.)

This pattern is ubiquitous in Japanese conversation. From a child saying they only like chocolate to a professional saying they only have five minutes for a meeting, 'shika...nai' provides the necessary restrictive nuance. It is also used in more abstract ways, such as 'shika nai' meaning 'there is no other choice but to...' when following a verb in its dictionary form. For example, 'Yaru shika nai' means 'There is nothing to do but do it' or 'I have no choice but to do it.' This highlights the extreme limitation of options, where only one path remains. This versatility makes it one of the most important structures for intermediate learners to master, as it bridges the gap between simple factual statements and nuanced emotional expression.

Using 〜しか〜ない correctly requires attention to both the placement of the particle and the conjugation of the following verb. The basic formula is: [Noun] + しか + [Verb in Negative Form]. It is crucial to remember that the verb must always be negative, even though the English translation is often positive ('I only have' vs 'I don't have anything but').

Particle Interaction: When 'shika' is used with a noun that would normally take 'ga' (subject) or 'wo' (object), those particles are usually dropped and replaced by 'shika'. However, particles like 'ni', 'de', or 'e' are typically kept, and 'shika' is placed after them (e.g., 'Tokyo ni shika nai').

この店にはパンしか売っていない。(They only sell bread in this shop.)

When applying this to verbs to express 'no choice but to...', the structure changes slightly: [Verb Dictionary Form] + しか + ない. This is a very common idiomatic use. For instance, if you missed the last train, you might say 'Aruku shika nai' (I have no choice but to walk). Here, 'shika' functions to exclude all other possibilities (taking a train, bus, or taxi) leaving only the act of walking. This usage is particularly common in dramatic or decisive contexts where a person is forced into a single course of action.

Common Verb Pairings: Often paired with potential verbs (dekinai, kakenai) to show limited ability, or existential verbs (inai, arimasen) to show limited presence.

彼は自分のことしか考えていない。(He only thinks about himself.)

Another nuance to consider is the 'scale' of what is being limited. 'Shika' is most effective when the item mentioned is at the lower end of a scale. If you say '10-nin shika konakatta' (Only 10 people came), it implies that 10 is a small number for the event. If you expected 5 people and 10 came, you would never use 'shika'. This inherent sense of 'less than expected' is what separates 'shika' from other limiting particles. Mastery of this pattern involves not just getting the grammar right, but also sensing when the situation calls for an expression of insufficiency. Practice by identifying things in your daily life that you feel are 'not enough' and describe them using 'shika...nai'.

You will encounter 〜しか〜ない in almost every facet of Japanese life, from casual conversations to news reports. It is particularly prevalent in situations involving constraints, such as time management, budgeting, or discussing personal limitations. In a Japanese office, you might hear a colleague say 'Ato go-fun shika nai!' (There are only 5 minutes left!), expressing the pressure of a looming deadline. In a restaurant, a waiter might inform you 'Kore shika nokotte imasen' (Only this is left), indicating that other items are sold out.

Daily Life Contexts: Shopping (limited stock), social plans (limited time), and personal habits (only eating certain things).

日曜日しか休みがないんです。(I only have Sundays off.)

In media, such as anime or drama, 'shika nai' is frequently used for dramatic effect. Characters often use the 'Verb + shika nai' form to express resolve in a desperate situation: 'Mou yaru shika nai' (There's nothing left but to do it). This conveys a sense of being backed into a corner where only one heroic or difficult path remains. Similarly, in romantic contexts, a character might say 'Kimi shika inai' (There is no one but you), which translates to 'You are the only one for me.' Here, the negative structure 'inai' (doesn't exist) emphasizes the exclusivity of their feelings more strongly than a positive 'dake' would.

News and Formal Reports: Used to report low turnout, low percentages, or limited resources (e.g., '20% shika tassei dekinakatta').

この地域には病院が一つしかありません。(There is only one hospital in this area.)

Furthermore, in the service industry, 'shika' is used to politely manage expectations. By saying 'Kore shika gozaimasen,' the speaker is acknowledging that the selection is limited and perhaps not what the customer hoped for. This aligns with the Japanese cultural value of 'enryo' (restraint) and 'omoiyari' (consideration for others), as it preemptively apologizes for the lack of options. Whether you are reading a novel where a character laments their 'shika nai' life or listening to a weather report about 'shika furanai' (only raining in certain areas), the pattern is a key indicator of the speaker's perspective on quantity and availability.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 〜しか〜ない is forgetting to use a negative verb. Because 'shika' is translated as 'only' in English, and 'only' is used with positive verbs (e.g., 'I only have...'), students often say 'Hyaku-en shika arimasu.' This is grammatically incorrect in Japanese. You must train your brain to pair 'shika' with 'nai', 'masen', or other negative forms. If you want to use a positive verb, you must switch to 'dake'.

The 'Dake' Confusion: Learners often use 'shika' when they should use 'dake'. Remember: 'Dake' is for neutral facts or when the amount is 'enough'. 'Shika' is for when the amount is 'not enough'.

❌ 私はりんごしか食べます。
✅ 私はりんごしか食べません。(I only eat apples.)

Another common error involves particle placement. Learners often try to keep the 'ga' or 'wo' particles when they should be replaced. For example, 'Hon wo shika yomanai' is incorrect; it should be 'Hon shika yomanai.' However, particles like 'ni' (to/at) or 'de' (at/by) must stay. A common mistake is saying 'Tokyo shika inai' when you mean 'He is only in Tokyo' (Tokyo ni shika inai). Forgetting the 'ni' changes the meaning or makes the sentence sound unnatural.

Misusing with Adjectives: 'Shika' is primarily used with nouns and verbs. Using it directly with adjectives (e.g., 'Samui shika nai') is rare and usually requires a nominalizer like 'no' or a specific structure.

❌ このテストは難しいしかありません。
✅ このテストは難しいだけです。(This test is just difficult.)

Finally, learners sometimes use 'shika' in situations where the amount is actually large or sufficient, which creates a confusing nuance. If you say '100-nin shika kita' (Only 100 people came) but you only expected 10, the listener will be confused because 'shika' implies you expected many more. Using 'shika' correctly requires you to step into the speaker's shoes and understand their expectations. If there is no sense of 'scarcity' or 'limitation,' stick to 'dake' to avoid sounding like you are complaining or being overly modest.

To truly master 〜しか〜ない, you must understand how it compares to other Japanese words that express limitation, specifically だけ (dake), ばかり (bakari), and のみ (nomi). While they all can be translated as 'only' or 'just' in certain contexts, their nuances and grammatical requirements differ significantly.

Shika vs. Dake: 'Dake' is neutral and can be used with both positive and negative verbs. 'Shika' is subjective, emphasizes scarcity, and MUST be used with a negative verb. 'Dake' focuses on the limit itself; 'Shika' focuses on what is excluded.

A: 5分だけあります。(I have 5 minutes - neutral statement.)
B: 5分しかありません。(I only have 5 minutes - emphasizing it's not enough.)

ばかり (bakari) suggests 'nothing but' in the sense of repetition or an overwhelming amount of one thing, often with a nuance of 'too much' or 'all the time.' For example, 'Nete bakari iru' (He does nothing but sleep). Unlike 'shika,' 'bakari' doesn't necessarily require a negative verb and focuses on the frequency or dominance of an action or item rather than its scarcity.

Shika vs. Nomi: 'Nomi' is the formal, written equivalent of 'dake'. It is used in announcements, formal documents, and signs (e.g., 'Kenshuusei nomi' - Trainees only). It lacks the negative requirement and the emotional nuance of 'shika'.

本製品は日本国内でのみ使用可能です。(This product can only be used within Japan.)

In summary, choose 'shika' when you want to sound like you are missing something or when you want to highlight a strict, perhaps unfortunate, limitation. Choose 'dake' for simple facts. Choose 'bakari' when someone is doing the same thing over and over. Choose 'nomi' when you are writing a formal notice. Understanding these distinctions will make your Japanese sound much more natural and expressive, allowing you to convey not just the 'what' but also the 'how' of your message.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

だけ (dake)

ばかり (bakari)

のみ (nomi)

きり (kiri)

〜ざるを得ない (zaru wo enai)

Examples by Level

ペンが一本しかありません。

I only have one pen.

Noun + shika + negative verb (arimasen).

りんごが一つしかない。

There is only one apple.

Casual form of 'arimasen' is 'nai'.

百円しか持っていません。

I only have 100 yen.

Shika replaces the 'wo' particle here.

ひらがなしか読めません。

I can only read Hiragana.

Used with potential verb 'yomeru' (can read).

猫が一匹しかいない。

There is only one cat.

Use 'inai' for living things.

水しか飲みたくない。

I only want to drink water.

Used with 'tai' form (want to) in negative.

昨日、一時間しか寝ませんでした。

I only slept for one hour yesterday.

Past negative 'nemasendeshita'.

名前しか書けません。

I can only write my name.

Emphasizing a very limited ability.

この店にはパンしか売っていません。

They only sell bread in this shop.

Shika replaces 'wo' in the 'te-iru' form.

日曜日にしか休みがありません。

I only have holidays on Sundays.

Particle 'ni' is kept before 'shika'.

彼は野菜しか食べない。

He only eats vegetables.

Emphasizing a restricted diet.

このバスは一時間に一本しか来ない。

This bus only comes once an hour.

Used with frequency/count.

テストで半分しかできませんでした。

I could only do half of the test.

Expressing disappointment in performance.

テレビはニュースしか見ません。

I only watch the news on TV.

Habitual action with limitation.

友達は一人しかいません。

I only have one friend.

Nuance of loneliness or exclusivity.

日本語は少ししか分かりません。

I only understand a little Japanese.

Standard way to express limited proficiency.

もうやるしかない。

There's nothing left but to do it.

Verb (dictionary form) + shika nai = no choice but to.

雨の日は家で本を読むしかない。

On rainy days, there's nothing to do but read books at home.

Expressing a limited range of options due to circumstances.

彼に頼むしかありません。

We have no choice but to ask him.

Formal version of 'no choice but to'.

この秘密はあなたにしか教えません。

I will only tell this secret to you.

Particle 'ni' (to) is kept before 'shika'.

あきらめるしかないのでしょうか。

Is there no choice but to give up?

Question form of the 'no choice' pattern.

自分で作るしかないので、頑張ります。

I have no choice but to make it myself, so I'll do my best.

Connecting the 'shika nai' clause with 'node'.

ここには古い建物しか残っていない。

Only old buildings remain here.

Emphasizing what was left behind.

社長にしかその権限はありません。

Only the president has that authority.

Limiting a specific right or power to one person.

この計画を成功させるには、努力するしかない。

To make this plan succeed, there is no choice but to work hard.

Using 'shika nai' as a conclusion for a condition.

事実をありのままに話すしかなかった。

I had no choice but to tell the truth as it was.

Past tense 'shika nakatta'.

彼らの提案を受け入れるしか道はない。

There is no other way but to accept their proposal.

Adding 'michi' (way/path) for emphasis.

これほどの名作は彼にしか描けないだろう。

Only he could probably paint such a masterpiece.

Combining 'shika' with potential and conjecture 'darou'.

今の状況では、待つしか手がない。

In the current situation, there's no other move but to wait.

Using 'te' (hand/move) to mean 'method'.

その場をやり過ごすしか、方法はなかったのです。

There was no other way but to just get through that moment.

Formal explanation of a past necessity.

彼女の才能は、身近な人しか気づいていない。

Only those close to her have noticed her talent.

Emphasizing limited recognition.

この薬は医師の処方箋がなければ、手に入れることができない。つまり、病院へ行くしかない。

This medicine cannot be obtained without a prescription. In other words, one has no choice but to go to the hospital.

Logical deduction leading to 'shika nai'.

この難局を乗り切るには、一致団結して進むしか道は残されていない。

To overcome this difficult situation, no path remains but to move forward in unity.

High-level formal expression of collective necessity.

伝統を守るためには、時には変化を受け入れるしかないこともある。

In order to protect tradition, there are times when one has no choice but to accept change.

Philosophical use of 'shika nai' to express a paradox.

彼の言葉には、真実しか含まれていないように感じられた。

It felt as though his words contained nothing but the truth.

Using 'shika' to emphasize the purity or absolute nature of something.

もはや、運を天に任せるしかあるまい。

At this point, there is likely nothing left but to leave one's fate to heaven.

Using the literary negative 'arumai' instead of 'nai'.

その光景は、言葉でしか表現できないほど美しかった。

That scene was so beautiful it could only be expressed with words (ironically implying words are barely enough).

Using 'shika' to set a boundary on expression.

限られた資源をどう配分するか、苦渋の決断を下すしかなかった。

We had no choice but to make a painful decision on how to allocate the limited resources.

Context of professional or political crisis.

独自の文化を維持するには、外部の影響を遮断するしかないと考えられていた。

It was thought that the only way to maintain a unique culture was to block out external influences.

Historical or sociological analysis.

真の自由とは、自らの信念に従って生きるしかないという覚悟のことだ。

True freedom is the resolution that one has no choice but to live according to one's own beliefs.

Abstract philosophical definition.

万策尽きた今、静かに終焉を待つしかあるまいという絶望感が漂っていた。

Now that all options were exhausted, a sense of despair lingered, as if there were nothing left but to quietly await the end.

Highly literary and emotive use of the pattern.

その沈黙は、肯定とも否定とも取れず、ただそこに「ある」としか言いようのないものだった。

That silence could be taken as neither affirmation nor denial; it was something that could only be described as simply 'being'.

Using 'shika' to describe the indescribable.

歴史の必然として、我々はこの過ちを繰り返すしかない運命にあるのだろうか。

As a historical necessity, are we destined to have no choice but to repeat this mistake?

Questioning fate and human nature.

彼の理論は、論理の飛躍を直感で埋めるしかないという危うさを孕んでいる。

His theory harbors the danger of having no choice but to fill logical leaps with intuition.

Critique of a complex academic theory.

芸術とは、自己の深淵を覗き込み、そこにあるものを形にするしかない孤独な作業である。

Art is a lonely task in which one has no choice but to peer into the abyss of oneself and give form to what is there.

Defining the essence of a creative process.

法治国家において、法に従うしかないというのは、自由への制約ではなく、自由の前提である。

In a constitutional state, having no choice but to follow the law is not a restriction on freedom, but a prerequisite for it.

Legal and political philosophy.

その瞬間の感情は、涙となって溢れ出すしか、出口を見つけられなかった。

The emotion of that moment could find no outlet but to overflow as tears.

Poetic description of emotional release.

究極の選択を迫られた時、人間は己の本性に立ち返るしかない。

When forced to make an ultimate choice, humans have no choice but to return to their true nature.

Universal truth about human behavior.

Common Collocations

少ししか (sukoshi shika)

一人しか (hitori shika)

これしか (kore shika)

今しか (ima shika)

ここにしか (koko ni shika)

やるしかない (yaru shika nai)

言うしかない (iu shika nai)

待つしかない (matsu shika nai)

あきらめるしかない (akirameru shika nai)

笑うしかない (warau shika nai)

Common Phrases

やるしかない (Have to do it)

これしかない (This is all there is)

今しかない (It's now or never)

あなたしかいない (You're the only one)

そうするしかない (No choice but to do so)

一回しか言わない (I'll only say it once)

少ししかない (There's only a little)

ここしかない (This is the only place)

私しか知らない (Only I know)

待つしかない (Nothing to do but wait)

Often Confused With

〜しか〜ない vs だけ (dake)

〜しか〜ない vs ばかり (bakari)

〜しか〜ない vs きり (kiri)

Idioms & Expressions

"〜するよりほかない (No choice but to... - formal)"

"背水の陣 (Fighting with one's back to the wall - situational 'shika nai')"

"万策尽きる (To be at one's wits' end - leads to 'shika nai')"

"これっぽっち (Only this tiny bit)"

"たった一つ (Only one single thing)"

"唯一無二 (The one and only)"

"後の祭り (Too late - only regret left)"

"一期一会 (Once in a lifetime encounter)"

"まな板の上の鯉 (A carp on a cutting board - no choice but to accept fate)"

"腹を括る (To prepare oneself for the worst - 'shika nai' mindset)"

Easily Confused

〜しか〜ない vs だけ

Neutral, used with positive or negative.

〜しか〜ない vs ばかり

Focuses on repetition or 'too much'.

〜しか〜ない vs のみ

Formal/Written version of 'dake'.

〜しか〜ない vs きり

Focuses on a state continuing after a single event.

〜しか〜ない vs たった

An adverb used to emphasize 'only' (often used with dake/shika).

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

subjective

Reflects the speaker's feeling that the amount is small.

negative polarity

Must be used with a negative predicate.

Common Mistakes

Using a positive verb with 'shika'.
Keeping the 'wo' particle before 'shika'.
Using 'shika' when the amount is actually large or sufficient.
Forgetting the 'ni' in 'ni shika' when indicating location.
Confusing 'shika' with 'bakari' for repeated actions.

Tips

The Negative Rule

Always pair 'shika' with a negative verb form. It's the most important rule to remember for this pattern.

Feel the Scarcity

Use 'shika' when you want to express that something is 'not enough'. It adds an emotional layer to your sentence.

Drop the Ga/Wo

Don't be afraid to remove 'ga' and 'wo'. 'Shika' is strong enough to stand on its own in those positions.

No Choice Pattern

Memorize 'Verb (Dictionary) + shika nai'. It's a very common way to show determination or resignation.

Shika vs Dake

If you're happy with the amount, use 'dake'. If you're unhappy or it's too little, use 'shika'.

Modesty Tool

Use 'shika' when talking about your skills to sound humble. 'Sukoshi shika dekimasen' is a very polite way to start.

Listen for the 'Nai'

When listening, the 'nai' at the end confirms that the 'shika' you heard earlier was used correctly.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't use 'tatta' (only) and 'shika' together too often unless you want to be extremely emphatic about how small the amount is.

Check Expectations

Only use 'shika' if the amount is actually less than what was expected in that context.

Daily Scarcity

Try to find one thing every day that you 'only' have a little of and say it out loud using 'shika...nai'.

Memorize It

Word Origin

Derived from the particle 'shika' which historically meant 'in that way' or 'thus', evolving into a restrictive particle when paired with negatives in Middle Japanese.

Cultural Context

Often used to express that a situation is not ideal.

Used to downplay one's own achievements.

The 'verb + shika nai' form shows strong Japanese 'ganbaru' spirit.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"冷蔵庫に何しか残っていませんか？"

"一日に何時間しか寝られませんか？"

"この町には何しかありませんか？"

"今、やるしかないことは何ですか？"

"あなたしか知らない秘密はありますか？"

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you had no choice but to do something difficult.

List things you only have a little of right now.

Describe your favorite shop that only sells one specific thing.

Reflect on a goal where you feel you only have a short time left.

Write about a person who is the 'only one' who understands you.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'shika' must always be paired with a negative verb. If you want to use a positive verb, use 'dake' instead.

'Dake' is a neutral statement of fact, while 'shika' implies that the amount is small, insufficient, or that you are disappointed. 'Shika' also requires a negative verb.

Yes, 'shika' usually replaces 'ga' and 'wo'. For example, 'Mizu wo nomu' becomes 'Mizu shika nomanai'.

Yes, it is very common. 'Hitori shika inai' (Only one person is here) or 'Okane shika nai' (I only have money/nothing but money).

It means 'There is nothing to do but do it' or 'I have no choice but to do it'. It's used when all other options are gone.

'Shika' itself is a particle and can be used in both polite (shika arimasen) and casual (shika nai) speech.

If you mean 'It's only in Tokyo', you should say 'Tokyo ni shika nai'. 'Shika' follows the 'ni' particle.

It's rare. Usually, you would use 'dake' with adjectives. 'Shika' is almost always used with nouns or verbs.

Yes, but 'nomi' is more common for formal signs or instructions. 'Shika' is common in formal speech and literature.

This is a translation quirk. In Japanese, you are saying 'Except for X, there is nothing,' which logically means 'Only X'.