Izakayas are an essential part of Japanese nightlife. More than just a place to enjoy food and drinks, they are deeply rooted in Japanese culture as special spaces that connect people and soothe the fatigue of the day. Japanese izakaya culture is also popular among foreign tourists as a "deep experience."

Izakayas are "modern verandas"

In the past, Japanese houses had a space called a "veranda" where neighbors could gather and enjoy conversation. Izakayas can be said to be modern social spaces where people can interact with each other, just like this veranda.

Businessmen on their way home from work, close friends, lovers, and people looking for some quiet time alone... all sorts of people come through the curtains of an izakaya for their own reasons. Strangers often sit next to each other at the narrow counter seats, and conversations often begin naturally.

Even those who drink quietly alone are never lonely. Izakayas have a mysterious warmth that makes being alone not feel lonely. There, people's everyday lives and small, warm interactions are alive and well.

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<Recommended Menu> Yakitori

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The diversity of izakayas: from chains to taverns

Japanese izakayas can be broadly divided into different styles.

Nationwide chain izakaya restaurant

The menu is extensive and reasonably priced, making it a convenient place for large groups or casual drinking parties.

Tsubohachi Higashi Sapporo store

<Recommended menu> Grilled Satsuma young chicken

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Japanese Sake Genka Sake Brewery Shibuya Main Store

<Recommended Menu> Assortment of 3 kinds of sashimi

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A locally owned and operated izakaya

You can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients and the chef's special attention to detail. Interacting with the restaurant's regular customers is also a fun part of the experience.

Kariki Yokocho Bar

<Recommended Menu> Assorted sashimi

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A popular bar known for its red lanterns

Its appeal lies in its nostalgic atmosphere and cheap, delicious food. There are also many standing-style bars, so you may encounter new people.

Yakiton Nabeya

<Recommended Menu> Skewers

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The appeal of izakaya cuisine: a wide variety of menu items

Another appealing aspect of izakayas is their food, which offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic fried foods and grilled skewers to regional specialities.

• Yakitori/Kushiyaki : Chicken and vegetables skewered and grilled over charcoal. It's a simple dish seasoned with sauce or salt, but the flavor varies from restaurant to restaurant, so you'll never get bored of it.

Colorful Chicken

<Recommended Menu> 5 kinds of chef's choice grilled skewers

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• Fried foods : Fried chicken, French fries, satsumaage, and other classic dishes that go well with alcohol.

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<Recommended Menu> Fried Chicken

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• Sashimi : Thinly sliced fresh seafood, allowing you to enjoy the bounty of Japan's seas.

Amazing seafood izakaya with freshly sourced seafood straight from Hokkaido

<Recommended menu> Oh, our proud sashimi platter!

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These dishes change daily depending on the season and the owner's preferences, so one way to enjoy an izakaya is to look for the recommended menu for the day.

Etiquette and How to Enjoy an Izakaya

To fully enjoy izakaya culture, there are some manners you should know.

The magic of "raw food first!"

When ordering your first drink, it's standard in Japanese izakayas to ask for "draft beer for now." Having everyone order the same drink has the advantage of allowing you to move on to the toast smoothly.

Otoshi is a sign of hospitality

When you sit down, you may be served a small dish even though you didn't order it. This is called "otooshi" and is a courtesy from the restaurant. In most cases, it is included in the price as a seat charge.

Share the food with everyone

It is common for people to share food served on a large platter, using chopsticks and small plates to enjoy the meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

"Shime" culture : Eating ramen or ochazuke as a final dish after drinking is also a characteristic of Japanese izakaya culture.

Izakaya hopping to experience deep Japanese culture

Izakayas are not just places to eat and drink, but social gathering places where people can connect with each other and are a valuable place where you can experience Japanese culture.

People chat over drinks, laughing over trivial matters, and sometimes discussing serious concerns. In these ordinary scenes of everyday life, the deep humanity and culture of Japan are alive and well.

For foreign tourists, izakayas are a great opportunity to experience Japanese life. By touring a variety of izakayas, from chain stores in front of train stations to privately owned establishments tucked away in back alleys, you can get a firsthand feel for Japan's diverse food culture and the lives of its people.

Why not blend into Japan's nightlife and experience izakaya culture?