Izakaya Guide: The Diverse World of Japanese Pubs
Izakaya are essential places to experience Japanese food culture. I've loved going to izakaya with friends and colleagues since my student days. The cheap and delicious food, along with drinking alcohol while enjoying conversation in a homey atmosphere, is the best!
Did you know that there are actually various types of "izakaya" in Japan, and Japanese people use them differently depending on the occasion?
When we want to have a quick drink, we go to a casual izakaya. For a girls' night out, we choose a creative izakaya. For business entertainment, we opt for a slightly upscale Japanese-style izakaya. The choice of izakaya changes depending on who we're meeting or what we want to eat.
In the past, many Japanese people were hesitant to go to an izakaya alone, but now it's not uncommon to see "solo customers welcome" advertised at some izakaya. "Solo izakaya" visits are no longer unusual.
I sometimes go to an izakaya alone too. I'm a fan of the food at the chain store "Torikizoku," and sometimes I even eat just the food menu items at an izakaya without drinking alcohol... That's how diverse the ways Japanese people enjoy izakaya are.
In this article, I'll comprehensively convey the appeal of izakaya. Even if you're a foreigner unfamiliar with izakaya culture, you'll understand its charm after reading this article.
Before coming to Japan, please study this guide and enjoy the izakaya culture to the fullest when you're here!
What Is Japanese Izakaya Culture?
Izakaya are an indispensable part of Japanese life. They're casual restaurants where you can drop by after work and enjoy various dishes along with alcohol. One of their charms is the variety of seating arrangements, including counter seats and tatami mat areas.
Izakaya are known for their lively atmosphere where you can socialize with friends and colleagues. Another attraction is their reasonable pricing. Some izakaya are family-friendly, with menus that children can enjoy.
One of the reasons I love izakaya is their casual and comfortable space. Unlike formal restaurants, you can relax and unwind at an izakaya without feeling stiff. I'm happy that I can spend a relaxed time enjoying delicious food and drinks with friends and colleagues.
Moreover, the ease of dropping by alone is also part of the izakaya's charm. Just having a drink after work is something unique to izakaya.
Japanese Izakaya Are Diverse
Japanese izakaya are truly diverse, with various types of establishments. From casual izakaya to creative izakaya, seafood izakaya, yakitori izakaya, and Japanese-style izakaya. This variety reflects the depth of Japanese food culture.
Here, I'll introduce some representative types of izakaya. Use this as a reference to choose an izakaya that suits your preferences and purpose.
Casual Izakaya
Casual izakaya are popular among people heading home from work. They're characterized by offering hearty dishes at reasonable prices. It's also great that they have a wide range of standard drinks like draft beer and chu-hai.
The interior typically features counter seats and tatami mat areas. The lively, vibrant atmosphere is part of their charm. The budget is relatively reasonable, around 2,000 to 3,000 yen per person. This type of izakaya is perfect for a quick drink for salarymen or casual gatherings with friends.
I often went to casual izakaya during my student days. I loved the cheap and delicious food and the lively atmosphere. Even now, drinking with friends at a casual izakaya on weekends is one of my pleasures. There's no better place than a casual izakaya for spending time with a large group of people.
Creative Izakaya
Creative izakaya are characterized by offering original dishes and drinks. They're popular among young people and for girls' nights out, known for their stylish interiors and atmosphere. The attractive dishes using seasonal ingredients are also unique to creative izakaya.
Some establishments have private rooms and sofa seats. It's great that you can enjoy delicious food and drinks in a relaxed space. The budget is around 3,000 to 5,000 yen per person, which is a bit higher. I think this type of izakaya is ideal for special girls' nights out or dates.
Seafood Izakaya
As the name suggests, seafood izakaya pride themselves on dishes made with fresh seafood. The diverse menu, including sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood hot pots, is attractive. These dishes pair excellently with sake or shochu.
Enjoying your meal at the counter while watching the chef's skills is also part of the seafood izakaya experience. It's amazing to savor fresh seafood in such a lively atmosphere.
The budget is around 3,000 to 5,000 yen per person, which is a bit higher. But in return, you can eat fresh and delicious seafood.
When I go to a seafood izakaya, I always order an assortment of sashimi. The fresh seafood sashimi is indescribably delicious. I recommend seafood izakaya for those who want to fully enjoy alcohol and Japanese seafood.
Yakitori and Yakiniku Izakaya
Yakitori izakaya specialize in grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal. It's interesting how the taste varies depending on the part, like negima (chicken and leek), tsukune (chicken meatballs), or kawa (skin). These pair excellently with beer, sake, or highballs.
The interior is mainly counter seating, with a homey atmosphere. The budget is relatively reasonable, around 2,000 to 3,000 yen per person. This type of izakaya is recommended when you want to casually enjoy yakitori.
On the other hand, yakiniku is a Japanese-style BBQ restaurant where you grill thin slices of beef or pork yourself. Many offer all-you-can-eat plans, and unlike yakitori which people sometimes eat alone, yakiniku is often enjoyed with friends or family.
When traveling to Japan with friends, please consider including a yakiniku izakaya in your plans.
Japanese-Style Izakaya
Japanese-style izakaya are places where you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine and atmosphere. They feature a wide range of Japanese menu items like sashimi, tempura, and simmered dishes. It's also great that they have a good selection of sake and shochu.
Some establishments have tatami mat seating or horigotatsu (low tables with recessed floors for legs). The charm lies in being able to savor high-quality Japanese cuisine in a calm atmosphere.
The budget is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen per person, which is a bit higher. I think this type of izakaya is ideal for special occasion meals or business entertainment.
I can't forget the time I dined at a Japanese-style izakaya before. I was moved by the array of Japanese dishes carefully prepared by skilled chefs. The seasonal dishes enjoyed with sake were superb. I spent a luxurious time immersed in the Japanese atmosphere.
Where Can You Find Izakaya?
Izakaya can be found all over Japan. They're particularly common in front of stations, in downtown areas, shopping streets, business districts, and tourist spots. The atmosphere and clientele of izakaya vary depending on the location, so I recommend choosing based on your purpose.
In Front of Stations and Downtown Areas
Izakaya located in front of stations and in downtown areas are attractive for their good accessibility. They're popular among salarymen and students, with many casual and creative izakaya. Recommended for those who want to enjoy a lively atmosphere.
It's also nice that they typically operate until the last train, so you can drink until just before the last train.
Shopping Streets
Izakaya in shopping streets are characterized by their popularity among locals. Their charm lies in their homey atmosphere, and while English might not be widely understood, you can enjoy communicating with regular customers.
The reasonable pricing is also a plus. Some establishments also operate as set meal restaurants during the day, so I recommend visiting during lunchtime as well.
Business Districts
Izakaya in office or business districts are characterized by high demand for drinking parties among salarymen. There are many casual and Japanese-style izakaya, with some offering party courses and all-you-can-drink plans.
These are perfect for a drink after work and are often used for business entertainment.
Tourist Spots and Leisure Areas
Izakaya in tourist spots and leisure areas are popular among travelers and tourists. Their charm lies in offering dishes and atmospheres unique to that area. There are many creative and seafood izakaya.
Some establishments even offer views or night scenery, so it's great that you can enjoy your meal while appreciating the location. They typically operate from daytime, so I also recommend dropping by casually between sightseeing activities.
However, izakaya in tourist areas often have slightly higher prices, so you need to be mindful of your budget. But I think they're ideal for creating travel memories as you can enjoy tastes and atmospheres unique to that area.
How Japanese People Enjoy Izakaya
Japanese people use izakaya for various occasions. They're good at using different izakaya for drinking parties, gatherings, solo drinking, dates, girls' nights out, and more, depending on the purpose. Here, I'll introduce how Japanese people uniquely enjoy izakaya.
Drinking Parties and Gatherings
Izakaya are often used as places to deepen relationships with colleagues and friends. It's standard to enjoy lively times with large groups using all-you-can-drink and all-you-can-eat plans. Choosing a suitable establishment for large group use becomes important.
"Solo" Visits
One of the charms of izakaya is that they can be casually used even alone. You can quietly enjoy delicious food and drinks at the counter, or enjoy conversations with the owner or regular customers. They're perfect for a drink after work or spending relaxed time.
Dates
Izakaya are also popular as date spots. I recommend izakaya with a calm atmosphere. Enjoying creative dishes and seasonal menus is a unique way to enjoy a date at an izakaya.
After livening up at an izakaya, I recommend going to a bar or somewhere with a different atmosphere.
Girls' Night Out
Izakaya are also very popular for girls' nights out. Stylish izakaya are popular, and it's great that they have a wide range of creative dishes and healthy menu items.
Recommended Menus at Izakaya
Izakaya have many delicious menu items. From standard menus to popular items, and even "shime" (final dish) menus. Please fully enjoy the unique tastes of izakaya.
Standard Menus
When it comes to standard izakaya menus, it's definitely edamame. It's an indispensable snack with beer, with an addictive salty taste.
Other items include "takowasa" (octopus with wasabi), which has a crunchy texture of octopus and a refreshing vinegar miso dressing, "hiyayakko" (chilled silken tofu topped with condiments), and "yakitori" (grilled chicken skewers) cooked over charcoal with a fragrant aroma. All these standard izakaya menu items are delicious and go well with alcohol.
Popular Menus
Popular menus at izakaya vary by establishment. But one item that's popular at any izakaya is the assorted sashimi platter. This dish, where fresh seafood is thinly sliced and beautifully arranged, is outstanding in both appearance and taste.
Other popular items include tempura, where you can enjoy the crispy batter and the taste of seasonal ingredients, simmered dishes where vegetables and meat are slowly cooked, and grilled fish with a fragrant aroma. The popular menus at izakaya are all dishes where you can fully enjoy the deliciousness of Japanese cuisine.
In Osaka, kushikatsu is also popular. Kushikatsu, where various ingredients are skewered and deep-fried, is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Eating it dipped in sauce is the Osaka-style way to enjoy it.
If You Can Enjoy This, You're a Japan Expert! "Shime" Menus
In Japan, there's a "shime" culture of concluding drinking with a meal. By eating something at the end, you can increase satisfaction and enjoy a good end to your drinking.
When it comes to shime menus, there's yaki-onigiri (grilled rice ball) with a crispy texture grilled to a fragrant finish, ochazuke where you pour dashi broth over rice, and zosui (rice porridge) with a light taste. Ramen is also popular as a shime menu.
Cold desserts like ice cream and warabimochi are also standard shime items. Tightening up your body, which has warmed up from alcohol, with a cold dessert is also a unique way to enjoy izakaya.
I often eat ochazuke as my shime. I pour hot dashi broth over rice and add toppings. It has a gentle taste that's perfect for ending drinking.
If you can enjoy shime menus at an izakaya, it might not be an exaggeration to say you're a Japan expert.
Chain Stores Where You Can Enjoy Izakaya Culture Across Japan
In addition to local izakaya, there are many chain stores in Japan. Chain stores are easy for foreigners to enter, so they're reassuring. They're located all over the country, so please look them up on Google Maps at your destination and feel free to drop by.
Uotami
Source: Tabelog by himico1st
Uotami is an izakaya chain that focuses on seafood dishes. They pride themselves on dishes using fresh seafood like sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood salads. The interior has a unified Japanese-style atmosphere, and the calm space is attractive.
It's also nice that they have various types of seating like counter seats, table seats, and tatami mat areas. They have extensive party courses and all-you-can-drink plans , which are popular for group use.
Website: https://www.monteroza.co.jp/brand/tami/
Torikizoku
Source: Wikipedia
Torikizoku is a yakitori specialty izakaya chain that operates nationwide. The attractive point is the low price of 280 yen (excluding tax) for all items. Many stores have counter seats that are easy for solo diners to sit at, so you can easily use it alone.
It's also great that they have a wide variety of yakitori and high freshness. In fact, they have a good selection of dishes other than yakitori too. Torikizoku is a recommended chain store for those looking for a cheap and delicious izakaya.
I've been to Torikizoku alone before. I enjoyed a relaxed time at the counter seat, savoring yakitori and beer. I was happy that I could eat delicious food at such low prices.
Website: https://torikizoku.co.jp/
Yakiniku Watami
Source: Tabelog by Toraja
Yakiniku Watami is one of the major izakaya chains. It's characterized by offering yakiniku (grilled meat) at reasonable prices. It's also great that they have extensive all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink menus.
If you want to eat yakiniku but find specialized stores a bit too expensive... Yakiniku Watami is recommended at such times. You can enjoy delicious yakiniku at reasonable prices.
Website: https://yakiniku-watami.com/
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Izakaya
Finally, I'll answer questions that foreigners often have when visiting izakaya in Japan.
How to Make Reservations at Izakaya?
Telephone reservations are common for izakaya. Some establishments have introduced online reservation systems, but be careful as you might not be able to make reservations from overseas.
Many establishments, except for high-end ones, can be used without reservations. However, reservations may be necessary for large groups of 10 or more. Also, please remember that izakaya tend to get crowded during graduation season in March and the year-end and New Year holidays.
What's the Dress Code for Izakaya?
Basically, there's no dress code at izakaya. Casual clothing is fine. In izakaya in business districts, you might see many people in suits, but that's because they're coming straight from work, not because there's a dress code.
However, for stylish creative izakaya or high-end izakaya, I recommend checking about the dress code just in case. But don't worry, most izakaya can be used in casual attire.
I always go to izakaya in casual clothes like jeans and a T-shirt. If you dress too formally, you can't enjoy the izakaya atmosphere. I think it's best to wear relaxed clothing and thoroughly enjoy yourself at an izakaya.
When you visit Japan, please make sure to stop by an izakaya. You'll surely experience the depth of Japanese food culture and the fun of izakaya.
Delicious drinks and food, and enjoyable conversation. The time spent at an izakaya will surely become a good memory of your trip.
Izakaya are an indispensable part of Japanese life, and I want more foreigners to know about their charm. I hope this article will encourage you to visit Japanese izakaya!
