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Once you start working and building a social life in Japan, the izakaya quickly becomes your second home. From easy-to-grab meals to drinking sessions with co-workers or catch-ups with friends — it’s a social staple.
There are some points to keep in mind, however, if you’re new to this Japanese equivalent of a public house. We’ve broken down the basics for you in this primer on izakaya culture.
Food
Izakaya fare is not the Michelin-starred cuisine the country is famous for — it’s basically bar food after all — but it’s easy to order, easy to share and very affordable. The dishes on offer are a great way to experience the joys of simple, everyday Japanese cuisine.
Variety is one major strong point for the menu. Many izakaya take the jack-of-all-trades approach, so don’t be surprised if you see sashimi or natto listed above Margherita pizza.
Try something new, you don’t really have much to lose. As a guide, the best go-to staple menu items include karaage (fried chicken), takoyaki (fried octopus balls) and hiyayakko (chilled tofu with toppings).
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- https://gaijinpot.com/
10 Comments
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Aly Rustom
I prefer izakaya to western bars as the service, food and atmosphere is more to my liking. I prefer to find an Izakaya that has Ozashiki as removing one's shoes and sitting on the tatami is one of the most pleasant experiences here in Japan.
jcapan
Aly, really? I don't look at it as an either/or thing. Izakaya are a great place to bring the family or meet up with friends or coworkers. But I also always feel trapped at my table with just those people, especially work events where seating is even designated, and those other more interesting or attractive people over there penned in as well. I'm too old for clubs but they and pubs are hanging with your mates and mingling or meeting new people. This is especially advantageous if you're single and aren't into gokon.
goldorak
Imo one of the best things about Japan. I just love how diverse izakaya are i.e proper drinking holes, family run homey restos, old school, trendy etc.
Aly Rustom
jc, I think it depends on the Izakaya you go to. they are so different. But like you said, Izakaya are a great place to bring the family or meet up with friends or coworkers. I'm not single, but I do know that my single friends prefer the western bars a bit. I agree with everything you said, but I don't feel trapped at my table unless the tables next to us are filled with smokers, which they often are..
GW
I too love izakaya, pubs are also great & very different so glad to see more of those popping up
The place pictured here is in shombenyokocho & it has the FILTIEST most DIGUSTING lamp in the world(you can see it in this picture) I LOVE it!!!
Toasted Heretic
I love them but they are so varied, it's impossible to really compare them with Western bars or pubs. Which are also hugely enjoyable in a different way.
Toasted Heretic
Oh no; that would be terrible. I'd be in favor of non smoking sections, of course.
Pacificpilot
Is there a guide listing all the popular izakaya areas in the different cities of Japan? That would be helpful.
Most taxi drivers just scratch their heads when asked to be taken to a popular izakaya.
GW
PPilot,
Reason why is that there are 100s or thousands to choose from :)
Easier to walk around & simply let fate determine the choice if you don't have a specific place in mind!