Handn blog Japanese izakayas are excellent places to experience Japanese culture. These casual spots offer a chance to enjoy food and drinks with locals, featuring a wide variety of dishes and beverages. This guide introduces tips for foreign tourists to make the most of their izakaya visits.
An izakaya is a traditional Japanese eatery where friends and colleagues gather to enjoy food and drinks. The menu is highly diverse, offering dishes like sashimi, yakitori, fried foods, simmered dishes, and stirfries. The drink menu includes beer, sake, shochu, and cocktails. The appeal of izakayas lies in their casual atmosphere and the wide range of food and drink options.
1. Taishu Izakaya
Taishu izakayas offer a variety of dishes at reasonable prices. Popular among local office workers and students, they are known for their lively atmosphere. Examples include “Torikizoku” and “Teketeke.” These izakayas are ideal for firsttimers due to their affordable prices and delicious food.
2. Private Room Izakaya
Private room izakayas are perfect for those who prefer a private dining experience. Suitable for gatherings with friends and family or business meetings, examples include “Kamadoya” and “Shirokiya.” These izakayas offer a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy your time without worrying about other guests.
3. Standing Bar Izakaya
Standing bar izakayas are popular for a quick drink and bite. Known for their affordable prices and variety of dishes, famous examples include “Aka Chochin” and “Tachinomidokoro Ueda.” These izakayas are perfect for solo visits or a quick drink.
1. Choosing from the Menu
With the vast selection of dishes, ordering might seem daunting at first. Start with popular items like edamame, karaage, yakitori, and assorted sashimi. These are commonly available and reliable choices. Also, look for dishes labeled “recommended” on the menu.
2. Enjoying Drinks
Izakayas offer a variety of beverages including beer, sake, shochu, whiskey, and cocktails. Sake and shochu are particularly representative of Japanese culture. If you’re unsure, ask the staff for a recommendation. Sake varies from dry to sweet and fruity, while shochu’s taste depends on its base ingredient like rice, barley, or sweet potatoes.
3. Sharing Culture
In Japanese izakayas, sharing dishes is common. This practice fosters communication and deepens connections. Also, experience the tradition of “oshaku” (pouring drinks for each other) as a sign of respect. Engaging in this can enhance your bonds with friends or colleagues.
4. Local Interaction
Izakayas are great places to interact with locals. Sitting at the counter may lead to spontaneous conversations. Japanese people are friendly, and even if you don’t speak the language, gestures and smiles can help you communicate.
5. Seasonal Dishes
Enjoy seasonal ingredients at izakayas. Spring brings cherry blossom sea bream and mountain vegetables, summer offers chilled tomatoes and grilled sweetfish, autumn features matsutake mushrooms and Pacific saury, and winter showcases hotpot dishes and oysters. These seasonal dishes offer special flavors only available at certain times of the year.
6. Regional Specialties
Izakayas also serve local specialties. For example, Hokkaido offers fresh seafood, Kyushu is known for rich pork dishes, and Kansai features takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Tasting these regional dishes gives you a sense of the local culture and history.
1. Removing Shoes
Some izakayas have tatami mat or sunken kotatsu seating, where you need to remove your shoes. You might switch to slippers at the entrance, so check beforehand. When removing shoes, neatly align them as a courtesy.
2. Ordering
Orders are typically placed collectively by table. Many izakayas use tablets or order sheets, and some have English menus. If ordering directly from staff, speak clearly.
3. Paying the Bill
Bills are generally settled per table. You’ll find the bill on your table, which you take to the register to pay. While more izakayas accept credit cards, some still only take cash, so check in advance. Tipping is not customary in Japan.
4. Smoking Policies
Many izakayas have separate smoking and nonsmoking areas. Specify your preference when making a reservation or upon arrival. Even in smoking areas, be mindful of others and follow proper etiquette.
1. Torikizoku
Known for its yakitori, Torikizoku offers affordable prices and an extensive menu, making it popular among locals and tourists alike. They have English menus for ease of use.
2. Teketeke
This izakaya offers yakitori and traditional Japanese dishes in a homey atmosphere. Teketeke is known for its reasonable prices and vibrant ambiance.
3. Kamadoya
Featuring private rooms, Kamadoya is ideal for private dining experiences, gatherings, and business meetings. They offer seasonal special menus and a wide range of drinks.
4. Shirokiya
With locations nationwide, Shirokiya offers a broad menu of regional dishes and creative cuisine at reasonable prices, with English menus available.
5. Tsubohachi
A nationwide chain known for its diverse menu including sashimi, grilled dishes, fried foods, and simmered dishes, with seasonal and regional specialties.
6. Hananomai
Specializing in seafood, Hananomai offers fresh fish and seafood dishes like sashimi, sushi, and grilled fish sourced directly from local ports.
7. Uotami
Another seafoodfocused izakaya offering fresh fish and seafood dishes. They feature ingredients sourced directly from local fishing ports.
Japanese izakayas are not just places to enjoy food and drinks but also venues to experience local culture and interact with people. Each type of izakaya offers a unique experience, whether it’s a lively taishu izakaya, a private room setting, or a casual standing bar.
Enjoying an izakaya means sharing dishes and savoring local beverages. Understanding the ordering process and etiquette ensures a smooth experience. Exploring izakayas across Japan allows you to enjoy regional dishes and drinks, deepening your appreciation for Japanese culture.
Izakayas provide a warm and memorable experience where you can connect with locals and immerse yourself in Japanese life. This guide aims to help you have a fantastic izakaya experience and make the most of your visit to Japan. Enjoy the rich food culture and hospitality that izakayas offer, creating lasting memories of your journey.
Exploring izakayas offers an opportunity to feel the warmth of Japanese people and the richness of its culinary culture. Savor the unique atmosphere and dishes each izakaya provides, and deepen your understanding of Japan’s food culture. Your time at izakayas will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience, leaving you with cherished memories of Japan.
