Specialized Izakaya｜Experience Japanese culture easily!

Popular among foreigners visiting Japan as a place where they can get a glimpse of real life in Japan are the popular izakaya (Japanese style pubs) in the city.

Recently, the name “izakaya” is gradually gaining recognition overseas as well,
Many of you may be thinking, “If I have come all the way to Japan, I want to experience the real izakaya!
Many of you may be thinking so.

In this issue, we will introduce some of the most popular izakaya, while giving an overview of the main attractions of izakaya.

What is izakaya, a globally recognized “izakaya”?

Popular izakaya is a popular eating and drinking establishment that symbolizes Japanese food culture.

They offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages such as sake, shochu, and beer at reasonable prices, as well as a wide variety of “snacks” (side dishes to accompany alcoholic drinks).

The menu features mainly Japanese dishes such as sashimi, yakitori, tempura, and cold tofu (cold tofu), as well as a wide variety of popular dishes such as gyoza and fried tofu.

The restaurant is characterized by a lively and bustling atmosphere, with counter seats, a small tatami room, and table seating.

As symbolized by the phrase “beer for now,” it is a popular place for office workers and friends to casually drop by after work.

They also play an important role as a place for communication, and have taken root in the lives of Japanese people as a place for socializing with colleagues and talking with friends.

In recent years, they have also become popular among foreign tourists, attracting attention as a place to experience Japanese food culture and socializing.

Origin and Roots of Izakaya

The origin of “Izakaya” dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868).

It originally started as a standing bar called “izakaya,” which not only served sake but also simple food.

The word “ia” means “to sit down,” and “izakaya” means “liquor store,” meaning a place where one can sit down and enjoy sake.

From the Meiji era onward, izakaya developed as a place for the common people to relax, forming the prototype for today’s “popular izakaya” (Japanese style pub).

Three Attractions of Izakaya

I have summarized some of the attractions of izakaya that I find attractive.

The experience of enjoying a wide variety of Japanese food and drinks in one place

The greatest appeal of a pop-up izakaya is the ability to sample a wide variety of Japanese food in small portions in a single location.

The menu offers a wide variety of traditional and creative Japanese dishes such as sashimi, yakitori, tempura, chilled tofu, edamame, and more.

You can also enjoy a variety of Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake, shochu, and draft beer with your meal.

In particular, the “omakase course” and “all-you-can-drink/all-you-can-eat plan” are great opportunities for Japanese food novices to efficiently sample a variety of dishes.

Many izakaya also offer English menus and menus with pictures, which are popular among foreign tourists because they allow them to order without feeling a language barrier.

Authentic Japanese culture and social experience

Izakaya is not just a restaurant, but a cultural space that is the center of Japanese social life.

The shouts of “Beer for starters! and lively “Irasshaimase! and the lively “irasshaimase!” greetings, and the sharing of meals around the table, you can experience firsthand the unique Japanese eating and drinking culture.

At the counter, you can also enjoy conversation with the chef and mingle with the locals seated next to you.

The atmosphere of izakaya, which has been a favorite place for Japanese people to deepen friendship with colleagues and friends, provides travelers with a valuable glimpse into daily life in Japan.

Cost-effectiveness and convenience

One of the attractions of a popular izakaya is the ability to enjoy high quality food and drinks at reasonable prices.

Especially on weekdays, “happy hours” and “set prices” allow you to enjoy a highly satisfying dining experience while keeping your budget in check.

Another attraction is the easy accessibility of the restaurant, which can be found anywhere in Japan, from the downtown areas of large cities to small towns in rural areas.

They are also open long hours, from evening until late at night, making them ideal for dinner after a long day of sightseeing or as a leisure activity in the evening.

Furthermore, many izakayas offer private or semi-private spaces, providing a comfortable environment for groups.

Recommended okonomiyaki restaurants

Here are some izakaya restaurants I recommend, both national chain restaurants and independent stores.

Three ways to enjoy izakaya for foreign visitors to Japan

To enjoy izakaya to its fullest, try these tips:

✅ Diverse sake and local food pairing experience


At izakaya, you can enjoy a variety of sake, shochu, local beer, and other alcoholic beverages paired with dishes using seasonal and local ingredients.

For example, “sashimi x cold sake,” “grilled skewers x draft beer,” or “motsu nabe x potato shochu” – exploring flavor combinations is a real pleasure.

At restaurants with English menus and explanations with pictures, even foreigners can order with confidence.
The opportunity to see artisanal cooking performances up close is another valuable opportunity to experience food culture.

✅ Order-to-share style of interaction


The restaurant features an “order->share teppan/counter->conversation” flow. The style of ordering a la carte dishes one after another and sharing them with everyone at the table is a mechanism that naturally generates conversation.

Foreigners can expect to interact with local customers by asking the waiter for “recommendations” and toasting with the customers seated next to them.

The custom of “Kampai” (toast) is especially popular as a symbolic moment of cross-cultural experience.

✅ Cultural Discovery in an Unusual Space


The “Japanese night” atmosphere created by the soft lighting of lanterns and wooden interior is also a popular photo spot for social networking.

Some restaurants require customers to take off their shoes for seating, allowing them to experience traditional space design such as tatami mats and sunken kotatsu seats.

Learning about local culture through the menu (e.g., the history of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki) and seasonal menu items (e.g., cherry shrimp tempura) will deepen your travel memories.

You can easily enjoy the feeling of an izakaya in your own home!

This time, we would like to introduce you to some wonderful items that will make you feel as if you are having a drink at a Japanese izakaya even when you are abroad.

You can enjoy the taste of traditional Mino ware or appreciate it as a work of art.

We hope you will use them as a reference for your souvenir selection.

Finally, here is a brief introduction on how to make a delicious hot sake.

is good, please try it!

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