居酒屋 – Izakaya
For me, Izakayas are one of the best ways to experience everyday Japanese food and drinking culture. They’re essentially casual Japanese pubs, where you can grab a drink, order a few dishes, relax and spend time with friends, family, coworkers — or simply sit at the counter and enjoy yourself. You’ll find them everywhere in Japan, from tiny neighbourhood spots to lively establishments around major train stations, and each one can have a completely different atmosphere.
What I love about izakayas is the shared, relaxed style of eating. Instead of ordering one big meal, you can choose several smaller dishes and keep ordering throughout the evening. Grilled meat, sashimi, fried food, vegetables, noodles — there’s usually an enormous variety, and you can try a little bit of everything while enjoying your drinks. They’re often affordable, although you’ll also find plenty of mid-range and upscale pubs.
There really isn’t one type of izakaya experience. Some are lively and packed with groups of friends or coworkers, while others are quiet and perfect for sitting alone at the counter. Some open during the day, others stay open late into the night. That’s what makes them so much fun to explore — you never quite know what you’ll find. If you’re visiting Japan, I’d definitely recommend finding an izakaya, ordering a few dishes, grabbing a drink and simply settling in for the evening.
What Is an Izakaya?
The word izakaya (居酒屋) refers to a place where people can sit, drink, and enjoy food. While often compared to pubs or tapas bars, izakaya are distinctly Japanese, combining drinks with a wide variety of small dishes designed to be shared.
Some are tiny restaurants with only a handful of counter seats, while others are spacious and massive multi-level establishments. The atmosphere can range from quiet and intimate to lively and bustling, particularly in busy areas of Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other major Japanese cities.
What to Eat and Drink
Food is just as important as the drinks at an izakaya. Rather than ordering one large meal, groups typically choose several dishes and share them around the table, ordering more as needed.
Popular choices include yakitori grilled chicken skewers, karaage fried chicken, sashimi, edamame, grilled seafood, gyoza, pickles, and noodles. Depending on the season and location, you may also find regional specialities or hot dishes such as nabe.
For drinks, Japanese beer, sake, shochu, and chūhai are common choices. If you’re unsure what to order, starting with a cold beer and choosing a few dishes to share is an easy way to experience the traditional izakaya style!
The Social Side of Japanese Pubs
Izakaya are not simply places to eat and drink. They are social spaces where friends, couples, colleagues, and sometimes solo travellers can unwind together. After-work gatherings, known as enkai, have long been associated with Japanese drinking culture, while casual izakaya are equally popular for everyday evenings with friends or family.
For visitors, the atmosphere can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the experience. Sitting at a counter, watching dishes being prepared, and hearing the conversations and sounds of the kitchen can provide a more authentic glimpse of everyday Japan.
Experience Izakaya Culture in Japan
One of the best things about izakaya is that you don’t need to visit a famous restaurant to experience them. You’ll find them throughout Japan, particularly around train stations, shopping districts, and entertainment areas.
Whether you’re exploring the narrow streets of Tokyo, the lively neighbourhoods of Osaka, or a small local town, look for the glowing lanterns and inviting entrances of a Japanese pub.
Pull up a seat, order a cold drink, choose a few dishes to share, and experience one of Japan’s most relaxed and social dining traditions for yourself. An evening at an izakaya could become one of the most memorable parts of your Japan journey!
