What Is an Izakaya?
An izakaya is a casual eating-and-dining establishment in Japan where food and beverages arrive throughout the evening. Izakaya culture is about sharing small dishes over several hours at reasonable prices.
Essential Dishes
- Yakitori: chicken skewers grilled over charcoal
- Karaage: juicy marinated fried chicken
- Edamame: salted boiled soybeans in the pod
- Gyoza: pan-fried pork and cabbage dumplings
- Agedashi tofu: lightly battered fried tofu in dashi broth
- Hokke: grilled mackerel, a popular evening dish
Etiquette Tips
- Pour beverages for others before yourself
- Say kanpai before the first round
- Tipping is not customary in Japan
- Ask for the bill: okaikei onegaishimasu
Types of Izakaya
Chain izakayas (Torikizoku, Watami, Shirokiya) offer affordable menus nationwide. Tachinomi bars are standing-only and very cheap. Shotengai izakayas in old shopping streets have a more neighbourhood atmosphere. Yakitori izakayas specialise in charcoal-grilled skewers.
Best Cities for Izakaya
Tokyo: Shinjuku bar district, Yurakucho under the rail arches. Osaka: Hozenji Yokocho and Namba. Fukuoka: Yatai stalls along the Naka River. Kyoto: Pontocho alley above the Kamogawa river.