What is an Izakaya? Drinking and Dining at a Japanese Bar

WeXpats

2024/08/29

Life in Japan

Izakaya (居酒屋) is a type of informal Japanese bar or pub where people gather to drink and enjoy a variety of small dishes.

Table of Contents

What is an Izakaya?
What is Otoshi?
What is Nomikai?
Tabehoudai and Nomihoudai Systems at Izakaya
Classic Food at an Izakaya
Classic Drinks at an Izakaya
Popular Izakaya Chains and Yokochos in Japan

What is an Izakaya?

An izakaya (居酒屋) is a type of informal Japanese bar or pub where people gather to drink and enjoy a variety of small dishes. The atmosphere is often casual and relaxed, making it a popular spot for after-work gatherings, socializing with friends, or enjoying a night out.

The word izakaya is written in Japanese as “居酒屋”. Here's a breakdown of the kanji:

居 (i) meaning “to stay” or “to be present”. In the context of "izakaya," it suggests a place where people stay or gather.
酒 (sake) meaning “alcohol” or “sake (a Japanese rice wine)”. It indicates that the establishment is a place where alcohol is served.
屋 (ya) meaning “shop” or “store” or “restaurant” or “house”. It is commonly used in Japanese to indicate a type of establishment or store.

As such, Izakaya simply means “a place where one stays to drink alcohol”, which perfectly describes the nature of an izakaya as a casual place to drink and eat.

Izakayas are known for their cozy, welcoming atmosphere. These establishments often feature dim lighting, wooden interiors, and a casual, relaxed vibe. Some izakayas have tatami seating, where patrons sit on mats on the floor, while others offer bar seating or small tables. The atmosphere is typically lively, with conversations, laughter, and the clinking of glasses filling the air.

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What is Otoshi?

Otoshi (お通し) is a small appetizer or starter that is automatically served to customers when they dine at an izakaya in Japan. It’s a unique practice in Japanese dining culture and typically comes with a small fee, which is added to the bill.

The purpose of an Otoshi is as a table charge or seating fee and also as a quick starter to enjoy while waiting for the rest of the food. It is a customary part of the izakaya experience.

The dish can vary widely depending on the izakaya. It could be anything from a small portion of salad, pickles, marinated vegetables, tofu, or something more elaborate. The selection is often determined by the chef and reflects seasonal ingredients or the establishment's specialties.

Customers do not get to choose the otoshi. It is selected by the establishment and brought out automatically. Refusing or trying to skip the otoshi is generally considered impolite.

The fee for otoshi can vary, but it’s usually around 300 to 500 yen. This fee is essentially the cover charge for occupying a seat at the izakaya.

What is Nomikai?

Nomikai (飲み会) is a social drinking gathering, often among colleagues, friends, or members of a group. Nomikai are often held at izakayas, making them a central part of Japanese social and work culture.

Nomikai is primarily about fostering relationships, whether among coworkers, classmates, or social groups. It’s seen as an opportunity to relax, break down social barriers, and strengthen camaraderie outside the formal setting of the workplace or school.

In a business context, nomikai often involves employees from all levels of a company, including superiors and subordinates. It's a chance for everyone to interact in a more informal setting, sometimes leading to more open and candid conversations.

As the name suggests (飲み会 means "drinking meeting"), alcohol plays a central role, but food is also an essential part of the experience. Participants typically order various dishes to share, which complements the drinking.

Nomikai can end with the group leaving the izakaya together, or it can lead to further gatherings at another venue, known as "二次会 (Nijikai)”, aka “Second Party”, where the group continues the celebration.

Read more about Japan’s Nomikai After-Work Culture and Nominication here.

Tabehoudai and Nomihoudai Systems at Izakaya

Tabehoudai (食べ放題) and Nomihoudai (飲み放題) are popular dining and drinking systems offered at many izakayas in Japan. These systems allow customers to enjoy unlimited food or drinks within a set period for a fixed price.

All-You-Can-Eat / 食べ放題 / Tabehoudai

Tabehoudai is an all-you-can-eat system where customers can order as much food as they want from a specific menu within a designated time frame, usually around 90 to 120 minutes.

The menu for tabehoudai often includes a wide range of dishes, such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sashimi, tempura, fried foods, salads, and more. Some izakayas may have restrictions on premium items, but generally, the selection is diverse.

Some izakaya may offer only nomihoudai and not tabehoudai.

All-You-Can-Drink / 飲み放題 / Nomihoudai

Nomihoudai is an all-you-can-drink system, where customers can enjoy unlimited drinks, typically for a set period of 60 to 120 minutes. This is a popular option during nomikai (drinking parties) or casual gatherings.

The drink menu usually includes beer, sake, shochu, cocktails, whiskey, and sometimes non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks and tea. Some izakayas offer different levels of nomihoudai, with higher tiers providing access to premium drinks. There is also usually a non-alcoholic nomihoudai option which costs less.

Some izakaya may offer only nomihoudai and not tabehoudai. There are also izakayas that offer a combination of tabehoudai and nomihoudai, allowing customers to enjoy unlimited food and drinks together. This option is great for large groups or parties, offering a full dining experience with a fixed cost.

Course Meal / コース / Ko-su

In addition to tabehoudai and nomihoudai options, many izakayas offer course meal systems, known as コース (Ko-su). These are set menus that include multiple dishes, often paired with drinks, and are designed to provide a structured dining experience.

A course typically consists of several pre-selected dishes that are served in a specific order. These courses can include appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts. Some courses may also include a nomihoudai option, where drinks are paired with each course.

Courses can vary in size and complexity, ranging from simple, three-course meals to more elaborate, multi-course feasts. Course systems are particularly popular for group dining, such as company dinners, special occasions, or large gatherings. They provide a convenient way to ensure everyone at the table is served a balanced and satisfying meal without the need for individual ordering.

Classic Food at an Izakaya

At an izakaya, you'll find a wide variety of classic Japanese dishes that are perfect for sharing and pairing with drinks.

Here’s a list of some of the most popular and iconic foods typically served at an izakaya:

Yakitori (焼き鳥) : Grilled chicken skewers seasoned with salt (shio) or sauce (tare). Includes different parts of the chicken like thighs (momo), wings (tebasaki), chicken heart (hatsu), gizzards (sunagimo), etc.
Karaage (唐揚げ) : Japanese-style fried chicken, marinated in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then deep-fried until crispy. Often served with a wedge of lemon for added flavor.
Edamame (枝豆) : Boiled and lightly salted young soybeans, served in their pods. A simple, healthy snack that pairs well with beer.
Tempura (天ぷら) : Lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Popular items include shrimp (ebi), sweet potato, and eggplant.
Gyoza (餃子) : Japanese-style pan-fried dumplings filled with minced pork, garlic, cabbage, and green onions. Often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.
Oden (おでん) : A comforting dish of various ingredients simmered in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth. Common ingredients include boiled eggs, daikon, konjac, and fish cakes.
Sashimi (刺身) : Fresh, raw slices of fish or seafood, usually served with soy sauce, wasabi, and garnishes like shiso leaves or daikon radish.
Grilled Fish (焼き魚, Yakizakana) : Simple yet flavorful, grilled fish is a staple at izakayas. The fish is often seasoned with salt (shio) or glazed with a sweet soy-based sauce and grilled until the skin is crispy. Popular types include saba shioyaki (salt-grilled mackerel), sanma shioyaki (salt-grilled Pacific saury) and hamachi kama (grilled yellowtail).
Tsukemono (漬物) : Japanese pickles, often made from vegetables like cucumbers, daikon radish, or eggplant. They add a refreshing crunch and contrast to richer dishes.
Nabe (鍋) : A hot pot dish, often shared among the table. There are many varieties, including chanko nabe (sumo wrestler’s stew), yosenabe (mixed seafood and meat hot pot), motsunabe (offal hot pot), and more. It's especially popular in colder months.

Classic Drinks at an Izakaya

※ The legal age to drink alcohol in Japan is 20. Drinking and driving is illegal in Japan.

Classic drinks at an izakaya are as diverse as the food, offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to suit different tastes and preferences.

Here are some of the most popular drinks you’ll typically find at an izakaya:

Beer (ビール Bi-ru, 生 Nama) : Beer is one of the most popular drinks at izakayas. Each izakaya will typically offer a popular brand such as Asahi and Sapporo. Draft beer, known as "nama beer" (生ビール), is often the go-to choice.
Sake (酒) : Also known as nihonshu, sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine made by fermenting polished rice. It can be served hot, warm, or cold, depending on the type and personal preference.
Highball (ハイボール) : A popular cocktail made by mixing whiskey with soda water and ice. It’s a light, refreshing drink that pairs well with many izakaya dishes. In addition to the classic whiskey highball, you might find variations like the ginger highball or lemon highball, which include additional flavoring.
Chuhai (酎ハイ) : Short for "shochu highball," chuhai is a popular mixed drink made with shochu and flavored carbonated water. It's available in various fruit flavors, such as lemon, grapefruit, lime, and peach.
Sour (サワー) : Similar to chuhai, sours are cocktails typically made with shochu, soda water, and fruit juice or syrup. They are tangy and refreshing, often served over ice. Popular flavours include lemon sour, grapefruit sour, and ume sour.
Umeshu (梅酒) : Umeshu is a sweet and fruity liqueur made by steeping ume (Japanese plums) in alcohol and sugar. It has a rich, sweet flavor and is often served over ice or mixed with soda water.
Hoppy (ホッピー) : Hoppy is a low-alcohol beer-flavored beverage that is mixed with shochu to create a drink that resembles beer but has a lighter taste and lower alcohol content.
Cocktails : Many izakayas also offer a range of cocktails, often with a Japanese twist. These might include drinks like cassis orange, kahlua milk, and also more familiar cocktails like gin and tonic or vodka soda.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks are also available in izakayas, for example various teas such as oolong and green tea, as well as soft drink options like cola, ginger ale, and various fruit juices, often available for those not consuming alcohol or for mixing with spirits.

Popular Izakaya Chains in Japan

Looking to dine and drink in an izakaya in Japan? Izakaya chains offer a consistent and affordable izakaya experience across the country.

Here are some of the most well-known izakaya chains in Japan:

Torikizoku (鳥貴族) : Specialises in Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), Torikizoku offers a wide range of yakitori and other izakaya-style dishes, all priced at a uniform rate (around 350 yen per item). The chain is especially popular among young people and budget-conscious diners.
Watami (和民) : Offers a wide variety of izakaya dishes including sushi, sashimi, grilled items and more. Watami is one of the largest izakaya chains in Japan. The chain is known for its casual atmosphere and affordable set menus.
Doma-Doma (土間土間) : A fusion izakaya with unique dishes and creative cocktails, Doma-Doma offers a mix of traditional and modern izakaya fare. The chain has a trendy, contemporary vibe, making it a hit with younger crowds.
Uotami (魚民) : As in the name, Uotami specializes in seafood dishes, offering fresh sashimi, grilled fish, and other ocean-inspired dishes. It's a go-to spot for seafood lovers looking for a casual dining experience.
Kushikatsu Tanaka (串カツ田中) : Kushikatsu Tanaka is famous for its kushikatsu, skewers of meat, vegetables, and seafood that are battered and deep-fried. The chain has a lively, energetic atmosphere, perfect for a casual night out.

Apart from izakaya chains, Yokochos (横丁) are also great places to find izakayas.

Yokochos (横丁) are narrow alleyways or districts lined with small, often independently-owned bars, izakayas, and eateries. These areas are known for their nostalgic, lively atmosphere and offer a more intimate and often eclectic dining and drinking experience. Yokochos are especially popular for their old-school charm, where people gather after work to eat, drink, and socialize.

Here are some of the most famous yokochos in Tokyo:

Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁) in Shinjuku
Golden Gai (ゴールデン街) in Shinjuku
Nonbei Yokocho (のんべえ横丁) in Shibuya
Shibuya Yokocho (渋谷横丁) in Shibuya
Ebisu Yokocho (恵比寿横丁) in Ebisu
Harmonica Yokocho (ハーモニカ横丁) in Kichijoji
Ameyokocho (アメ横丁) in Ueno
Asakusa Hoppy Street (浅草ホッピー通り) in Asakusa

To Close

Explore izakayas, one of the greatest aspects of Japan’s nightlife. Izakayas is a great place to enjoy delicious food and drink while socialising with friends or colleagues. It is an important part of Japanese culture and should be experienced at least once in your life.