Izakaya (居酒屋) are Japanese pubs — the heart of after-work socializing. Here's where to find the best ones in Tokyo.
Izakaya (居酒屋) are Japanese pubs — the heart of after-work socializing. Here's where to find the best ones in Tokyo.
What Is an Izakaya?
An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub that serves alcohol alongside a variety of small dishes. Think of it as a Japanese tapas bar.
What to Expect
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Atmosphere | Casual, lively, sometimes smoky |
| Seating | Counter, tables, private rooms |
| Ordering | Often via tablet or paper menu |
| Payment | Cash or IC card |
| Hours | 5 PM – midnight (some later) |
What You'll Eat
| Dish | Japanese | Price |
|---|
| Yakitori | 焼き鳥 | ¥300–500 |
| Edamame | 枝豆 | ¥300–400 |
| Karaage | 唐揚げ | ¥400–600 |
| Agedashi tofu | 揚げ出し豆腐 | ¥400–500 |
| Sashimi | 刺身 | ¥800–1,500 |
| Grilled fish | 焼き魚 | ¥500–1,000 |
| Oden | おでん | ¥100–200 per item |
What You'll Drink
| Drink | Japanese | Price |
|---|
| Draft beer | 生ビール | ¥400–600 |
| Highball | ハイボール | ¥400–600 |
| Sake | 日本酒 | ¥500–1,000 |
| Shochu | 焼酎 | ¥400–600 |
| Umeshu | 梅酒 | ¥400–600 |
Top Izakaya Districts
Shinjuku
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|
| Golden Gai | Tiny bars, 200+ in 6 blocks | Unique, intimate |
| Omoide Yokocho | Narrow alleys, yakitori | Authentic, atmospheric |
| Kabukicho | Neon, entertainment | Late night, lively |
Shibuya
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|
| Nonbei Yokocho | Tiny bars | Hidden gems |
| Center-Gai | Youth culture | Casual, cheap |
| Ebisu | Sophisticated | Quality izakaya |
Roppongi
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|
| International | Expat-friendly | English menus |
| Azabu | Upscale | High-end izakaya |
Best Izakaya by Type
Budget (¥1,000–2,000/person)
| Izakaya | Location | Known For |
|---|
| Torikizoku | Multiple | ¥350 dishes, cheap beer |
| Kin no Kura | Multiple | ¥350 menu, all-you-can-drink |
| Uotami | Multiple | Seafood, reasonable prices |
| Shirokiya | Multiple | All-you-can-drink deals |
Mid-Range (¥2,000–4,000/person)
| Izakaya | Location | Known For |
|---|
| Gonpachi | Nishi-Azabu | Famous from "Kill Bill" |
| Uohide | Shibuya | Fresh seafood |
| Torikawa | Shinjuku | Yakitori specialist |
| Isomaru Suisan | Multiple | Seafood, casual |
High-End (¥4,000–8,000/person)
| Izakaya | Location | Known For |
|---|
| Zauo | Shinjuku | Catch your own fish |
| Monja Sakura | Tsukishima | Monjayaki (Tokyo specialty) |
| Gonpachi | Nishi-Azabu | Traditional atmosphere |
| Toriki | Ebisu | Premium yakitori |
How to Order
Step-by-Step
- Get seated — host will show you to a table
- Order drinks first — "Nama bīru hitotsu" (one draft beer)
- Order food — use the tablet or menu
- Start with edamame — often complimentary
- Share dishes — izakaya is communal dining
- Order more as you go — pace yourself
- Pay at the register — when you're done
Useful Phrases
| English | Japanese |
|---|
| Draft beer, please | 生ビールを一つください |
| What do you recommend? | おすすめは何ですか？ |
| This, please | これをください |
| Check, please | お会計お願いします |
| One more, please | もう一つください |
| Thank you for the meal | ごちそうさまでした |
Tips
- Go with locals — izakaya is best experienced with Japanese friends
- Order drinks first — it's customary
- Try the daily special — often the best value
- Share dishes — order several small plates
- Don't overorder — you can always order more
- Say "kanpai" — before drinking (cheers)
- Pour for others — never pour your own drink
- Eat the edamame — often complimentary
- Try shochu — Japanese distilled spirit
- Have fun — izakaya is about socializing
