Izakaya

Walk into an izakaya without knowing the drill and you’ll spend the evening nodding at things you don’t understand. Walk in prepared and you’ll have one of the best nights Japan has to offer. Here’s exactly what to expect and how to order. What Is an Izakaya? An izakaya sits between a bar and a restaurant. You order food and drinks simultaneously throughout the evening — it’s not a dinner followed by drinks, it’s both at once, continuously. ...

Drinking in Japan isn’t just about alcohol — it’s how colleagues become friends and walls come down. Misread the room and you’ll stand out for the wrong reasons. This guide explains the unwritten rules so you can enjoy nomikai without the awkwardness. The Izakaya: Japan’s Social Drinking Headquarters An izakaya (居酒屋) is a Japanese pub-restaurant — the most common setting for social drinking. Unlike a Western pub, an izakaya serves a wide variety of food alongside drinks. You typically order both throughout the evening, and the atmosphere is relaxed and noisy. ...