Often referred to as a “Japanese pub,” izakayas offer a unique experience that transcends the stereotype of drunk salaryman exclusivity.
Izakaya is a Japanese word that means “stay-drink-place” and while it certainly resembles a pub in many ways, there are some key differences.
In fact, these differences are enough to make izakayas in Japan a common tourist attraction, regardless of whether you drink or you don’t.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Firstly, izakayas don’t just serve alcohol but offer a wide range of non-alcoholic drinks that make them more or less family-friendly.
My family and I don’t drink alcohol, so we were reluctant to walk into an izakaya, but were pleasantly surprised at the options!
I opted for a good old glass of Coca-Cola while my brother went for the Calpis soda and my mum the ginger ale.
They also offer a variety of juice, tea, and coffee as non-alcoholic drink options.
Delicious Food!
Truthfully, it was the food that lured us into this particular izakaya outside Shinagawa station, Tokyo.
That’s right, izakayas are well-known for serving up delicious foods in addition to drinks.
These foods initially started out as a light snack to complement your drink, but nowadays you can get full-fledged meals at your local izakaya!
As per Japanese cuisine staples, you can order some fresh sashimi plates, grilled chicken skewers, and edamame beans to name a few.
Something For Everyone
Perhaps it’s a sign of the times, but izakayas nowadays offer Western food in addition to traditional Japanese cuisine.
We decided to try out some french fries at this Shinagawa izakaya and we were not disappointed with the quality and crunch of these delicious potatoes.
There really is something for everyone at Japanese izakayas, and yes, that includes a dessert menu too!
All-in-all, if the concept of izakayas intrigues you but you’ve been sitting on the fence about it, I’d urge you to go straight in and ask for a table, you won’t be disappointed!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
