Tokyo Izakaya Guide

Japan's gastropub culture. Where salarymen unwind, friends gather, and some of the best casual food happens over drinks.

Best Izakaya

Torishiki

Yakitori

Meguro

Counter-only, watching a master at work

Known for: Some of Tokyo's finest yakitori. Every part of the chicken.

Tip: Reservations essential, months in advance. Worth every effort.

¥10,000+

Uoshin

Seafood

Shinjuku

Lively, local salarymen, fresh fish

Known for: Daily catches, sashimi, grilled fish

Tip: No reservations. Go early or wait. Point at what looks good.

¥3,000-5,000

Andy's Shin Hinomoto

Traditional

Yurakucho

Under the train tracks, English-speaking owner

Known for: Fresh fish, homey atmosphere, foreign-friendly

Tip: One of Tokyo's most welcoming izakaya for visitors. Andy is legendary.

¥3,000-5,000

Tachinomi Toriki

Standing Bar

Various

Standing only, cheap, quick turnover

Known for: Yakitori, cheap beer, efficiency

Tip: Perfect for a quick drink and snack. No reservations, no fuss.

¥1,500-2,500

Gonpachi

Modern

Nishi-Azabu

Inspired Kill Bill, dramatic interior

Known for: Soba, robatayaki, sake

Tip: Touristy but the space is genuinely impressive. Good for groups.

¥5,000-8,000

Drunkard

Modern Izakaya

Shibuya

Hip, young crowd, creative dishes

Known for: Modern takes on izakaya classics

Tip: Reservations recommended. Great natural wine selection.

¥4,000-6,000

Izakaya Districts

Yurakucho

Under-the-tracks izakaya paradise. Smoky, cheap, authentic.

Shinjuku Golden Gai

200+ tiny bars. More bar than izakaya, but essential Tokyo.

Omoide Yokocho

Memory Lane. Yakitori smoke, narrow alleys, old Tokyo.

Ebisu Yokocho

Modern take on food alley. Multiple stalls, lively atmosphere.

Izakaya Etiquette

Otoshi (table charge)

Expect a small appetizer charged ¥300-500. It's standard, not a scam.

Drink first

Customary to order drinks before food. 'Toriaezu, biiru' (For now, beer) works.

Kampai timing

Wait for everyone's drink to arrive. Say 'kampai' together before drinking.

Pouring

Pour for others, let them pour for you. It's social ritual.

Paying

Usually one person pays at the end. Split outside or settle up later.

What to Order

Safe bets for first-timers:

•Edamame - steamed soybeans, perfect beer snack
•Yakitori - grilled chicken skewers, order assorted (moriawase)
•Karaage - fried chicken, universally loved
•Agedashi tofu - fried tofu in dashi broth
•Tamagoyaki - sweet rolled omelette
•Niku jaga - meat and potato stew, comfort food

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