Japan offers an amazing variety of culinary experiences, but there?s nothing quite like eating and drinking at an izakaya in Japan.

Often translated into English as Japanese-style tavern or gastropub, dining at an izakaya is a quintessential Japan experience, and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in local Japanese culture.

In addition to being the perfect place to sample a delicious and eclectic variety of Japanese foods, enjoying an evening out at an izakaya is also a great way to mingle with locals in lively surroundings.

Over the last couple of decades, as people around the world have learned that Japanese cuisine goes far beyond sushi and ramen, izakayas have proliferated ? from London and New York, to Melbourne, Hong Kong and beyond.
But as you’ll see when you visit Japan, it’s hard for these establishments around the globe to compare with the one-of-a-kind feeling of eating and drinking at an izakaya in Japan!

Originally written in 2015, this post was updated and republished on November 11, 2020.

What is an Izakaya"

In short, an izakaya is where you go to eat and drink among friends or coworkers, in a relaxed and cheerful setting.

In guidebooks, you’ll usually find izakaya translated as “Japanese-style pub,” “Japanese tavern,” or “Japanese-style gastropub.”

Going to an izakaya is about both eating and drinking, rather than primarily one or the other. At the best izakayas, ...