Izakayas in Japan: How Foreigners Can Enjoy Them

One of the best ways to experience everyday Japanese culture is by visiting an izakaya.

An izakaya is often described as a Japanese-style pub, but it is more than just a place to drink. It is where coworkers relax after work, friends share food, couples enjoy casual dates, and travelers get a taste of local life. For foreigners living in or visiting Japan, izakayas can feel exciting, confusing, and a little intimidating at first.

But once you understand how they work, izakayas can become one of the most enjoyable parts of life in Japan.

What Is an Izakaya?

An izakaya is a casual restaurant-bar where people drink alcohol and order small dishes to share. Unlike a Western bar, where the focus may be mainly on drinks, izakayas usually have a large food menu.

You can find grilled chicken skewers, sashimi, fried foods, salads, noodles, rice dishes, hot pots, and seasonal specialties. The food is usually served in small portions, so everyone can try a little bit of everything.

The atmosphere is lively, relaxed, and social. Some izakayas are loud and energetic, while others are cozy and traditional. There are chain izakayas with picture menus and private rooms, as well as tiny local spots with handwritten menus and regular customers.

Why Izakayas Can Feel Intimidating

For foreigners, the first visit to an izakaya can be confusing.

You may not know whether to wait to be seated, how to order, what the small appetizer is, or whether you are supposed to share everything. Some menus are only in Japanese, and some staff may not speak much English.

There is also the unique culture of drinking and eating slowly. At an izakaya, people usually don’t order one big meal for themselves. Instead, they order drinks first, then choose several dishes for the table.

It can feel unfamiliar at first, but the rules are not as strict as they seem.

How to Order

When you sit down, the staff may bring a small appetizer called otoshi. This is usually automatically served and added to the bill as a table charge. Some foreigners are surprised by it, but it is a normal part of many izakayas.

A simple way to start is by ordering drinks first. You can say:

• “Nama biiru onegaishimasu.” — Draft beer, please.

• “Uuroncha onegaishimasu.” — Oolong tea, please.

• “Mizu onegaishimasu.”— Water, please.

After that, order a few easy dishes to share. Good beginner-friendly options include karaage, yakitori, edamame, fries, tamagoyaki, gyoza, sashimi, and fried noodles.

Many modern izakayas have tablets for ordering, which makes the experience much easier because you can often switch the language to English.

Food to Try at an Izakaya

One of the best parts of an izakaya is trying many different dishes in one meal.

Some popular choices are:

• Yakitori — grilled chicken skewers, often seasoned with salt or sauce.

• Karaage — Japanese fried chicken.

• Edamame — salted green soybeans, perfect with beer.

• Tamagoyaki — sweet Japanese rolled omelet.

• Sashimi — sliced raw fish.

• Gyoza — dumplings, usually pan-fried.

• Agedashi tofu — fried tofu in warm broth.

• Yakisoba — stir-fried noodles.

• Ochazuke — rice with tea or broth, often eaten near the end of the meal.

You don’t need to order everything at once. Izakayas are made for slow ordering, so you can add more food as the night goes on.

Drinking Culture

Alcohol is common at izakayas, but you do not have to drink.

Many izakayas offer soft drinks, tea, non-alcoholic beer, and juice. If you don’t drink, it is completely fine to order something non-alcoholic.

If you do drink, popular choices include beer, highballs, lemon sour, sake, shochu, plum wine, and cocktails. A common first drink is draft beer, but there is no rule that you have to follow everyone else.

One useful phrase is:

• “Osake wa nomemasen.” — I don’t drink alcohol.

Or:

• “Non-arukooru wa arimasu ka?” — Do you have non-alcoholic drinks?

Izakaya Etiquette for Foreigners

The most important thing is to be considerate.

At many izakayas, food is shared, so avoid taking the last piece without asking. If you are with Japanese friends or coworkers, it is polite to pour drinks for others before filling your own glass, especially in more traditional settings.

Before drinking, people usually say:

• “Kanpai!” — Cheers!

You should also avoid being too loud in small local places, especially if the atmosphere is quiet. Some izakayas are noisy and casual, but others are more intimate.

When you are ready to pay, you can say:

• “Okaikei onegaishimasu.” — The bill, please.

In Japan, tipping is not expected, so you simply pay the amount on the bill.

Going With Friends vs. Going Alone

Most people imagine izakayas as group places, but going alone is also possible.

If you are nervous, start with a chain izakaya because they are more foreigner-friendly. Many have picture menus, tablets, and private seating. Once you feel more comfortable, try smaller local izakayas.

Counter seats are great for solo visitors. You can watch the staff cook, enjoy a quiet drink, and maybe even chat with the owner or regular customers.

For foreigners who want to make friends in Japan, izakayas can also be a good social space. The relaxed atmosphere makes conversation easier, especially if you go with coworkers, classmates, or language exchange friends.

Chain Izakayas vs. Local Izakayas

Chain izakayas are convenient, affordable, and easy to understand. They are a good first step for foreigners because the menus are usually clear and the atmosphere is casual.

Local izakayas, on the other hand, can feel more authentic. They may have fewer English signs, but they often serve better food and have a warmer atmosphere. If you become a regular, the staff may remember you, which can make Japan feel more like home.

Both types are worth trying.

Final Thoughts

Izakayas are one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Japan’s food culture. They are casual, social, and full of variety. For foreigners, they may seem confusing at first, but you do not need perfect Japanese or deep cultural knowledge to enjoy them.

Start simple. Order a drink, try a few classic dishes, say “kanpai,” and enjoy the atmosphere.

Whether you are sharing karaage with friends, trying sake for the first time, or sitting alone at a small counter after work, an izakaya can show you a warm and relaxed side of Japan that you might not see anywhere else.