Guide to Japanese-style bars,
where various tastes and
atmospheres intersect

There are many kinds of izakaya (Japanese-style bars) in Japan that offer different cooking styles and food choices. Each has a unique atmosphere and menu, so you can enjoy choosing one depending on your mood or situation.

standing bar Mostly small with
a casual and lively atmosphere

• This is a bar without seats where people stand and drink.
• Most customers do not stay long, and food prices are relatively low.

Offers seafood such as fresh sashimi

• Features seafood, such as fresh sashimi and grilled fish.
• The drink menu is extensive. Food is often paired with Japanese sake or shochu.

Fish and vegetables are grilled
in front of customers

• Offers food directly grilled by a fire called robata.
• Fresh ingredients are simply grilled to enhance their natural taste.

Ideal for Japanese winter

• Featuring oden hot-pot dishes, this style of bar draws customers, especially in winter.
• Enjoy Japanese sake or shochu with braised oden ingredients.

Found everywhere in
restaurant districts

• Specializes in yakitori chicken, offering a distinctive taste for each part of the chicken.

Serves good grilled offal
at reasonable prices

• Offers different parts of meat, mostly pork, grilled on skewers.
• The place is popular among a wide range of people from young to middle-aged.

Offers various kinds of deep-fried
pork on skewers

• Originating in Osaka, this style of bar offers deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers.
• The place is popular among a wide range of people from young to middle-aged.

A stylish and trendy bar

• The style is a mix of both Japanese and Western bars, featuring stylish interiors.
• Offers a wide selection of cocktails, wines, and Japanese sake, and mainly serves
Western-style dishes.

Serves Japanese local cuisine

• Offers local tastes, such as region-specific specialties and dishes.
• Unique food made from such specialties and rare drinks are popular among tourists.

An entertaining bar

• This is an experience-based bar, such as catching and eating your own fish!
• These also include ninja house bars and planetarium bars.