How to Enjoy Japanese Bars: A Beginner’s Guide to Drinking Spots, Tips & Manners

In Japan, there are countless places to enjoy a drink suited to every mood and occasion.

Whether it’s a casual bar to stop by after work, a sophisticated hotel lounge, a lively karaoke session with friends, or a refreshing drink at a summer festival food stall, each setting offers its own unique charm.

In cities especially, different kinds of drinking venues cluster just minutes from train stations, making the process of choosing where to drink part of the fun.

Whether you’re looking to create a memorable experience during your travels or simply want to relax, you’re sure to find the perfect place to raise a glass.

Izakaya: casual pubs to experience authentic Japanese drinking culture

If you really want to enjoy drinking in Japan, your first stop should be an izakaya gastropub. Izakaya are deeply rooted in the daily lives of local people, embodying Japan’s unique tavern culture.

A key selling point of izakaya is that you can enjoy casual tapas-style dishes alongside your drinks. Unlike restaurants, the main focus is on drinking.

Of course, the food is delicious too, but the casual style of ordering individual dishes whenever you like, rather than a set course, is part of the charm.

The types of dishes served vary depending on the establishment.

Especially, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) is a staple dish at izakaya. Some izakaya even specialize exclusively in yakitori.

There are also izakaya that specialize in oden—a comforting dish made with ingredients simmered in savory dashi broth—as well as places that focus on regional cuisine from areas like Okinawa or Kyūshū.

Another popular style of izakaya are tachinomiya, standing bars where customers eat and drink while standing.

These are great for a quick drink or a stop between your first and second bar of the night. Their appeal lies in the laid-back atmosphere and affordable prices.

Izakaya come in a wide range of styles—from small counter-only spots to spacious restaurants with table seating or private rooms.

Whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink alone or have a lively time with friends, izakayas offer a welcoming, jovial atmosphere that suits any occasion.

By the way, a great starting point when looking for an izakaya is a red paper lantern. Especially at many small izakaya, you’ll often find these red lanterns hanging outside the entrance, though other traditional eateries like ramen or yakitori shops use them too.

Sake breweries: where to taste genuine Japanese sake

A sakagura is a sake brewery where Japanese sake is produced, and many offer tours and tastings. By observing the brewing process up close, you can appreciate the depth and complexity of sake that simply drinking it can’t reveal.

When you learn about how traditional methods blend with the latest technology and how each batch is carefully crafted, the flavor becomes even richer.

Sake breweries are clustered in many famous sake-producing regions across Japan, such as the Echigo area in Niigata Prefecture, the Nada district in Hyōgo Prefecture, Saijō in Hiroshima Prefecture, and around Akita City in Akita Prefecture.

These regions benefit from high-quality water and climates ideal for rice cultivation, creating perfect conditions for sake brewing.

Additionally, at brewery-run shops, you can often purchase limited-edition and local-only sake brands—great as souvenirs or gifts.

Touring sake breweries offers a luxurious experience where you can feel the unique climate and history of each region. Be sure to visit and encounter warm hospitality along with delicious sake.

Bars & hotel bars: places to enjoy a relaxed, mature atmosphere

For a special night of drinking, stylish Western-style bars and hotel bars are highly recommended.

In a refined space with subdued lighting, enjoying a cocktail or whiskey carefully crafted by the bartender offers a luxurious moment away from everyday life.

Hotel bars in Japan are known for their elegant atmosphere and exceptional service, making them perfect for formal occasions like anniversaries, dates, or business meetings.

On the other hand, city bars are quite casual and easy to drop into. While still stylish and relaxed, they’re not rigidly formal, and many offer the chance to enjoy conversations with the bartender.

Why not order a cocktail tailored to your tastes or mood and discover your perfect drink?

Pubs, beer halls & craft beer bars: perfect for a casual night out

If you’re looking for something more casual than a bar or hotel bar, Western-style spots like pubs, beer halls, and craft beer specialty shops are perfect choices.

These places are easy to enjoy whether you’re catching up with friends or just stopping by for a quick drink on your own—and you’ll find plenty of them throughout the city.

Pubs in Japan, in particular, are known for being welcoming to solo visitors.

While pubs originated in the UK, places like “THE PUBLIC SIX” in Roppongi have emerged, blending in Japanese elements as well.

At THE PUBLIC SIX, you can enjoy a wide selection of drinks along with pub fare that’s been given a uniquely Japanese twist, making it a popular choice.

At craft beer specialty bars, you can enjoy a wide variety of unique beers from both Japan and abroad. Since you can order by the glass, they’re also great for quick visits when you have some spare time.

In addition to classic styles from countries like the U.S. and Belgium, you’ll find a rich lineup of Japanese craft beers from breweries across the country.

Comparing different aromas and levels of bitterness is part of the fun—perfect for discovering a new favorite.

And when you want to drink with a big group and really let loose, head to a beer hall.

With their spacious, lively atmosphere, sharing hearty food and oversized mugs of beer makes for a truly blissful time.

Karaoke: sing, drink, and unwind

In Japan, karaoke has become more than just entertainment—it’s a popular way for people of all ages to relax and have fun.

Typically, you rent a private room by the hour, with food and drink charges added separately. While you can order drinks individually, many people opt for all-you-can-drink plans, which let you freely enjoy both alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.

These days, more and more karaoke venues are putting serious effort into their food offerings, with some serving dishes that rival those at restaurants.

Alongside staples like pizza and fried chicken, you’ll also find region-specific items and seasonal specialties—some people even visit for the food alone.

Of course, the main purpose of karaoke is still to sing. The food and drinks simply add to the fun and help set the mood.

Whether it’s chatting with close friends, singing along to nostalgic tunes, or belting out your favorite songs after a few drinks, the night is sure to become a cherished memory.

Karaoke is an “anything-goes” kind of space—where you can relax, raise your voice, and enjoy good food and drinks all at once.

Japanese street food stalls: Enjoy festival fun with a toast

There’s something truly special about enjoying a drink alongside seasonal traditions.

Whether it’s the fireworks lighting up summer nights, people strolling in a yukata (light cotton kimono) at summer festivals, or cherry blossom viewing under full bloom, these uniquely Japanese events are perfectly paired with food and drinks from food stalls.

Around the event sites, rows of street food stalls fill the air with the savory aromas of takoyaki (dumplings filled with grilled octopus), yakisoba noodles, grilled squid, and more, creating a lively outdoor food market-esque atmosphere.

The drinks served mainly include ice-cold canned beer, canned chūhai (short for shochu highball), and soft drinks.

At outdoor events like these, the festival itself takes center stage. Still, enjoying a drink in such an extraordinary setting feels freeing and makes the moment just a little more special than usual.

Savoring a nice drink while experiencing Japan’s four seasons and culture firsthand makes for a perfect travel memory. Surrounded by the glow of street food stalls and lively crowds, be sure to immerse yourself in this carefree outdoor drinking culture.

FAQ: what to know about Japanese drinking culture

When enjoying alcohol in Japan, there are a few manners and rules that are helpful to know.

Some customs may differ from what you’re used to back home, but knowing them can make your experience at restaurants and bars much smoother.

Here, we’ll introduce common questions in a Q&A format to help you out.

Q: What are otōshi, “seating charges,” and “cover charges”?
A: At many izakaya, a small dish is automatically served when you take a seat. This is added as part of a seat or cover charge and is commonly called otoshi. In most cases, you cannot refuse it, so it’s best to enjoy it as a unique aspect of Japanese drinking culture.

Q: What about charges for using places late at night?
A: Some bars and karaoke venues may apply a late-night charge if you enter after around 10:00 PM. This additional fee is called a “late-night charge.” It may not always be clearly displayed, so if you’re concerned, check with the staff before entering.

Q: Are there really time limits during busy periods?
A: Popular establishments sometimes impose time limits, such as 90 minutes or 2 hours, especially during weekend or evening peak hours. Since last order timing is involved, it’s a good idea to confirm when you arrive.

Q: How does “all-you-can-drink” work?
A: All-you-can-drink plans allow you to order unlimited drinks within a fixed time period, usually 90 to 120 minutes, with a set last order time. Typically, everyone in the group must participate.

Q: What are the manners for using drinking establishments?
A: Some places may not allow orders of drinks only. Especially at izakaya, it’s often required that each person orders at least one dish along with their drinks. Also, loud conversations and excessive noise can be considered bad manners, so be mindful of others, especially in quiet bars.

Q: Can I smoke inside the establishment?
A: Due to recent laws, indoor smoking is generally prohibited in eating and drinking establishments. However, some exceptions exist, such as dedicated smoking rooms or certain bars and snack lounges that allow smoking. Smoking policies are usually indicated at the entrance or on menus, so ask staff if you’re unsure.

Q: What payment methods are accepted?
A: More places accept credit cards and electronic money, but smaller izakaya and standing bars often accept cash only. Especially in rural areas, cash is still the main method, so it’s recommended to carry some cash even if only a small amount.

Q: Can we split the bill?
A: When in groups, some busy places may refuse separate bills. It’s smoother if one person pays the total when asked to confirm payment. If you’re unsure, ask at the entrance whether separate billing is possible.

Q: What is the legal drinking age in Japan?
A: The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. You may be asked to show ID for age verification. Also, some higher-end venues may refuse entry to children.

Q: Is it okay to drink on the street?
A: Legally, street drinking is generally not prohibited in Japan, but some areas or times may have local bans. As a matter of manners, avoid loud behavior or littering.

Q: Are tips required?
A: There is virtually no tipping culture in Japan; you just pay the amount on the bill.

Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of July 2025.