In my opinion, izakayas are one of the best things about Japan. If you come to Japan as a tourist, you have to visit one of these. I particularly like ones like this that are a bit old/rough, partially outdoors, and probably a longstanding family business.
Ironically, one of the best izakayas in Japan is run by a resourceful British national under the train tracks in the Yurakucho area. He turned a fairly typical izakaya pub into an extremely popular, must-visit institution, but no Michelin stars yet as far as I know.
Lools customers relax eating while enjoying companionship. British people operating? Tjere are many tourists who do not speak Japanese. This place will be crowded Olympic time.
In my opinion, izakayas are one of the best things about Japan.
Right-on. Great place to unwind, pound large mugs of draft beers and sample an array of tasty food. The service is usually not bad. The more crowded, the merrier the vibe. The louder, the better too. As a 6'-1" gaijin, I really don't mind sitting at those low tables. The tatami feels so smooth.
Yep, izakaya are a fav of mine as well & I love these types of places, couple I have been going to for over 20yrs now so kinda like homes away form home.
These half outdoor joints have the yatai feeling as well.
If I ever leave izakaya are definitely going to be missed, but there are a few sprouting up over seas as well, J-food oversea's thankfully has long got past nigirisushi!
@Wc626
I wasn't being completely serious when I said people sitting on tatami are aristocrats. Was it that difficult to see? If we have a beer in an izakaya, my friend, I'll bring the comedy hair, whoopee cushion and the Groucho Marx nose and glasses. We'll have a ball ( that's in the sense of a good time, not a spherical object often used in sports and games ).
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Sensato
In my opinion, izakayas are one of the best things about Japan. If you come to Japan as a tourist, you have to visit one of these. I particularly like ones like this that are a bit old/rough, partially outdoors, and probably a longstanding family business.
Ironically, one of the best izakayas in Japan is run by a resourceful British national under the train tracks in the Yurakucho area. He turned a fairly typical izakaya pub into an extremely popular, must-visit institution, but no Michelin stars yet as far as I know.
gaijintraveller
Yes, Andy's place is good.
toshiko
Lools customers relax eating while enjoying companionship. British people operating? Tjere are many tourists who do not speak Japanese. This place will be crowded Olympic time.
Wc626
Right-on. Great place to unwind, pound large mugs of draft beers and sample an array of tasty food. The service is usually not bad. The more crowded, the merrier the vibe. The louder, the better too. As a 6'-1" gaijin, I really don't mind sitting at those low tables. The tatami feels so smooth.
Jimizo
'I really don't mind sitting at those low tables. The tatami feels so smooth.'
An aristocrat. An upturned beer crate with a cushion in a place with a plastic curtain is my idea of comfort.
GW
Yep, izakaya are a fav of mine as well & I love these types of places, couple I have been going to for over 20yrs now so kinda like homes away form home.
These half outdoor joints have the yatai feeling as well.
If I ever leave izakaya are definitely going to be missed, but there are a few sprouting up over seas as well, J-food oversea's thankfully has long got past nigirisushi!
Wc626
Hey Jimizo! When in Rome do as . . . .but back n' CA I crank up the tunes with a crate/cushion/bbq and 40 oz. bottles (old school).
An "Aristocrat"??- you bought that line. An Aristocrat, far from it my friend.
nath
Chain Izakaya are usually not very good at all. Small, dirty places are teh best.
Yatai...none around for a very long time. The bridge to Enoshima Island used to have a bunch. All gone now.
Jimizo
@Wc626 I wasn't being completely serious when I said people sitting on tatami are aristocrats. Was it that difficult to see? If we have a beer in an izakaya, my friend, I'll bring the comedy hair, whoopee cushion and the Groucho Marx nose and glasses. We'll have a ball ( that's in the sense of a good time, not a spherical object often used in sports and games ).
DaDude
Is the waiter a ghost? I don't see his head.
kickboard
Is this "hoppy dori" in Asakusa?
Wc626
Might as well. Since we disagree about JT posts 99.9% of the time. Without you, I can't exist. LoL- without heaven, there is no hell.