If you’re a fan of socializing or unwinding over drinks, you’ll be happy to hear that any city in Japan has plenty of beer gardens and izakaya (Japanese-style pubs). In fact, I recommend visiting an izakaya at least once even if you don’t drink because it’s such an essential part of Japanese dining culture. You can always opt for non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and juices.
Izakaya are lively places where friends and colleagues usually come to unwind after a long day of work. The menu typically offers a wide range of small dishes for sharing, including edamame (salted beans), gyoza dumplings, sashimi (raw fish), tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), french fries, yakitori (skewered chicken), and so much more.
Don’t be surprised if you receive a small dish of food (that you didn’t order) per person as soon as you enter an izakaya. This is called otoshi and it’s what you get for paying the mandatory seating charge that will be automatically added to your bill.
Learn more about izakaya: https://tokyocheapo.com/food-and-drink/drinking/beginners-guide-japanese-izakaya/
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