Izakaya (居酒屋) is a Japanese style gastropub where people enjoy drinking and eating. It’s similar to bar/pub but more like a casual restaurant. There are numbers of Izakaya in Japan as many as restaurants, and it’s where people especially gather for after-work or weekends catch-up. Most of Izakaya are very cozy and casual, and some of them are tiny, non-franchised and long-established with very rustic and old-fashion atmosphere.

Nowadays, those down-to-earth style Izakaya have been attracting foreign visitors as an interesting tourist attraction in Japan. Here, I’m going to introduce some of famous Izakaya alleys in Tokyo where numbers of small Izakaya gather and visitors can experience the real drinking life of common people.

If you wish to explore Tokyo’s Izakaya culture deeper, I highly recommend you to join Izakaya tours guided by locals! 🙂

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Do you want to explore the authentic nightlife of Tokyo? It could be challenging for tourists to find local Izakaya and choose what to order. Bar hopping tours are highly recommended to experience the nightlife scene of Tokyo like the locals! Magical Trip offers bar hopping tours in Tokyo, providing a platform for travellers to connect with the local community with the help of friendly and knowledgeable local guides.

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1. Omoide Yokocho at Shinjuku

Omoide Yokocho (思い出横丁) is a narrow alley near Shinjuku Station West Exit with over 50 small restaurants and Izakaya clammed. Most of Izakaya have only a kitchen counter with 5–6 seats. The red lanterns and the smoky street attracts huge numbers of tourists, and now it’s one of the most popular tourist sites in Tokyo.

You may hesitate to enter traditional Japanese style Izakaya and get confused with what to order for the first time in Omoide Yokocho. The Tokyo Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour by Magical Trip can navigate through izakaya bars truly recommended by their local guides. Then, you don’t have to worry about how to get in, what to drink and eat in Izakaya. Just let Magical Trip help you make the most out of local food and drinks in Omoide Yokocho!

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2. Hoppy Dori at Asakusa

Asakusa (浅草) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. Off the main street of famous temple, Sensoji, there is a street called “Hoppy Dori” where you can enjoy drinks and snacks from day-time. The street is named after the famous alcohol beverage “Hoppy” which is served often in this area.

Don’t miss visiting authentic local bars in Asakusa after dark. Join the popular evening tour, Asakusa Local Food and Bar Hopping Tour by Japan Wonder Travel and experience the vibrant nightlife in Asakusa and the authentic bar culture of Japan with a knowledgeable guide!

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3. Ameyoko at Ueno

Ameya Yokocho (アメヤ横丁) a.k.a. Ameyoko is an open-air market near Ueno Station. In the middle of the long market street, there are numbers of Izakaya gathering with tables and chairs outside where people enjoy hanging out with drinks from daytime. How about Izakaya hopping along your visit to Ueno??

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4. Under Track Izakaya at Yurakucho

Yurakucho (有楽町) has a great Izakaya district under the train track (gaado shita) which spreads towards Shimbashi Station. Yurakucho and Shimbashi are known as “heaven for salary-man” and many of them head for a quick drink after work. Hence, there are countless low-key cheap Izakaya in this area.

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5. Nonbei Yokocho at Shibuya

Nonbei Yokocho (のんべい横丁) literally means “drunker’s alley”. Although it’s located in the center of Shibuya which is known as the city of young generation with numbers of fashion buildings, visitors still can feel the retro atmosphere of Showa era (post war period) in this small and pretty alley.

Official website: http://www.nonbei.tokyo/

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