This is where employees meet after the day’s work to believe stress and have a good time together. 09/12/2019. The welcome is warm and the atmosphere always cheerful. They began as liquor shops, where one could buy a bottle of sake and sit to drink it. A modern novel Izakaya Chōji (居酒屋兆治) is an example where the main character manages an izakaya; in the film adaptation, Ken Takakura played the part of Chōji. An izakaya is a typical Japanese bar where people enjoy coming for a drink and a bite to eat. It’s one of the authentic Japanese cultural experiences you wouldn’t want to miss when traveling in Japan.It’s also the place I frequented the most in Japan, even more than temples and shrines. Izakaya appear in Japanese novels with adaptations to TV drama and film. Approximately 1 out of every 5 restaurants in Japan can be considered an izakaya. The Art of Unwinding. Japan’s Izakaya Culture . What do our international friends think of this uniquely Japanese heritage? They have also inspired manga and gekiga. Izakaya is a small Japanese styled bar that serves small portion dishes and alcoholic drinks. The chance to enjoy wonderful food and drink, while immersing yourself in local Japanese culture, makes dining at an izakaya a quintessential Japan experience. You haven't truly experienced Japan's food culture if you've never stepped inside an izakaya, a Japanese-style bar, before. These quaint drinking spots have attracted quite a large following of foreign fans in recent years, and many strive to visit one as part of their trip itinerary. History and Culture The origin of Izakaya goes back as far as the Edo period (1603-1867). Izakaya is the Japanese equivalent of the international gastropub, a place to eat and drink in a setting that is high quality but informal and friendly. This means you'll have alcohol as well as food, but instead of everyone receiving their own main dish, the standard procedure is for everyone to order lots of small, typically inexpensive dishes that are shared by everyone around the table, ordering subsequent rounds along with accompanying drinks. Learn the history of Shinjuku and Japanese culture as you visit historically preserved places Learn more and sign up here The history of the izakaya began in the Edo period (1603-1868) when a sake merchant serving a few tasting glasses in a corner of his shop decided to … An izakaya is a Japanese-style pub. Izakayas vary greatly in style, price, menu and atmosphere.