16 Excellent Izakaya Pubs in Tokyo

Tokyo Izakaya Guide

Izakaya is the word for Japanese tavern or Japanese-style bar where people gather in order to enjoy mainly alcoholic beverages along with simple dishes. Izakaya pubs are an essential element of Japan's nighttime culture.

16 Excellent Izakaya Bars in Tokyo

5 Affordable Chain Izakaya
4 Unique Izakaya Bars
7 Izakaya Streets in Tokyo

Affordable Chain Izakaya in Tokyo

In Tokyo, you'll often spot prominent izakaya signs right outside train stations. Many of these are affordable chain izakaya that offer menus in multiple languages. For first-time visitors, they are an excellent choice to enjoy Japan's casual drinking culture.

1. Torikizoku

Torikizoku, with locations in Osaka, Tokyo, and Nagoya, specializes in chicken dishes, especially grilled chicken skewers.

They are known for offering all items, including alcoholic beverages, at a flat rate of 360 yen, making their prices straightforward and appealing to many Japanese customers. Their branches are typically located near train stations, making them quite convenient.

Official website：https://www.torikizoku.co.jp/ (Japanese)

2. Tsukada Nojo

Tsukada Nojo is also primarily focused on chicken dishes, but what sets it apart is its commitment to sourcing chicken from its own contracted farms, ensuring freshness and affordability.

Furthermore, Tsukada Nojo has different branches based on the regions of their chicken farms, such as Tsukada Nojo in Nichinan City, Miyazaki Prefecture, Tsukada Nojo in Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and more recently, Tsukada Nojo in Shintoku Town, Hokkaido.

One of our recommendations is their Jidori Sumibiyaki dish, which consists of chicken grilled over charcoal, resulting in tender, flavorful meat with a delightful smoky aroma—a perfect companion for drinks!

Official Website：https://www.tsukadanojo.jp/ (Japanese)

3. Isomaru Suisan

Picture of courtesy PRTimes
Isomaru Suisan is not just about grilled chicken skewers; seafood lovers can also choose the chain's offerings! In addition to serving fresh sashimi rice bowls, each table comes with a small grill, allowing you to grill fresh seafood on the spot.

Moreover, many Isomaru Suisan branches are open 24 hours, making it convenient for your itinerary. The affordable lunch sets are also very popular.

ISOMARU SUISAN Branches in Tokyo

Official Website：https://isomaru.jp/ (Japanese)

4. Tofuro

The Tokyo chain izakaya Tofuro offers buckwheat noodles made from flavorful Hokkaido buckwheat flour for lunch and grilled seafood specialties in the evening. Their seafood is delivered directly from the source.

The Ginza 1-Chome branch, with its decor inspired by the Edo period (1603-1868), allows visitors to enjoy authentic Edo-style delicacies during both lunch and evening hours.

Official Website：https://www.tofuro.jp (Japanese)

5. Hanbey

Hanbey adheres to the business philosophy of "providing customers with affordable prices to make them happy for the long term."

They specialize in inexpensive and delicious grilled skewer dishes; a skewer of grilled chicken costs only 66 yen! The restaurant's interior is filled with vintage elements like old posters, enamel signs, nostalgic snacks, and more, exuding a retro ambiance, making it a distinctive feature of the establishment.

Offical Website：http://www.hanbey.com/ (Japanese)

Unique Izakayas in Tokyo

In addition to chain izakayas, we have also selected izakayas known for their creative cuisine.

6. Tachi-nomi Beer Boy by Craft Beer Market

Standing bars have gained popularity in recent years due to the freedom they offer for solo drinking.

Craft Beer Market, known for its wide variety of craft beers, operates an izakaya called Tachi-nomi Beer Boy, where you can enjoy a drink while standing. ("Tachi-nomi" means "drinking while standing")

They offer a daily selection of 10 unique craft beers, along with creative appetizers that fuse Japanese and Western cuisines. It can be considered a new trend in Japanese izakayas.

Tachi-nomi Beer Boy - Nakameguro Branch
Address: Tokyo, Meguro, Kami Meguro 2-13-6 Kanda-ya Building 1F
Telephone Number: 03-6451-0112
Official Website：https://www.craftbeermarket.jp/beerboy-nakameguro/

7. Rokunen Yonkumi

In Japan, there are rest stops and accommodation facilities that have been converted from elementary schools. Did you know that there are also izakaya (Japanese pubs) designed to resemble elementary school classrooms?

The izakaya Rokunen Yonkumi is one such establishment with branches in Tokyo and Osaka. They have recreated the ambiance of a school classroom, complete with desks and chairs.

Their menu is filled with nostalgic items from their school days, such as cola-flavored rice crackers and nutritious lunch bread. The best part is that for just 550 Japanese yen per person, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat snack experience. If you want to experience a taste of Japanese elementary school life, this is the place to eat, drink, and reminisce!

Rokunen Yonkimi - Shinjuku Higashi-guchi Branch
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho 1-16-3, Shinjuku Square Building 9F
Official Website：https://www.6nen4kumi.com/ (Japanese)

8. Juttoku

Juttoku is an izakaya establishment that is quite popular among travelers who have stayed in Shinjuku.

Despite its affordable prices, this izakaya doesn't compromise on ingredients. They use high-quality chicken for their skewered dishes. Their fried chicken pieces, omelets, oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl), and other dishes made from Japanese-raised chickens are all highly regarded.

Juttoku
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Nishi Shinjuku 1-14-4
Official Website：http://www.juttoku.com/ (Japanese)

9. Sanyu Sakaba

Sanyu Sakaba, with nearly 60 years of history, is a well-known old izakaya (Japanese pub) in Tokyo and is also the birthplace of the Shochu Highball. The Shochu Highball here is made from a secret recipe, different from the typical shochu (distilled alcohol) mixed with carbonated water, making it a favorite among customers.

There is a wide variety of appetizers available here, and the interior is filled with retro charm. If you want to experience the warmth accumulated over nearly a century, Sanyu Sakaba is definitely the place to visit!

Sanyu Sakaba Yahiro Branch
Address: Tokyo, Sumida ward, Yahiro 2-2-12
Booking page：https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1312/A131203/13022462/

Tokyo's Izakaya Streets

If you want to explore Japan's pub scene on your own, why not check out the following seven major Tokyo izakaya streets?

10. Hobo Shinjuku Noren Street (Hoboshin)

Hobo Shinjuku Noren Street, which is a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station South Exit, started as a collection of 10 traditional Japanese-style izakaya. A warehouse with seven more shops was added afterward, resulting in a total of 17 izakayas that offer a wide range of culinary choices.

The entire street has a lively, unique atmosphere that feels like a different world within the bustling city.

Hobo Shinjuku Noren Street
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Sendagaya 5-20-10
Website：https://www.hobo-shinjuku.com/ (Japanese)

11. Otsuka Noren Street

Otsuka Noren Street, consisting of 10 izakayas, is located just a 2-minute walk from Otsuka Station's North Exit or Toden Arakawa Line Otsuka-ekimae Station. The tramway runs alongside it, and in the evening, the warm yellow lights create a nostalgic scene.

Otsuka Noren Street
Address: Tokyo, Toshima ward, Kita-Otsuka, 2-28-7
Official Website：https://www.otsuka-norengai.com/ (Japanese)

12. Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane

Omoide Yokocho, or Memory Lane, located close to Shinjuku Station's West Exit, was originally a post-war market with many street vendors. The alley has transformed into an izakaya street specializing in grilled offal and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).

Its narrow alleys are filled with a nostalgic atmosphere and a strong sense of camaraderie, making it a popular destination even among tourists.

Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) in Shinjuku
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Nishi-Shinjuku 1-2
Offical Website：https://shinjuku-omoide.com/ (Japanese)

13. Shibuya Yokocho

Shibuya Yokocho is a street with dining and drinking establishments located along the JR Yamanote Line in Shibuya near Miyashita Park. The alley has 19 restaurants offering diverse cuisine from the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions, Okinawa, and more. Dining here is like experiencing all the flavors of Japan in one place.

Shibuya Yokocho
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae 6-20-10, RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK South 1F
Official Website：https://shibuya-yokocho.com/ (Japanese)

14. Asakusa Hoppy Street

Photo by Pixta
Asakusa Hoppy Street, located west of Sensoji Temple, is a bustling street filled with izakaya pubs. What sets this place apart is that you can enjoy drinking here even during the daytime!

Simmered dishes and monjayaki (iron-plate cuisine) are just some of the culinary delights that shouldn't be missed.

Asakusa Hoppy Street
Address: Tokyo, Taito, Asakusa 2-3-19

15. Kichijoji's Harmonica Alley

The area known as Harmonica Yokocho at the north exit of Kichijoji Station is named so due to its narrow, grid-like layout, resembling the holes of a harmonica.

There are approximately one hundred small shops here, including fish and seafood stores, florists, and traditional Japanese sweet shops. In the evening, the alley transforms into a lively dining and izakaya district.

Kichijoji Harmonica Alley

Address: Tokyo, Musashino, Kichijoji, Kichijoji Honcho 1-1-3
Official Website：http://hamoyoko.jp/hamonika_kichijoji/ (Japanese)

16. Shinjuku Golden-Gai

The Shinjuku Golden-Gai Street, famous for attracting writers and artists in the 1970s, is known for its lively atmosphere.

With over 200 shops crammed into these collective wooden buildings along the narrow lanes, it's a friendly place, especially for first-time visitors. Feel free to strike up conversations with the staff and fellow patrons while enjoying a drink!

Shinjuku Golden-Gai Bar-Hopping Experience in Tokyo

Shinjuku Golden-Gai
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho 1-1-6
Official Website：http://goldengai.jp/ (Japanese)

Enjoy Tokyo's Vibrant Izakaya Culture!

Izakaya pubs are an essential part of Japanese dining culture and offer a great opportunity to experience local life in Japan.

Tokyo isn't just about trendy and stylish cuisine; the simple snacks and dishes offered by izakaya taverns are also quite exciting. When you're traveling in Tokyo, be sure to find an izakaya and enjoy the flavors!

Main image by Pixta