It will probably come as no surprise that different areas in Japan have their own local specialties. This is true even for their food. Every city in Japan is proud to serve up their finest regional delights, and one of the best ways to try these out is to head to that city’s nearest izakaya alley!
First, What is an Izakaya?
An izakaya is a type of Japanese bar that serves a variety of small, often inexpensive dishes and snacks, alongside a wide range of alcoholic drinks. Izakayas also carry local specialty sake, letting you sample the different kinds of rice wine that the region produces. Often, happy hours and nomihoudais (all-you-can-drink deals) can also be found at certain times of day. It’s such a wonderful combination of a cozy atmosphere and delicious food and drinks, that it’s only natural these are the go-to venues for local Japanese people — from solitary salarymen, to boisterous groups of friends, to those casual diners out for an after-work gathering.
While there are izakaya chains with flashing neon signboards and blaring musical advertisements, izakaya alleys are lower profile, and you have to be in-the-know about where to go. These alleys are often lined with little restaurants and bars, occasionally without doors or partitions between seating areas and the street.
Kyoto’s Delicacies
Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, has all the original, delicate, and subtle flavors of Japanese cuisine.
Kyoto is known for nishin soba, or warm soba served with herring that has been braised in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce.
Tofu, a Japanese specialty, is also famous in Kyoto. Whether it’s battered and fried, and served in some flavorful broth as agedashi tofu, or served (warm or chilled) with an assortment of flavorful condiments, you can count on Kyoto to deliver!
Kyoto is also known for saba-zushi (mackerel sushi), Ohmi beef cutlets (second only to Kobe beef!), and a variety of pickles.
All these foods can be found and sampled in the izakaya alleys of Kyoto! Popular places among the locals include: Pontocho (Kiyamachi), the Nishiki market area, and the Shijo district near Gion.
Osaka’s Delicacies
Osaka is well known for it’s easygoing vibe, delicious food, and bustling nightlife. With external influences from neighboring countries like Korea and China, alongside the culinary preferences from southwest Japan, the city developed it’s own unique style and flavors.
Osaka is known for kushikatsu, meat and vegetables on skewers that are breaded and deep fried.
Okonomiyaki (a savory pancake-like dish made from shredded cabbage, meat, and batter) and yakisoba (fried noodles with different additions) are a sacred pair that are often displayed in the same section of most menus.
Osaka is also famous for takoyaki, battered balls of octopus, drizzled with a savory sauce and topped with chopped spring onions, plus ikayaki, a whole, grilled squid that is sometimes stuffed with rice, and served on a stick. Finally, gyoza dumplings are everywhere: fried, steamed, served in a soup — however you like them.
These local specialties are mainstays of Osakan cuisine, and can definitely be found in izakayas when you’re wandering around the city! Try Dotonbori (near Hozenji Yokocho), Shinsekai, Hankyu Kappa (near Umeda Station).
Tokyo’s Izakaya Scene
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, brings a little bit of everything to the table, showcasing all the deliciousness that Japan has to offer. All of this can be found in the rows of their izakaya alleys: from the agedashi tofu of Kyoto, to the delicious, grilled, thick-cut gyu-tan (beef tongue) from Sendai, to the freshest amberjack, firefly squid, or white shrimp of Ishikawa, you’ll definitely see the full spectrum of delicacies in Tokyo alone. As the nexus of all things Japanese, Tokyo has everything and more.
For those visiting Northern Tokyo, try Hoppy Dori in Asakusa — they have all the alcoholic beverages you can want. Or pass through Ameya Yokocho, an open-air market near Ueno Station with a long izakaya row. If you’re in Shinjuku and Shibuya, check out Omoide Yokocho or “The Drunken Alley” (Nonbei Yokocho); these places will give you a sense of the real nightlife to be had in Japan’s capital.
Lastly, if you’re staying in the more residential areas (e.g. Meguro or Setagaya), fear not! Ebisu Yokocho is nearby to satisfy your late night snackies. It’s easy to remember the name of the place too, since it shares titles with one of Japan’s most popular beers, Yebisu (by Sapporo Brewery).
Sometimes, the sheer volume of izakaya places can be intimidating to navigate, but the experience is guaranteed to be memorable! If you’re planning to explore izakaya alleys in Tokyo and if you’re not sure where to start, there are experienced local tour guides at Best Experience Japan who are more than happy to help you navigate the scene.