Salarymen (a commonly used term for employees) would typically go to an izakaya after work. This is a place where they could relax and have a few drinks. In Japan, it is typical to see izakayas.
What is an izakaya?
An izakaya is a Japanese bar or tavern that serves drinks and food. Guests are seated on tatami mats and they have low tables, as in the traditional Japanese manner. They serve different kinds of food in izakayas and they have small servings and are usually cheap so you could try them out.
The name izakaya
It is a compound word consisting of “i” and “sakaya” which is sake shop.
Things to note in izakayas
- Izakayas tend to be noisy.
As this is a place to unwind, sometimes you may catch people do drinking games. Also, when people have had a number of drinks already, they might be speaking too loudly or singing a lot. - There are different promos, so to speak.
Some izakayas offer the drink-all-you-can, eat-all-you-can promo. This is common in izakayas that are part of chain of them. As for smaller izakayas, it is more often than not that you pay for the orders individually at the end of the period you are there.
Izakayas seem like lively places to go especially after a long day. It is where you and your co-workers and friends could hang out and just drink for a while. If you happen to avail of the eat-all-you-can, drink-all-you-can promos, good for you. You will surely have a great time enjoying the variety of food and drinks there.
Trivia: There is even a movie featuring an izakaya owner called Izakaya Yurei which was shown in 1994.