How to Navigate Japan’s Nightlife Like a Local
Japan holds a special place in our hearts at Great Big Story. For one, there’s no shortage of classic and cool options for a fun night out on the town, from traditional standing bars to inventive cocktail lounges. We’ve got the tips, phrases, and know-how you’ll need to navigate nightlife in this incredible country.
Part of what makes nightlife in Japan so thrilling is the endless variety of old and new, traditional and modern places for food and drink. Just as you’d stumble onto a monastic shrine off of a busy street, you’re bound to also find an unassuming bar for a cold beer and a quick bite.
Knowing the types of places to look for and understanding some basic customs around Japanese drinking culture will help you navigate your nights out like a native. To make the most of your experience, check out our guide to some essential common phrases and the etiquette of popular evening spots before you travel to Japan.
This Great Big Guide is by SUNTORY.
Remember These Key Phrases
Whether it’s grabbing a quick drink or sitting down for a delicious meal, you’ll hear (and use) some common phrases over and over again. Get to know these everyday sayings beforehand.
Itadakimasu /ee-tah-dah-kee-mah-su/:
“Thank you for the food. I’m excited to eat it now.”
This phrase is used at the beginning of each meal when everyone is ready to start eating.
Toriaezu, nama! /toh-lee-aye-zu, na-ma/:
“In the meantime, a fresh beer please!”
It’s a colloquial way of ordering the standard beer that is served by a place.
Kanpai! /kam-pie/:
“Cheers!”
It’s the polite custom to always toast before everyone starts drinking.
Mouippai onegaishimasu /mow-ip-pie oh-neh-guy-shi-mah-su/:
“Another drink, please!”
It’s used to order a new drink for yourself, but it’s generally custom to wait until everyone has emptied their glasses before you order more for yourself.
Okaikei onegaishimasu /o-kai-kay oh-neh-guy-shi-mah-su/:
“Check please!”
It’s a casual but still polite way to ask for your bill.
Mouikken! /mow-eek-ken/:
“Let’s go to one more spot!”
This is an informal way of telling everyone you’re with you want to stay out.
Where to Eat and Drink-Up Japanese Nightlife
Do Like The Locals Do
There are plenty more food and bar options if you’re willing to venture off the beaten path for the local experience.
Yakitoriya: For the perfect low-key local food-and-drink experience on a weeknight, get cozy at a yakitoriya with a beer and grilled chicken skewer dishes, such as tsukune (chicken meatball skewer) and momo (chicken thigh).
Nomiyas: If you want to drink like a local, get off the main streets and explore some nomiyas in the city. Literally translating to “drinking spots”, nomiyas are alleys and streets packed with tiny hole-in-the-wall watering holes, ranging from 80s-themed bars to tropical-themed hideouts.
Yatai: For an unforgettable foodie experience, grab a seat at a yatai, one of Japan’s famous late-night food stands. They’re open in the early evening along pedestrian walkways, a few stick around well into the late-night, and serve some of the best ramen, yakitori, and oden (a hot pot with a delicious broth and various vegetable and seafood ingredients).
Learn These Five Dos & Donts
Being aware of these five basic dining and drinking customs not only shows respect for Japanese culture but will also set you up for a welcoming experience.
1. Do Accept Your Oshibori
The oshibori is a warm towel that is provided to you to wipe your hands before every meal. When you are offered one, it is polite to receive the towel with both hands.
2. Do Pour for Everyone
If you’re first to buy a round of beer, it’s customary for you to pour everyone else their drinks before filling your own glass. Someone else will then pour your drink. No one should drink until everyone’s ready to raise their glass for a toast.
3. Do Wait, Don’t Wave
In most bars and restaurants, your server will come for your order once you’ve had time to settle in. Try to resist the impulse to flag them down. In some izakayas there may be a button that you can press to request your server to come to you.
4. Don’t Drink From the Bottle
It’s the biggest taboo! Be it a pitcher or a large bottle of beer, you’ll always be given a glass to pour it into, so be sure to use it.
5. Don’t Tip, Ever!
Even at the most upscale restaurants, tipping your wait staff is not necessary. On the contrary, it’s considered rude, so simply pay what you owe for your meal and drinks.
Whether you’re going to be in Japan for one night or many, you now have the know-how to enjoy the tastes of Japanese nightlife like a local.
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