Caution for Tourists: Seven Red Flags for Izakayas in Japan

Izakayas, traditional Japanese pubs, are a must-try cultural experience for many tourists. However, in recent years, some local izakayas have frequently been reported for disputes with tourists over charges. In response, a Japanese blogger known as “Ojisan from Japan” has shared some advice, highlighting that even local residents avoid certain izakayas. He compiled a list of seven red flags for tourists to identify potentially problematic establishments.

The blogger posted on Facebook, pointing out that to avoid pitfalls, tourists should be cautious of the following seven conditions. If an izakaya meets at least three of these, it’s best to be cautious about visiting:

Located in Busy Districts but Not a Chain Store:

This includes areas like Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Shimbashi, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Nagoya’s Sakae, and Osaka’s Namba.

Situated Underground or Above the Second Floor:

These locations can be harder to leave quickly if needed and might be less visible to casual passersby.

Signs Advertising “All-You-Can-Eat”:

This is especially risky for items like meat sushi and raw ham, which may be of low quality.

All Seating is in Private Rooms:

No bar seating is available, which can limit visibility and oversight of what’s happening in the establishment.

Altered or Frequently Changed Store Names:

Signs of tampering or frequent name changes can indicate attempts to avoid a bad reputation.

Street Solicitation:

If the staff actively recruit customers from the street, it’s often a sign of desperate or aggressive business practices.

Luxurious Kanji in the Store Name:

Using overly fancy or elaborate kanji can be a tactic to appear more prestigious than the establishment really is.

“Ojisan from Japan” emphasizes paying special attention to points 3, 5, and 6. He advises that when a place exhibits these traits, extra caution is warranted. Additionally, he mentions that many izakayas nowadays can have extremely poor value for money and that disputes over bills can be difficult to resolve, as the police generally adhere to a “non-intervention in civil matters” policy.

The post sparked a lot of discussion, with many people sharing their thoughts and experiences:

• “I mostly stick to chain restaurants.”
• “Cheap places often combine all-you-can-eat and drink, but the quality is far below expectations.”
• “When traveling alone, I prefer supermarkets, family restaurants, and convenience stores for meals.”

These insights have generated significant debate among readers.