Go Tokyo Your Experience
Japan is a top vacation destination for many, but tourists should be cautious about certain izakayas (Japanese pubs) that may not offer the best experience.
A Japanese writer living in Taiwan, known as “Ojisan from Japan,” shared seven key indicators to help avoid potentially problematic izakayas. He advises that even locals familiar with busy districts avoid places that meet at least three of these criteria.
Ojisan from Japan listed the seven red flags on his Facebook page:
- Non-Chain Izakayas in Busy Districts:
- Locations such as Tokyo’s Shinjuku, Shimbashi, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Nagoya’s Sakae, Nishiki, and Osaka’s Namba.
- Located in Basements or Upper Floors:
- Izakayas situated in basements or above the second floor.
- “All-You-Can-Eat” Signs:
- Particularly those offering meat sushi and raw ham.
- All Private Rooms:
- Establishments with entirely private rooms and no bar seating.
- Frequent Name Changes:
- Izakayas with posters showing signs of name alterations or frequent name changes.
- Aggressive Street Solicitation:
- Staff standing on the streets to lure or introduce customers.
- Luxurious Kanji Names:
- Izakayas with overly fancy or elaborate kanji in their names.
These characteristics often signal places that may not deliver a quality dining experience and could potentially lead to issues.
The post attracted many comments:
- “Super cheap places that offer all-you-can-eat and drink usually don’t meet customer expectations in terms of quality.”
- “When traveling alone, I only eat at supermarkets, dining establishments, and convenience stores.”
- “Taiwanese tourists often prefer chain restaurants.”
By keeping these tips in mind, visitors can better navigate Japan’s vibrant izakaya scene and avoid unpleasant experiences.