Izakayas

The best places to go for a cheap drink and some small snacks in Japan are izakayas. Everything from chicken cartilidge to sashimi and pizza to ice cream can be enjoyed in intimate corners of these sit-down bars. Some come to get drunk with coworkers after a long day while others simply come for meals with friends.

Traditionally they serve customers some small snacks when they arrive. Edamame, soybean pods is a common choice, as are pickled vegetables of all sorts. While most often these are free, I have been charged in the past for the sampling when my party did not order any food. Beverage options include: Beer, Wine, Sake, and various hard alcohol and soft drinks. One of my favorites and a worthwhile drink to try on a trip to Japan is cassis-orange. This fruity drink is neither too sweet nor sour. It is perfectly refreshing.

There are now many chain izakayas in Japan. I have eaten at many both independently owned and chain. My favorite is Yamachan. Known by the drawing of a man with chicken wings that marks each restaurant, Yamachan serves a delicous variety of food. In Nagoya, it is most famous for its tabesake, or fried chicken wings. These special Nagoyan food are coated in a peppery-cinnamon spice. Beware while you eat them though, I have recieved instructions from the staff on one occasion about the proper way to consume these wings which involves a lot of gnawing and sucking on bones. Needless to say I thanked them polietly and ate the wing the only way I've ever wanted to. While I have mastered chopsticks, I can't quite change the way I eat finger food.