An Izakaya is the most popular type of drinking establishment in Japan that usually offers casual and reasonable tapas style of food in traditional settings. A large selection of sake is also what attracts many of its customers.
We stopped by at one of the beloved izakaya, Uotami Uguisudani to give you some useful tips to maximize your visit to izakaya.
To order like locals, order drinks first.
The wavisavinavi feature on the tablet at Uotami Uguisudani comes in handy upon ordering. English menu and details are available and you can create your own order list on the tablet as well.
How about ordering a draught beer first? Uotami Uguisudani has an all-malt brew “Kirin Ichiban” on tap.
Next, you pick food while you wait for your drinks.
It’s always nice to have something to snack on when you’re drinking, so try their “quick appetizer” menu to tame your hunger while you choose other delicious dishes.
Here are a few examples of quick appetizers.
Edamame. Need I say more? The best buddy for your beer.
This is Uotami’s original dish with mekabu seaweed from Sanriku area and tofu.
Creamy tofu and aromatic mekabu with distinctive sticky texture go perfectly well.
Feel free to ask your server for the recommendations.
They’ll be happy to help you pick out the perfect dish for the night.
We ordered one of their recommendations, yellowtail sashimi.
Uotami offers a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes which you don’t want to miss while you’re in Japan.
After a few brews, locals tend to switch to sake. You’re a beginner and don’t know what sake to order? No problem! With wavisavinavi feature on the tablet has all the information you need.
With just a few taps, you can easily add to your order list.
Drink sake with masu cup. The masu cup is a wooden drinking vessels with a glass placed inside. Pouring sake until it overflows is considered a show of appreciation from the host.
Carefully sip from the glass so you won’t spill.
Then lift the glass to drink sake in the masu.
Uotami Uguisudani has a wide range of sake in stock for you to try.
They also offer main dishes as well as tapas-style small dishes.
This is “Modern Yaki,” an Okonomiyaki(Japanese style pancake) with yakisoba noodles inside.
When it’s cold outside, try motsu nabe, Japanese offal hot pot. It instantly warms you up.
You add noodles into the soup at the end.
Private rooms at Uotami come with karaoke machines.
Enjoy singing your favorite songs with good sound quality.
How about some sweet treats at the end of your night?
They offer authentic desserts you wouldn’t expect from a regular drinking establishment.
The casual and friendly yet professional atmosphere of izakaya is the reason why it’s so popular among locals.
Enjoy the fun izakaya experience while you’re in Japan.
You can easily order in English with wavisavinavi at Uotami Uguisudani.