Tokyo::Daitouyuu Izakaya
Izakayas are an important part of Japanese culture. When walking through Tokyo’s bustling streets at night, you’ll find izakaya signs everywhere.
Anyone who’s been to Tokyo knows that department stores and shopping streets usually close around 7 PM. It’s a real shame to just go back to the hotel and sleep after such a long day. Why not join the lively crowds in the shops and boldly explore the local culture and customs, experiencing what Japanese people love to do after work?
At an izakaya, order a pot of sake, a few small dishes to accompany your drink, and chat about anything under the sun. Enjoy a personal, carefree lifestyle. Beyond just drinking and eating, izakayas also have a somewhat “healing” function, meaning they can soothe the soul.
Over 80% of Japanese office workers head straight to an izakaya after work to unwind, release the stress of the day, and let off some steam. Sometimes one round of drinks isn’t enough—they go for a “ni-kaime” (second round) and drink until they can’t walk straight. This is a unique phenomenon in Japan’s high-pressure work society. Whether to kill boredom or seek comfort, grab some good drinks and food and head to a Tokyo izakaya that gets more beautiful as the night goes on.
The izakaya culture in Tokyo dates back to the Edo period. Before the Edo era, sake was part of the aristocratic culture of Kyoto, symbolizing power and status. The brewing techniques were controlled by the court and officials, and ordinary people could only make simple homemade cloudy sake.
During the Edo period, brewing techniques became widespread, allowing common people to enjoy refined and delicious Japanese sake. The rich flavor of sake sparked a drinking craze among the public. At that time, if you included children, the average person in Japan consumed the equivalent of two bottles of sake or shochu per day. This shows how much the people of Edo loved sake, leading to the emergence of izakaya culture in everyday life.
Fast forward to 21st-century Tokyo. The role of izakayas has become more diverse. They’re not just places to drink—they serve as venues for after-work colleague gatherings, small friend meetups, business client entertainment, or even just casual dining.
Located under the JR railway elevated tracks, Daitouyuu is a small eatery that continues the vibe of Tokyo’s shitamachi (downtown) neighborhoods. It opens early in the morning and is often packed with guests, partly thanks to its most famous delicious offerings made with...Click to see the full Daitouyuu Izakaya attraction guide
Tokyo::Daitouyuu Izakaya location map
★★★Read more =Xiao P+R: <2008东京买买团>Ueno Daitouyuu Yakitori Shop
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