In Japan, there are numerous establishments known as "izakayas," which offer a variety of alcoholic beverages paired with suitable dishes. Compared to restaurants, izakayas are more affordable and provide a casual environment to enjoy drinks and meals while offering regionally specific cuisine. The characteristics of various regions are as follows:
Tokyo
With markets like Toyosu Fish Market, Tokyo boasts a dense concentration of izakayas that serve a diverse range of regional dishes, leaving no shortage of options. Moreover, there are historic izakayas that have been operating since the Edo period. In terms of pricing, the range varies widely from around 250 yen for a single drink and customer spending per visit can range from around 1,000 yen to approximately 15,000 yen. As for regional characteristics, Tokyo's downtown areas such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Asakusa are known for their affordability, while central areas like Ginza and Akasaka are known for their higher prices.