Origin of Izakaya

The origin of izakaya dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). It is believed that izakaya started when “sake shops,” which were stores that sold alcohol at the time, began serving alcohol to customers inside their stores. Originally, liquor stores sold “sake for drinking at home,” but eventually they began to offer “drinking on the spot,” which came to be known as “izakaya (a place where one drinks sake in a liquor store).

Izakaya at this time began to serve simple snacks with sake, and the variety of food gradually increased, making it a popular “drinking spot” for the common people of Edo. Since the townspeople of Edo lived in small dwellings, izakaya served as a place where they could casually gather with their drinking companions and socialize.

Furthermore, during the Meiji period (1868-1912), the influence of Western culture led to a wider variety of cuisines and the establishment of a style that offered a variety of food and drink. During the Showa period (1926-1989), izakaya became established as a place for businessmen to socialize, and izakaya culture spread nationwide.

Today, izakaya are available in a variety of forms, including family, date, and small-group private room style, and are loved by many as part of Japan’s unique food and beverage culture.