Shibuya is a popular destination for foreign tourists and the heart of youth culture in Japan. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing in front of Shibuya Station and the Hachiko Statue are famous photo spots. With its many art museums and live music venues, Shibuya also has a face as an artistic and musical town. It is currently also known as the setting for popular anime.
Shibuya has been continuously under construction and changing over the years, which is one of its characteristics. Amidst this, the food and drink scene in Shibuya has also continued to evolve. Recently, the "neo-izakaya" has become a hot topic among the diverse crowd of cultural figures, businesspeople, students, and tourists who gather in Shibuya.
What exactly is a "neo-izakaya" that is popular with the younger generation? I will introduce the charms of neo-izakayas and recommend some great spots.
What's the Difference Between an Izakaya and a Bar?
An izakaya is a place to enjoy various alcoholic drinks along with food that pairs well with them. Unlike bars where the focus is on the drinks themselves and a relaxing atmosphere, izakayas have more of a casual vibe for drinking with friends or colleagues.
At izakayas, menus typically feature Japanese dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sashimi that go well with beer and sake. Their affordable prices are also a reason for their popularity, especially among youth in areas like Shibuya.
When you place your first order at an izakaya, you'll get a small appetizer dish called an "otoshi." This signals that your order has been received. Otoshi dishes often use seasonal ingredients or homestyle Japanese cooking. While it may seem odd to get a dish you didn't order, think of it as a way to whet your appetite before the main dishes arrive.
What is a "Neo-Izakaya"?
A neo-izakaya is a new type of izakaya that mixes "retro" and "modern" elements. While maintaining the nostalgic flavors of a traditional Japanese izakaya, neo-izakayas also incorporate trendy and stylish elements.
One characteristic of neo-izakayas is their unique signature foods and drinks that fit the shop's concept. The photogenic glassware and interior decor moves away from the "old man's drinking den" image, making them popular with younger crowds.
The appeal of neo-izakayas is the experience of fully enjoying the establishment itself, not just drinking. They are recommended for non-drinkers, groups of women, and foreign tourists as well. Neo-izakayas are rapidly emerging in Shibuya as the new generation of Japanese izakayas.
Recommended Neo-Izakayas in Shibuya
Awayokubar Shibuya
Source: Tabelog
The popular "Awayokuba Shibuya" is right next to Shibuya Station and is a great spot for cheerful sparkling drinks. Their "Overflowing Sparkling" where they pour the glass to the brim is perfect for that first drink.
While they have signature dishes like the "Yuba Shumai" (dumplings with tofu skin) and "Numbing Tantanmen" (spicy noodles), the "Veggie Fritters" are especially popular with foreigners. They wrap assorted vegetables in pork and deep fry it on skewers.
My personal recommendation is the avocado cheese fritter. The creamy combination of avocado and cheese is perfect with a crisp sparkling wine. The fruit-based cocktails are also delicious.
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- Address: 1F Shibuya Mark City, 1-4-19 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Tel: 050-5869-8449
- Hours: Weekdays 5:00pm-11:00pm / Weekends & Holidays 4:00pm-11:00pm
- Closed: None
- Access: 3 min walk from JR Shibuya Station / 1 min from Inokashira Line Shibuya Station West Exit
-Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/awayokubar/shibuya#/
Toridoshi
Source: Tabelog
"Toridoshi," a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station, is a popular spot with women for its specialty chicken dishes and sawa (a type of shochu highball). Be sure to order one of their fruit sawa cocktails featuring a whole chunk of seasonal fruit like strawberry, mango or kiwi dramatically perched on the glass - perfect for photos.
My favorite chicken dish is the "Aburi Sashi" chicken sashimi, where the surface is lightly seared to bring out the fresh flavors of the meat. They also have plenty of grilled, fried and other chicken dishes that are easy for foreigners to enjoy.
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- Address: 1F MST Building, 1-13-5 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Tel: 03-6427-8555
- Hours: Weekdays 5:00pm-11:00pm / Weekends & Holidays 4:00pm-11:00pm
- Closed: Irregular
- Access: 3 min walk from JR Shibuya Station West Exit
- Website: https://toridoshisibuya.owst.jp/menu
Michinakimichi
Source: Tabelog
The entrance modeled after a refrigerator is the signature of the trendy neo-izakaya "Michinakimichi" popular with youth. The pop-art interior has table, counter and standing areas to suit any group size for a comfortable space.
While all their Japanese and Western-style dishes are delicious, I always order the "Braised Daikon Fritters." The daikon radish soaked in dashi broth contrasts deliciously with the crispy batter - perfect with beer.
They're open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a great later stop on your night out. They also sell original merchandise, which makes for nice souvenirs.
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- Address: B1F Shoto East, 1-4-8 Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Tel: 03-6407-1784
- Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun 5:00pm-12:00am / Fri & Sat 5:00pm-3:00am
- Closed: None
- Access: 3 min walk from Shibuya Station A2 Exit
- instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michi_nakimichi/
STAND KIYOSUGU
Source: Tabelog
If you want to enjoy authentic izakaya fare, the new-style standing bar "STAND KIYOSUGU" is recommended. They offer classic izakaya dishes like stewed offal, fried chicken, dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet), and tonkatsu at reasonable prices. The fresh sashimi otoshi dish of the day is one of my favorite parts.
The stylish standing area is convenient for a quick stop during sightseeing when you feel like "just having one drink." Check their Instagram as they sometimes offer deals like early evening “nomihoudai” (all-you-can-drink).
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- Address: 1F JMF Building Shibuya 03, 2-11-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Tel: 03-6455-2025
- Hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun 3:00pm-11:30pm / Fri & Sat 3:00pm-5:00am
- Closed: None
- Access: 4 min walk from Shibuya Station / 2 min from Shinsen Station
- instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stand.kiyosugu.shibuya/
Taishu Sakaba Himawari
Source: Tabelog
The "Taishu Sakaba Himawari" on Dogenzaka is truly a neo-izakaya capturing both "retro" and "modern" vibes. They have an extensive selection of sours, highballs and more, including unique flavors you can't find elsewhere like baked apple sour, frozen mandarin sour and black tea highball.
In addition to izakaya staples, they also offer creative modern appetizers. I recommend the "Dashimaki Fried Dashi" which is a dashimaki tamago (rolled egg) that's been deep fried, and the soy sauce-pickled cream cheese. The flavors are accessible to foreigners and pair well with any drink.
This popular spot gets crowded, so making a reservation is recommended.
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- Address: B1F Owadabiru, 2-8-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Tel: 03-5428-0800
- Hours: Mon-Sat 5:00pm-4:00am / Sun & Holidays 5:00pm-11:00pm
- Closed: New Year's Eve - Jan 3rd
- Access: 3 min walk from JR/Subway Shibuya Station
- instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taishu_sakaba_himawari/
Renai Sakaba Meiko
Source: Tabelog
When it comes to trendy, photogenic neo-izakayas popular with young women, "Renai Sakaba Meiko" fits the bill. The pink-hued interior has plenty of instagram-worthy photo spots and a playful vibe.
Menu items have unique names like "The Chasu Egg My Boyfriend Made" and "Love is Always a Hurricane." Sweet cocktails and desserts are also tasty, so I often come here for a second stop of the night.
Their non-alcoholic cream soda is recommended for non-drinkers, and the drink glasses are printed with lovely romantic phrases. It's a taste of nostalgic yet modern Japanese pop culture that's worth experiencing.
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- Address: 1F Shibuya TR Building, 2-22-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Tel: 03-3407-5666
- Hours: 4:00pm-10:30pm
- Closed: Irregular
- Access: 3 min walk from JR/Subway Shibuya Station, near Hikarie
- instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renaisakabameiko_meiko/
Shibuya Hanchika Sakaba
Source: Tabelog
A 3-minute walk from Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, "Shibuya Hanchika" is a neo-izakaya with a nostalgic old-school diner vibe. Their menu is heavy on small share plates, perfect for foreigners who want to sample a variety of authentic izakaya dishes.
My favorite is the combination of Chinese-style appetizers with a spicy tomato highball. The four varieties of juicy shumai dumplings - shrimp, cheese, lamb and sansho pepper - are all delicious. In addition to classic izakaya drinks like bottled beer and lemon sours, they also offer unique options like raisin highballs.
Open until 1am weekdays and 5am on weekends, it's a great final stop to cap off your Shibuya night out.
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- Address: 1F Harvest Building, 2-13-5 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Tel: 03-5890-5802
- Hours: Mon-Thurs 4:00pm-1:00am / Fri 4:00pm-5:00am / Sat 3:00pm-5:00am / Sun 3:00pm-12:00am
- Closed: Every 2nd Tuesday
- Access: 5 min walk from JR/Subway Shibuya Station / 3 min from Shinsen Station
- instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanchika_shibuya/
Shibuya, the town for youths, is filled with neo-izakayas that blend "retro" and "modern" vibes. Since you can experience Japanese pop culture along with drinks, they are spots worth visiting on your travels.
If you're wondering "which place to go?" "where fits my budget?" or "I want to hit up multiple places," a tour is also recommended. A friendly guide will take you to 3 different hidden izakaya gems in Shibuya. The tour price is inclusive of food and drinks, so you can enjoy without worrying about costs.
Recommended Tour >> Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
Be sure to enjoy the nightlife in the city at these nostalgic yet novel neo-izakayas!