Tokyo bars

[jambo56]

Hi everyone,
I'm soon to be moving to Tokyo for at least a year, ill be there in march.
I'v done a fair bit of research and have been reading this forum for some time (brilliant site) but haven't found the answer im looking for. I'm trying to find out what the situation is regarding regular bars. I'm not interested in clubs or theme bars just your typical run of the mill pub. Is there many in Tokyo and if so are non speaking Japanese made welcome in these places.
All i seem to hear about is trendy and ex-pat bars, what about places where the locals hangout, are they worth checking out.
Thanks.

[Taro Toporific]

... what about places where the locals hangout, are they worth checking out..

As you know, Japan is a drunk's paradise.
Bars are the second industry here--- the first being sleaze. Every meter of street has a bar]TokyQ.com[/url] she's has writtten "Hangouts, Places to chill " column for years. Here's a typical review...

4 (Shi): Shibuya
4 (shi) has one of the best and wackiest locations for a bar. It is tucked in right under the Yamanote-sen tracks where they lead south out of Shibuya Station. Every time a train pulls in, the room shakes and the music takes a back seat to the commotion above. But you'd be surprised how quickly you become accustomed to this.
4 (shi) has one of the best and wackiest locations for a bar. It is tucked in right under the Yamanote-sen tracks where they lead south out of Shibuya Station. Every time a train pulls in, the room shakes and the music takes a back seat to the commotion above. But you'd be surprised how quickly you become accustomed to this.
The space was first converted into a bar seven years ago by Mi-chan, the mama from Vive La Vie, but the current master P-chan has already been in residence for two and a half years. He was a hesitant host at first, but on my last visit I was pleasantly surprised to find a more mellow and confident P-chan at the helm. The interior is still simple and arty, but there are plans to add more original lighting by artist Takeo Hayashi, who designed the two boomerang fixtures already installed.
P-chan has also used his time well to develop a collection of top-shelf spirits, among which tequila and rum are most prominent. Something special like a Jose Cuervo Reserve de la Familia will set you back 3,500 yen a shot, so I would advise checking the prices before indulging. I was most impressed with the range of rum, which included my favorite Haitian label Barbancourt, with a 15-year old version going for a mere 1,400 yen a shot.
4 is now open for lunch during the week, but it's busiest at bar time on the weekend - perhaps because it's such a short walk (or a stagger) back to the station...

by "Sister Chill"

[jambo56]

Cheers Taro Toporific, that's what i was looking for

[Mulboyne]

The closest thing to a pub in Tokyo is...a pub. There are number of Irish/British pubs around the city and quite a few sports bars too. Almost by definition, they attract foreigners but you do get a fair number of locals in them and many want to speak English.
In the UK, it isn't uncommon for people to hit a pub or wine bar after work, stay drinking until last orders at 11:00 and then think about getting food. That isn't common behaviour in Japan where workers might instead go to an izakaya where you can get a meal along with your booze. So some izakaya can have more of a "pub" feel than a bar i.e. with a good number of regulars and an owner acting as "host". Especially near stations or in your local area.
There are a huge number of bars in Japan and a huge range of styles. Many are quite small with room for less than 20 people so you'll get noticed when you walk in the door. A lot of these kinds of bars don't get going until 9:00pm at the earliest since customers are usually still eating before then. If you are on your own and you want to meet people, sit at a counter and you'll probably get involved in a conversation. If you don't speak Japanese, you might be lucky and find an English speaker but you should start learning some basic words and phrases now.
For better information, post again when you know where you'll be living and I'm sure you can get more pointers.

[Taro Toporific]

..go to an izakaya where you can get a meal along with your booze. So some izakaya can have more of a "pub" feel than a bar... Many are quiet small with room for less than 20 people so you'll get noticed when you walk in the door....sure you can get more pointers.

Well I'll defer to Mulboyne on those "pointers": he's the expert.

Picking up on Mulboyne' eating and drinking theme, PLEASE do not be scared to go into those tiny bars with only 5 stools. Often those places are the single guy's savior.

I was once dragged to a sleaze bar and one of the hostess upon learning that I lived in Sugamo-Komagome area DEMANDED that I go to her sister's 5-stool bar. Standing outside a tangled 2-meter lane, I felt real dumb going into microscopic, 2-story, wooden establishment. The 90 year old place was so small I could just about touch the opposite walls with my outstretched arms. It seems just too Japaneseque for a f'ed gaijin.

To make a long story short, the mama-san there ended up cooking me a home-cooked Japanese meal, with a few drinks for 3 nights a week for my first few years in Tokyo ...all for 1,200yen. I would have death-by-cup- ramen malnutrition without that lady. Hell on real slow nights, she would close up early and she'd take me upstairs.

[Socratesabroad]

[kotatsuneko]

what did you eat upstairs?

[jambo56]

I'm not sure of the location ill be staying in yet but when i do ill post again.
The idea of visiting those really small establishments doesn't phase me at all, and more than likely would be the type of place i would probable spend a lot of time in. I'm hoping with a little advance planning and am sure a lot of trial and error when i get there, ill find my favourites.
Thanks for all the great info, im sure ill be back with more newbie questions