A fun night out in Japan often involves some bar-hopping, but you might be wondering, “Until what time can I drink alcohol?” Especially in snack bars, knowing the operating hours is essential. In this article, we’ll delve into the general drinking hours in Japan and the specific operating hours of snack bars. With this knowledge, you can enjoy your night out with peace of mind!

General Drinking Hours in Japan 🕒

Legally, there are no restrictions on when you can drink alcohol. However, the operating hours of restaurants, bars, and snack bars are regulated by law.

Operating Hours of Restaurants and Bars 

Many restaurants and bars typically close by midnight. However, in bustling cities, some places stay open until 2 or 3 AM, and occasionally even until 5 AM. This is because they operate within the hours permitted by the Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business. In busy districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo or Umeda and Shinsaibashi in Osaka, many establishments have late-night permits and allow patrons to enjoy their drinks until the early morning.

Snack Bar Operating Hours 

Snack bars are places where you can enjoy drinks and conversation with the hostesses or staff across the counter. Many snack bars are open from around 6 PM until 2 or 3 AM, according to the regulations of the Entertainment and Amusement Trades Control Act.

For example, in areas like Shinjuku and Ginza in Tokyo, it’s common for snack bars to be open until 3 AM. These bustling city centers cater to a large number of patrons, hence the extended hours.

Regional Differences and Legal Restrictions

Operating hours are vary depending on the region. In regional cities and suburban areas, snack bars often close around 1 or 2 AM. This is typically to align with the local lifestyle and transportation schedules.

Moreover, snack bar operating hours are regulated by the Act on Control and Improvement of Amusement Business. This law restricts late-night operations near residential areas to prevent noise and disturbances during the night.

“Hanamizuki,” a snack bar in Shinjuku, Tokyo, operates from 6 PM to 3 AM. However, “Sakuranbo,” a snack bar in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, is open from 7 PM to 1 AM. Being in a regional city, the bar aligns its hours with the local transportation schedule and lifestyle.

Have a great night in Japan！

While there’s no specific restriction on drinking hours in Japan, the operating hours of restaurants and snack bars are subject to regional and legal constraints. Most snack bars generally operate from 6 PM to 2 or 3 AM. Since hours can vary depending on the location and the establishment, it’s important to check in advance. With this information, you can plan your night out confidently and enjoy your time to the fullest. Have a great night out!

Let’s go to Izakaya and a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide!!

You can enjoy many kinds of drink at Izakaya and drinking culture Snack Bars, beloved by many　but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.

Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.

When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!

Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.

New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!