Discover Japan's Nightlife: Welcome to Snack Bars!

Snack Culture

Is It Possible to Book a Snack Bar for a Private Party?

When you want to enjoy a special time with friends or colleagues at a Japanese snack bar, you might wonder if it’s possible to rent the place out. This article explains everything you need to know about private bookings, including their benefits and important points to consider, so you can plan a memorable experience.

Benefits of Renting a Snack Bar 🎉

There are many advantages to reserving a snack bar for a private event. Here are some of the main ones:

  • Private space: Renting the entire bar allows you to enjoy a personal, private area without worrying about other guests. It’s perfect for relaxing and having meaningful conversations with friends or colleagues.
  • Customizable experience: A private booking lets you tailor the music, lighting, and event activities to your preferences. You can plan surprise parties or themed events exactly the way you want.

 

Decisions Depend on the Mama and the Bar

  • Reservation adjustments: Depending on the bar’s other bookings, a private reservation may not always be possible. Bars with many regular customers may require coordination with them.
  • Bar policies: Each snack bar has its own rules. Some require certain conditions to be met to maintain the atmosphere and service quality before approving a private booking.
  • Trust relationship: Your relationship with the mama or bar staff matters. Regular customers are often given more flexibility for private bookings. If it’s your first time, visiting a few times to build trust can help.

Conditions and Fees for Private Bookings 💡

Private booking rules vary by bar, but here are some common points:

  • Minimum and maximum guests: Some bars require a minimum number of guests (e.g., at least 10 people), while larger snack bars may accommodate up to 30 guests.
  • Time and day: Check which times and days are available for private bookings. Some bars only allow weekday reservations, while others have limited weekend slots.
  • Pricing: Fees differ by bar. Many use hourly or per-person rates, typically around ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person for 2 hours. Some include free drinks or food options.

Things to Keep in Mind When Booking 🚨

  • Book early: Popular snack bars fill up quickly, especially on weekends or during event seasons.
  • Cancellation policy: Understand the bar’s cancellation rules. Last-minute cancellations usually incur fees, so it’s best to book once plans are confirmed.
  • Special requests: If you have special requests—like allergies or custom menus—communicate them clearly in advance.

Summary 🎁

Booking a snack bar for private use lets you enjoy a special, personal space with your friends or colleagues. Make the most of the benefits, plan a memorable party or event, and keep these tips in mind for a smooth experience. Since conditions and fees vary by bar, research in advance to ensure your private snack bar party is a success!

Would you like to make your snack bar debut with a snack tour?

Snack bars, beloved by many since the Showa era, can be found all over Japan. 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!