Welcome to an Immersive Experience at Japanese Snack Bars!

📘 Previous articles in this series
Part 1: What Are Snack Bars? From Their Origins to Today — And Why There Are More Snack Bars Than Convenience Stores in Japan
Part 2: The Unique Charm of Snack Bars — Deep, Immersive Experiences You Can Only Find Here

In this series, I—Mayuko Igarashi, also known as “Suna-Jo,” a snack bar enthusiast who has visited over 1,200 snack bars across Japan—share the charm of snack bars and how to enjoy them.

After learning about the many attractions of snack bars, some of you may be thinking, “I’d like to try going to one.”
That said, taking the very first step—actually opening the door—often requires more courage than you might expect.

If you’re ready to give it a try, the following five practical tips will help guide you.
By following these selection methods based on my own experiences as Suna-Jo, you’ll be much more likely to find a snack bar that truly suits you.

Read the Sign to Guess the Mama’s Generation and the Bar’s Style

One of the keys to choosing a snack bar is imagining what kind of Mama you might meet before you step inside.
The first things to look at are the signboard and the bar’s name.

• English-style names (such as Angel or Smile)
  → Often run by a younger-generation Mama

• Traditional Japanese name-style bars (such as Mitsuko, Chiyo, or Mariko)
  → Often run by a Mama from the Showa era

Even the name alone can give you clues about the Mama’s generation and the atmosphere of the bar.
Fonts, decorations, and overall design also tend to reflect the Mama’s personality and taste.

As you compare multiple snack bars, these differences become clearer—and with experience, you may find yourself recognizing bars that suit your style just by looking at the sign.

Listen Carefully at the Door

Once a sign catches your interest, try standing quietly near the door and listening.

The voices and singing that drift out can tell you a lot about what’s happening inside.

For example:

• Lively voices and laughter
  → A cheerful Mama and regulars enjoying themselves; it may even be full

• A familiar song playing
  → Guests may be from a similar generation to yours

• Very quiet, with no singing
  → Fewer guests at the moment; a calm, relaxed atmosphere

• Mostly male or female voices
  → Many guests of the same gender; it may feel more (or less) comfortable for you

There’s no right or wrong interpretation—just let your imagination wander.
You can even use these impressions later as conversation starters once you step inside.
Surprisingly, this process alone can be quite fun.

Peek Inside Through a 5 cm Opening

If you’re still interested, you’ve reached the final step.
Open the door just about 5 centimeters and peek inside.

Look carefully:
What kind of Mama is there?
What kind of guests are inside?
What expressions do you see on their faces?

The key is to open the door very quietly so you don’t draw attention.
Be especially cautious with double doors or doors with bells.

Trust your first impression.
If something feels off—or if you sense that the atmosphere might not suit you—it’s perfectly okay to walk away.
Compatibility matters, and for first-time visitors, the initial experience leaves a strong impression.
Sometimes, not going in is the wisest choice.

With experience, you may even begin to read clues from the bottles displayed inside—hinting at pricing and overall atmosphere.

Confirm the Price as Soon as You Enter

One reason snack bar doors feel intimidating is the uncertainty around cost.
What many people don’t know is that you can confirm—and even negotiate—pricing right after entering.

As soon as you step inside, ask about the fee system.
If you have a limited budget, it’s perfectly fine to say,
“My budget is around ¥___—would that be okay?”
and let the Mama decide.

A considerate snack bar will adjust time or drink options to fit your budget.
If it’s not possible, simply thank them and visit another time.

On the other hand, if pricing is unclear or something about the Mama’s or guests’ attitude makes you uncomfortable, politely excuse yourself and leave.
Once you’re seated, it becomes harder to go—and regret often comes too late.
Remember this to avoid trouble or unpleasant experiences.

Check the Bar in Daytime to Sense Its Hospitality

If a snack bar catches your interest, consider stopping by during the day before it opens.
Often, the true nature of the Mama and the bar’s hospitality appears in places you wouldn’t expect.

For example, neatly arranged oshibori (hand towels) or beer bottles in front of the shutter can indicate a Mama who values care and attention.
Bars that feel thoughtful even when closed are often welcoming once open.

On the other hand, a careless or untidy impression during the day may carry over into the service at night.

Closing of Part 3

Can you now picture how to choose a snack bar that feels right for you?
Next time is the final installment of this series. We’ll talk about the essential etiquette and mindset needed to enjoy snack bars comfortably and with confidence.

In Part 4, I’ll clearly explain “Snack Bar Etiquette You Should Know Before Visiting,” from the perspective of Suna-Jo Mayuko Igarashi.