Going out for drinks in Japan can be a delightful experience, with its array of izakayas (pubs), bars, and restaurants. But how much does a typical night out cost? We’ll break down the average expenses for a night out, including the costs for the first and second rounds of drinks, and share some tips on how to enjoy your night out without breaking the bank.
Average Costs for a Night Out
The First Round (1軒目)
The first round of drinks, or “ikkenme” (1軒目), usually takes place at an izakaya or a bar. Here, you’ll typically have dinner along with your drinks.
Average Cost: ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per person
Breakdown:
- Drinks: ¥500 to ¥800 per drink (beer, sake, cocktails)
- Food: ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 (a variety of small dishes and snacks)
- Cover Charge: Some places have a cover charge (otōshi), which includes a small appetizer and ranges from ¥300 to ¥500.
The Second Round (2軒目)
The second round, or “nikkenme” (2軒目), is often more casual and might take place at a different bar, karaoke, or even another izakaya.
Average Cost: ¥2,000 to ¥4,000 per person
Breakdown:
- Drinks: ¥500 to ¥1,000 per drink
- Snacks: ¥500 to ¥1,000 (light snacks to accompany drinks)
- Karaoke: If you go to a karaoke bar, expect to pay around ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per hour.
Example: You start the evening at a lively izakaya, enjoying a few beers and an assortment of grilled skewers, spending about ¥4,000. For the second round, you head to a karaoke bar with friends, ordering drinks and singing your heart out, spending another ¥3,000.
Tips for Saving Money on a Night Out
Look for Happy Hour Deals
Many bars and izakayas offer happy hour deals with discounted drinks and food. Happy hour typically runs from around 5 PM to 7 PM. This can significantly reduce your overall spending, especially for the first round.
Opt for Nomihodai (All-You-Can-Drink) Plans
Many izakayas and karaoke bars offer nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) packages. These plans usually cost between ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 for 90 minutes to 2 hours and can be a great way to control your spending if you plan to drink a lot.
Choose Tachinomi (Standing Bars)
Tachinomi, or standing bars, are casual and often cheaper options for drinking. They usually have no seating, which helps keep costs down. Drinks here can be as cheap as ¥300 to ¥500 each.
Example: Instead of a sit-down izakaya, you visit a tachinomi for the first round. Enjoying a couple of drinks and some light snacks, you spend about ¥2,000. For the second round, you take advantage of a nomihodai plan at a karaoke bar, spending another ¥2,500.
Japanese drinking culture often involves sharing dishes. Order a variety of small plates to share with your group instead of individual meals. This not only enhances the communal dining experience but also helps save money.
Check for Coupons and Deals Online
Websites and apps like Gurunavi, Tabelog, and Hot Pepper often have coupons and deals for restaurants and bars. Check these platforms before heading out to find discounts and special offers.
Conclusion
A night out in Japan can vary in cost, but understanding the average prices and knowing some money-saving tips can help you enjoy your evening without overspending. From happy hour deals to nomihodai plans and standing bars, there are plenty of ways to experience Japan’s vibrant drinking culture on a budget. So, gather your friends, explore the local scene, and have a fantastic night out! Cheers!
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!
