Hello everyone, I’m Kazu, the guide for the Snack Yokocho Tour.

Cheers for tonight! 🍺

Today, I’d like to talk about “How to Choose a Snack Bar.”

Have you ever been to a snack bar?

What kind of image do you have of a snack bar?

No non-Japanese allowed? A hangout for old men? Karaoke available? Managed by an older “mama”?

To be honest, snack bars are all different, so there’s no single answer! However, be aware that many snack bars may refuse enter to non-Japanese. If you join our tour, you’ll be able to visit a snack bar.

Each snack bar has its own atmosphere and concept, determined by the “mama” who runs it, making every visit an adventure.

Some places are soothing retreats thanks to the “mama’s” hospitality, some gather anime enthusiasts, and others attract karaoke lovers.

The vibe of a snack bar depends on the “mama” and the patrons she attracts, offering a diverse and exciting adult social scene.

So, how do you choose one?

It can be intimidating to open the door to a snack bar, especially when you can’t see inside and it seems full of regulars…

Here are my three tips to give you the courage to enter a snack bar:

(About time, right? Let’s get to it!)

Tip 1: Recommended Time

Most snack bars open around 8 PM. Try entering when the bar just opens. There won’t be any customers yet, so you can chat with the “mama” and ask questions. This way, when regulars start coming in, the “mama” will introduce you, and you might feel like a regular yourself!

(This might sound unbelievable, but I use this trick often.)

Arriving early also means the bar isn’t crowded, so you can ask about the pricing system and leave if it doesn’t suit you.

Tip 2: Predicting the Bar from Its Signboard

The only information you have before entering is the sign outside. I often choose bars based on their signboards.

Take a good look at the sign:

◎ If the name looks interesting, you’ll want to go in! It’s an adventure.

Examples: Snack Useless, Snack Ugly, Snack All Lies, Rip-off

◎ The name might relate to a hobby!

Examples: Kiha, Special Effects Hero Bar, Snack Golf

Tip 3: Rely on Word of Mouth

It’s hard to find snack bar information on Google. Ask people at other bars or locals for recommendations. They’ll gladly help, and this method works well for me.

Saying someone recommended the place makes the introduction smoother.

Want to Visit a Snack Bar?

If you still feel nervous about going alone, why not come with me? I’ll take you to recommended snack bars, share my experiences, and teach you more about them.

Join the Snack Bar Tour and let’s explore the fun world of snack bars together!

How about exploring the heart of Tokyo, with Kazu?