Discover Japan's Nightlife: Welcome to Snack Bars!

Snack Yokocho Staff’s Seriese articles

Kazu’s Snack Bar Adventures Vol. 9: Exploring Local Snack Bars-Part 3

Chasing deadlines and posting articles this weekend! It’s Kazu from the Yokochō Tour!

It’s the weekend again—cheers to a well-deserved drink! 🍺 Let’s raise a glass tonight! 🍺

Today, I’ll continue sharing my experiences of local snack bars around Japan.

Kazu’s Snack Bar Adventure – Wakayama Edition

When you think of Wakayama, you think of Kumano Taisha.

Wakayama is full of amazing sightseeing spots, from Shirahama, Koyasan, and Kumano Taisha to Nachi Falls.

I explored all over Wakayama, from the hot springs by the ocean to Ryujin Onsen, known as one of Japan’s top three beauty baths.

Both Wakayama City and Tanabe City have many snack bars in their nightlife areas, and you’re sure to meet interesting people when you visit.

A Special Encounter at a Snack Bar in Wakayama

I went to a snack bar in Wakayama and ended up drinking with the mama-san. She shared a lot of great tips about local spots and delicious Wakayama specialties. We got along so well that, since I hadn’t made any plans yet, I promised to return on my last day in Wakayama for one more drink.

Four days later, true to my word, I came back to Wakayama and ended up sharing drinks again at the mama’s favorite bar.

Tanabe City’s Snack Bar Adventure
In Tanabe City, I met a local bar owner who invited me to drink at his bar the next day. The result…?

What to Drink in Wakayama

When in Wakayama, you have to try Kumano Kodo Beer. Local craft beers are one of the highlights of any trip!

And of course, Wakayama is known for its famous Kishu Nanko plums, so don’t miss out on their delicious plum wine.

Tanabe City – Day 2

As for the bar owner’s place… it was a restaurant known for serving the high-end fish kue. It’s rare to find it due to limited supply, and reservations are usually required, but thanks to the owner’s kindness, I got to enjoy a full course featuring an entire kue fish.

How can you resist checking out a snack bar after hearing about experiences like this?

Next time you’re in a local area, why not open the door to a snack bar and see what surprises are waiting for you?

Want to Try a Snack Bar?

There’s an easy way to experience snack bars—join one of our tours! You’ll get the chance to visit two different snack bars in one go, which is a rare opportunity.

Curious about snack bars? Join the Snack Bar Tour! I’ll personally take you to two of my favorite spots and share all my snack bar stories and insights with you.

Come explore the fascinating world of snack bars with me on a fun and unforgettable tour!

かずのガイドでツアーに参加してみない?