Standing Bar Culture: A Glimpse into the World of Tachinomiya

You’ll likely encounter a tachinomiya (a standing bar) when looking for a drink in Japan! These standing bars are similar to what you may find in your home country; however, foods and drinks will differ depending on where you go! We’ll explore what to expect at a tachinomiya, etiquette, and recommended tachinomi bars in Japan.

What is a tachinomiya?

In Japanese, tachinomi translates to “standing while drinking.” Ya means “shop or store.” The origins of tachinomi date back to the Edo period. It is said to have started at a sake shop called “Toshimaya” in Kanda, Tokyo. They provided masuzake – square-shaped sake cups and served sake and miso-marinated grilled tofu as a side dish. This was the beginning of tachinomi, also the precursor to modern izakaya (Japanese-style pubs).

Originally standing bars were connected to liquor shops. Liquor shops would sell alcohol on their storefronts. In Tokyo and Kyushu, drinking at a liquor shop is called kaku-chi. 

Kaku-chi means “hitting the edge” and is thought to be related to square-shaped sake cups. In Japanese, kaku means edge. So hitting the edge can be understood as “drinking alcohol (from the cup).” They boomed in the 1900s in northern Kyushu as workers would leave their work at industrial places late at night and look for somewhere for a quick sip. Later they migrated to Tokyo.

How did the standing bar change over time?

However, as rules surrounding bars and restaurants got tighter,  many liquor shops, such as kaku-chi, would have separate stores for drinking alcohol. This was to avoid being licensed as a restaurant by not providing food and alcohol within the same premises.

The rationing of alcohol during WWII in 1943 imposed limitations on how bars could operate, leading to the disappearance of many small bars. Those that remained open followed a system based on rules set by the Tokyo metropolitan government. The rules required bars to have a ticket system for patrons and prohibited patrons from sitting on chairs. The rationale was that having patrons stand would reduce the time spent at the bar.

These rules resulted in many small standing bars closing as they couldn’t make much profit due to the limited alcohol available. However,  many standing bars resurfaced unofficially in black markets and other venues after the war.

Then, in 1949, with the liberalization of alcohol sales, standing bars could legally resume their operations. The standing bar reached its peak in the 1960s but slowly started dying out, but recently they’ve started to get popular again.

What is standing bar etiquette? 

Tachinomi-ya are often tiny bars with minimal space even to stand. Although small and often very narrow, they can still be vivacious places. They are also typically very affordable. Unlike some typical bars in Japan, tachinomi bars typically don’t charge an extra service fee or drink fee. However, it is always good to ask if they do, just in case you are frugal. Drinks and food typically start from 300 yen.

Each tachinomi bar will have slightly different etiquette, so if you’re a first-timer, it is best to watch how people act. Some places may expect you to yell your order to the bar staff, particularly when ordering drinks.

The staff may approach you and ask for your drink order elsewhere. Beer, sake, and highballs are popular drinks in Japan. If you are unsure what drink to order, you can ask for the recommendation of the day or the chef’s recommendation. 

What’s the cover charge at tachinomiya?

You will be expected to order at least one drink despite no extra charges. If you are driving or prefer not to drink, you can usually order non-alcoholic beverages such as oolong tea, orange juice, ginger ale, or other soft drinks. Nowadays, most tachnomi bars also serve light snacks; some places may serve dinner if it is a larger establishment. The most common snacks to order are edamame, tofu, fries, nuts, and sashimi. 

When visiting tachinomi bars, it is better to avoid visiting in large groups as the bars are small and may not be able to accommodate your group and locals simultaneously. If you want to visit in a large group, call ahead and make a reservation. Some places may provide seating if requested. When visiting a tachinomi bar, it is also best to leave quickly – usually, one hour is recommended. This allows for a constant flow of customers coming in and out.

Are you looking to enjoy even more Japanese food? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!

What are some excellent standing bars in Japan?

Kanemasu

Located in Kachdoki’s view tower, Kanemasu is known for its small place and delicious fresh seafood. The bar can only fit about ten people, which is unsuitable for large groups. The prices are higher than typical standing bars, but the food quality makes it worth it! The ingredients are sourced directly from the Tsukiji seafood market, guaranteeing freshness! In particular, the recommended dishes to try are raw sea urchin rolled in half-roasted beef and the sushi box.

It is common for there to be a line one hour before the opening time on Saturdays, and if you go later in the day, many items will be sold out. So it’s best to go on weekdays. The closest station to Kanemasu is Kachidoki Station on the Toei Ōedo Line. Its opening hours are from 3 to 8 pm. It is closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Beer-ma Kita Senju

Located in Tokyo, Beer-ma Kita Senju is known for its wide selection of beers available. It is said they have over 1000 beers from around the world. The bar also has ten on-tap beers available. The bar space is tiny, and there are only thirty standing spots. Although the space is limited, it is common for visitors to take out beer. 

There is an ala-carte menu for those who want to eat in. The ala-carte menu offers primarily cold options such as smoked nuts, pretzels, chocolate, and olives but also includes fried chicken. Customers can rent a barbecue facility on the top floor accommodating four people. The closest station to Beer-ma Kita Senju is Kita Senju station on the Joban and Chiyoda lines, Tobu Skytree, and Hibiya lines. It is open every day from 2 to 11 pm.

Nihonshu Unagidani

This tachinomi is in the Minami area of Osaka and is famous for its wide selection of sake. The Minami area has traditional bars that offer a range of sake options, including cold items like smoked nuts, pretzels, chocolate, and olives, as well as fried chicken. On the top floor, you can also rent a barbecue facility that accommodates four people.

If you want to try jizake (local sake), Nihonshu Unagidani is a perfect place to visit! When you enter the bar, you will notice the eye-catching fridges, full of different sake brands throughout Japan. The bar has a range of over 100 different sake, and the lineup changes constantly. 

In addition to standing, there are some seats available upon request. There is also an a la carte selection of eel, raw horse, and finger food like edamame. The closest station to Nihonshu Unagidani is Shinsaibashi station. It is open weekdays from 3 pm to 12 am and weekends from 12 pm to 12 am.

Tachinomiya can be a great location to unwind and gather with friends! These standing bars are perfect for a night on the town! Do you have a standing bar culture in your country? What do you drink and eat there, let us know in the comments below!