Cheers: How to Enjoy Beer Like a Local

Picture this: you’re a salaryman, a corporate worker in Japan who’s just finished a 12-hour workday with overtime. You enter an izakaya with your colleagues, order jugs of beer, cheer, and chug the whole thing. You let out a sigh of relief. This is what it means to wind down in Japan. But ever wondered how to do this yourself? After all, there can always be a lot of cultural tricks and rules that are invisible to travelers. That’s why we’ve curated this blog, going through the best ways that you can enjoy beer like a local. So, whether you’re here for a short visit or planning to stay for a while, knowing how locals enjoy beer is sure to make your nights out unforgettable.

Start With a “Nama” Beer

In most izakayas (Japanese pubs), it’s customary to start with a nama biru (draft beer) or oolong tea if you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option. Ordering the same drink to start speeds things up for the staff and strengthens bonds between the group. This shared first sip is more than just a drink; it’s the official signal that the workday is finally over and the relaxation can begin. I mean, you all like the same thing! Don’t worry, if beer’s not your thing, you can switch to highballs or plum wine after the first round. However, maybe that’s just because you haven’t tried beer in Umeda yet.

The Golden Rule: Pour for Others, Respect Your Senpai

One of the most important customs when drinking beer in Japan is the act of pouring for others. It’s a gesture of respect towards your “senpai”, your senior. Always keep an eye on their glasses and top them up before they go empty. When you toast, hold your glass slightly lower than your senpai’s to show even more respect.  Drinking culture is intertwined with work in Japan, and maintaining a professional attitude is encouraged. This ritual fosters a sense of harmony and collective well-being at the table, which is essential to a successful nomikai.

Never Pour Your Own Drink

While pouring for your senpai and friends is crucial, there’s another cardinal rule: never, ever pour your own drink! It’s a sign that you’re not paying enough attention to your drinking buddies. Let your friend top you up, and make sure you’re always ready to return the favor by keeping their glass full! This custom emphasizes reciprocity and mutual care, which is the key to the Japanese social scene, ensuring everyone feels valued and included. This constant cycle of service ensures that the flow of conversation and good cheer remains unbroken throughout the evening.

Say “Kanpai!” Like You Mean It

In Japan, the toast is never optional. “Kanpai!” (cheers!) kicks off any proper drinking session. Hold your glass with both hands if you’re toasting someone senior to you, as this is another sign of respect. And remember: no drinking until everyone has their glass raised. Remember to always take at least one sip after you “Kanpai”! The collective shout of “Kanpai!” is truly a moment of release and celebration, officially dissolving the boundaries of the workday. Make sure to make eye contact as you clink glasses—it’s a quick, shared acknowledgment of the good times ahead.

Don’t Be Surprised by the Otoshi (Appetizer)

When you sit down, you’ll almost certainly be served a small, table-side appetizer called an otoshi. Think of it as a mandatory, but always delicious, cover charge for the table. They often use seasonal ingredients, so it’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to sample a dish you might not have thought to order. It’s customary and not optional, so don’t try to send it back! Just enjoy the surprise bite, which is their way of welcoming you and kicking off the fun. Consider it the first delightful clue to the chef’s culinary style for the evening!

 

Pair Your Beer With Local Izakaya Dishes

Japan’s bar snacks are on another level. From crispy karaage fried chicken to sizzling yakitori grilled skewers and fresh sashimi, there’s a perfect match for every beer. The rich, savory flavors of these small plates are perfectly designed to cut through the crispness of a cold nama, offering a beautiful balance to every sip. And remember, the joy of izakaya dining is the shared experience, so be sure to order a variety of plates for the whole table. It’s a culinary adventure where every dish complements the refreshing taste of your beer. Embrace the concept of ‘oishii’ (delicious) by trying a little bit of everything your friends order. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations, as many izakayas pride themselves on house specials that might not be listed in English menus.

Use the Oshibori for Your Hands, Only!

Before the fun starts, the staff will give you a warm or cold oshibori (towel). This is strictly for cleaning your hands. It’s a small but important bit of etiquette: don’t wipe your face or neck with it! This simple towel serves as a thoughtful symbol of welcoming, offered to refresh your hands in preparation for the delicious meal ahead. It’s the perfect way to reset after a long day before diving into your first round of snacks and drinks. So clean those hands and get ready to kanpai!

Pace Yourself When Izakaya Hopping

If you’re going for the true local experience and izakaya hopping, moving from one spot to the next in a single night, remember to pace yourself with both food and drinks. This isn’t a sprint! You’ll want to fully enjoy the atmosphere, the conversation, and all those delicious menu items like yakitori and sours at every stop. This practice, known as hashigo-zake, is a beloved way to explore the diverse culinary landscapes of a single neighborhood. Each new door you open offers a fresh opportunity to connect with the local community and savor the unique personality of different shops. Just make sure you don’t go overboard!

When in Japan, Go Warikan for the Bill

After a long night of bonding, the final bill is usually split equally among the group; this is called warikan. While a host might pay in a formal setting, with friends or colleagues, expect to pitch in your share. This shared responsibility is a key aspect of Japanese social trust, reinforcing the bonds you’ve built over drinks. Plus, it completely eliminates the awkwardness of calculating exactly who owes what, allowing everyone to focus on the good times at hand!

Forget the Tip: Hospitality is Free!

One of the most refreshing aspects of drinking in Japan is that tipping is not required, or even expected. The price on the bill is the price you pay. This is a country where excellent service is simply part of the culture, so you can relax, enjoy the seamless hospitality, and save that extra cash for your next round of nama! In fact, attempting to leave a tip might confuse your server or even be politely refused, as the staff takes genuine pride in their uncompensated dedication to service. Use the money you saved instead to try that unique regional snack or one more highball before you head home.

Why Umeda, Osaka, Should Be Your First Stop for Craft Beer and Izakaya

If you want to really immerse yourself in Japan’s beer culture, there’s no better place to start than Umeda, the bustling heart of Osaka. Known for its lively alleyways, hidden izakayas, and high-rise bars, Umeda is a great place to gather. This area is a paradise for beer lovers, whether you’re into crisp lagers, bold IPAs, or fruity sours, Umeda’s thriving craft beer scene has something for you. The neighborhood is also packed with atmospheric izakayas where locals unwind after work, making it one of the best places to feel the pulse of Japan’s nomikai (drinking party) culture.

Want to Experience It All With a Local Guide?

Join our Umeda Craft Beer Tour to discover the best brews and bites in Osaka! We’ll take you to hand-picked local spots, introduce you to regional flavors, and make sure you kanpai like a pro. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with friends, you’ll leave with a full belly, new connections, and maybe even a favorite beer you’ve never tried before.

Embracing Japan’s beer culture is all about respect and communal celebration. From the ritual of pouring for your elders (senpai) to kicking off the night with a loud Kanpai!, these customs transform a simple drink into a meaningful social experience. If you’re ready to dive into this lively world, your journey begins in Osaka’s dynamic Umeda district, a perfect blend of tradition and modern craft beer innovation.

Featured Photo Credit: Nishihama

If you’re ready to experience Japan’s incredible world of beer for yourself, we’ve got you covered in Umeda! Join our Umeda Craft Beer & Bar Hopping Tour to start your own Izakaya-hopping adventure today!