Izakaya Culture in Toyooka
The izakaya—Japan’s answer to the gastropub—is a fun and casual place where people can come to drink and eat with friends and colleagues. Adding an izakaya visit to your travels is a great opportunity to learn more about local cuisine and spirits, and the best way to enjoy it is by ordering a variety of dishes to share.
Downtown Toyooka happens to be home to a number of great izakaya serving up a variety of food options, including everything from fresh sashimi and yakitori to ramen and soba noodles. You’ll also find a wide variety of fresh seafood thanks to the town’s proximity to the Sea of Japan, as well as dishes made with Tajima Wagyu beef. Other seasonal favorites to try include hamo, a species of conger eel, which is a popular summer staple and is usually served grilled, raw, or in a nabe hot pot. Then there’s shiro ika (swordtip squid), which in summer is served raw as sashimi or fried tempura-style, and hotaruika (firefly squid) in early spring.
If you’re stuck on what to order, try some other general izakaya staples, including kara-age (fried chicken), edamame beans, tempura, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), yakitori grilled chicken on skewers, and an assorted sashimi platter. If you are lucky and find regional specialties on an izakaya menu, don’t hesitate to order and enjoy your izakaya experience like a local. As for drinks, try seeing what local sake is available at your izakaya of choice. Other standard drinks include draft beer, highballs (a mix of whisky and soda), and shochu (a distilled liquor made from rice, barley or potatoes).