- Duration
- 2 to 2.5 hours
- Group size
- 15–150 pax
- Cities
- Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka · Fukuoka
The izakaya is Japan's classic place to socialize: dishes arrive throughout the evening to share (sashimi, yakitori, tempura, simmered dishes), with beer, sake or shochu. We select venues that can host the whole group exclusively, with an adapted set menu and a free-flow drinks package (nomihodai), usually limited to two or two and a half hours.
This format is ideal for the closing night of a meeting: the atmosphere is relaxed, the tables encourage conversation and hierarchy softens a little, as it does at Japanese colleagues' nomikai. We can add light entertainment: a fish-cutting demonstration, a sake introduction by a certified sake sommelier (kikisake-shi), a quiz or a prize draw.
We handle what makes this hard for an overseas organizer: finding a venue available for private hire on the right date, negotiating the menu and deposit, passing on dietary needs, arranging interpretation for speeches and organizing the return by coach or taxi.
Objectives
- Create a relaxed, informal moment between colleagues
- Introduce Japanese food and nomikai culture
- Celebrate the end of a meeting or incentive
- Encourage exchanges between teams and management
How it works
- 1Shortlist of two or three venues available for private hire, approved by you.
- 2Menu, drinks package and special diets confirmed.
- 3Transfer from the hotel and welcome by our staff on site.
- 4Sharing dinner, interpreted speeches and optional entertainment.
- 5Return by coach or pre-booked taxis, with passenger lists by hotel.
Good to know
- Some izakaya are upstairs or in basements with narrow stairs; accessibility is checked case by case.
- Floor seating (horigotatsu or tatami) is common; we confirm the seating type and avoid pure tatami for large groups.
- Dietary needs should reach us two weeks ahead; fish-based dashi is used almost everywhere.
- Private hire is hard in December (bonenkai season) and on Fridays: book 2 to 4 months ahead.
- Bilingual staff present all evening; indoor activity, not weather-dependent.
Indicative budget
Indicative: from ~€110 per person (menu, 2-hour free-flow drinks, private hire, staff), excluding transfers. Varies with district, day and venue level.
Frequently asked questions
Can an izakaya host 100 people?
A few large izakaya can, mainly in Tokyo and Osaka, but they are rare and in high demand. For more than 100 people, we sometimes book two neighboring venues or an izakaya-style space set up for the evening.
What does the free-flow drinks package include?
Usually beer, sake, shochu, highballs, house wine and soft drinks for a set period. A premium sake selection can be added at extra cost.
Do guests have to sit on the floor?
Not necessarily. We favor regular tables or horigotatsu, where guests sit at floor level with their legs in a recess under the table, which stays comfortable.
