[2025 Latest] 9 Popular Neo-Izakayas in Tokyo

In Tokyo, ‘Neo-Izakayas’ have become extremely popular, especially among younger people!

A ‘Neo-Izakaya’ refers to an izakaya that combines the nostalgic, retro ‘Showa-era’ style of the ‘Taishu Izakayas’ (popular drinking spots for older generations) with modern elements like the word ‘neo’ (new) and neon lights, creating a trendy, stylish, and youthful atmosphere where everyone can have fun.

Seeing is believing! Let’s dive right into the introduction of some of the most popular Neo-Izakayas in Tokyo.

Neo-Izakayas with “Tokyo” in Their Name

Neo Tokyo (Sangenjaya)

“Neo Tokyo” is a definitive example of the “Tokyo Neo Bar” trend, incorporating all of the current hot trends!

It has been revamped with younger customers in mind, offering a place where people in their 20s can casually visit.

The restaurant combines traditional Japanese ‘noren’ curtains with pop neon signs, offers a variety of drinks, serves a menu that mixes Western and Japanese elements, and provides Instagram-worthy drinks and seasonal snacks.

You might think that the ambiance is the main focus of a Neo-Izakaya, but that’s not the case here. The food is absolutely top-notch.

With delicious food and a stylish interior, this place is bound to become a cultural hub in Tokyo.

Tokyo Gyoza Club (Jujo)

“Tokyo Gyoza Club” is a Neo-Izakaya inspired by the concept of an “eccentric Chinese restaurant in Chinatown overseas.”

The mysterious ambiance (in a good way) and delicious Chinese food make this place a hot spot, with rumors of it being fully booked almost every day. They use domestically sourced ingredients for their gyoza, which adds to their charm.

Enjoy cute panda, pig, and chick-themed Chinese buns and sip modern drinks while soaking in the nostalgic yet trendy atmosphere.

Neo-Izakayas with High Feminine Appeal in Their Name

Love Bar Meiko (Shibuya)

“Love Bar Meiko” in Shibuya is a kitsch bar with a pink theme, welcoming you with a mysterious neon sign featuring the character “Meiko.”

Designed to appeal completely to women, this bar mainly serves sweet alcoholic drinks.

If you look closely at the colorful drink glasses, you’ll find messages that seem to express Meiko’s love frustrations, such as:

“I changed when I met you. But you didn’t change when you met me.”
“They say there are as many men as stars, but I never meet them.”

For men, these words might be a little painful to hear! But don’t hesitate—go ahead and experience it for yourself! (laughs)

Sake to Nadeshiko Shichihenge (Hongo Sanchome)

Next, we have “Sake Tonade Shiko Shichihenka,” a Neo-Izakaya yakitori bar located in Hongo Sanchome.

The recommended highlight is the colorful “Nadeshiko Sour” served in the pink-walled restaurant, perfect for Instagram!

Rumor has it that if you post on Instagram with a tag, you can get a free highball or beer!

They also offer a “Nadeshiko Ladies’ Course” for women.

Don’t be intimidated, and come enjoy delicious yakitori and oden!

Neo-Izakayas Around Shibuya

Esujirou (Meiji-Jingumae)

“Esujirou” is a new type of Neo-Izakaya with a stylish, New York-inspired interior, run by Shingo Gokan, a world-renowned bartender with a history of winning international cocktail competitions.

Their lemon sours, for example, go beyond the standard, offering natural lemon sours and variations suited for fried foods and seafood. It’s a true professional’s service, pairing drinks with the perfect dishes.

Of course, the drinks aren’t the only focus—high-quality and delicious food is also a highlight here.

Sancha Nomiya Komaru (Sangenjaya)

“Komaru” is an izakaya located in Sangenjaya, where people of various age groups come together to enjoy a casual, popular izakaya atmosphere.

You can enjoy drinks and meals while sitting around a stylish counter.

This is a homey izakaya where everyone feels like family. The menu features comforting Japanese dishes such as sashimi and oden.

With a cash-on-delivery payment style, where cash is paid directly, the risk of overspending is avoided, which is a nice touch. The delicious food and drinks make it easy to keep ordering more.

Unique Named Neo-Taishu Izakaya

Eyeglasses and Craft at RUTTEN_ / BAR (Nakaokachimachi)

“Eyeglasses and Craft at RUTTEN_ / BAR” is a store run by blinc vase, a specialist eyewear shop in Aoyama.

In addition to delicious lemon sours that you can almost taste through the photos, eyeglasses and toys are also sold here. It’s fitting that such a store exists in the area that was once known for eyeglasses, watches, jewelry in Okachimachi and toys in Kuramae and Asakusabashi. It feels like Tokyo is returning to its roots, which is quite refreshing for Tokyoites.

You may want to go see the selection chosen with the owner’s discerning eye!

Old Town Neo-Taishu Izakaya

Jansou Ataru (Kitasenju)

“Jansou Ataru” is a Neo-Taishu Izakaya that has been renovated from a mahjong parlor.

The entrance looks like a typical mahjong parlor.

Upon opening the door and climbing the stairs, you’ll find the former mahjong parlor transformed into a stylish space.

The mahjong tables from the old days have been repurposed and serve as tables in the new design.

Not only is the atmosphere incredible, but the food is also exquisite! The menu is a hybrid, blending various international and stylish dishes.

Instagram-worthy glasses and colorful drinks are also available, allowing you to choose drinks that suit your meal or mood!

Be sure to experience the feeling of an adult’s secret hideaway.

Taishu Shokudo (dining hall) Yushima Hall (Yushima)

“Taishu Shokudo Yushima Hall” is a Neo-Taishu Izakaya and public dining hall with a Taiwanese flavor in Yushima.

Since it’s a diner, it opens from lunch hours. The brightly colored drinks and cutlery have an Asian touch.

The neon ‘Yu’ character and noren curtains almost make it look like a public bathhouse at first glance. The menus for both food and drinks are plastered across the walls, so it may be hard to choose!

As a public tavern, the prices are friendly to your wallet.

Summary

Above, we introduced some of the Neo-Izakayas in Tokyo. How do you feel about them?

Each one is unique, so whether you want to enjoy Instagrammable spots, meet new people, indulge in retro or stylish atmospheres, or savor delicious food… we hope you find something enjoyable!