News On Japan

Not Just for Salarymen! | Hidden Gem Snack Bar-Hopping in Shimbashi, Tokyo

Jul 08 (Japan by Food) - We are drinking again! Join us for another nighttime adventure, exploring some of Japan’s most unique and lesser-known traditions – snack bars, or "sunakku," a type of traditional bar, traditionally known as a watering hole favorite of Japanese salarymen.

These special places offer an intimate glimpse into a side of Japanese nightlife – one with a delightfully personal atmosphere that few get to experience – where the powerful, often female owners, are known as "mama."

In this episode, Shizuka takes us to a snack bar where the mama goes beyond the usual. She helps her clients find their perfect romantic match and can even foretell the future for those interested.

Then, she visits a warm, homey snack bar run by a strong-minded mama who often prepares homemade meals for her clients. This bar feels like stepping into a beloved relative's home, where the comfort of delicious food and heartfelt conversations create a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.

These authentic sunnaku are not just places to eat and drink; they are places of connection, culture, and sometimes even a bit of destiny. They are undoubtedly hidden nightlife gems and we hope this video offers a rare peek into the heartwarming and enchanting world of Japanese snack bars.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

Rain will affect many parts of Japan mainly through the morning on Tuesday, before clearer skies return in the afternoon. However, yellow sand blowing in from the Asian continent is expected to spread across a wide area after the rain, raising concerns over reduced visibility and worsening health conditions. Daytime temperatures will climb, with many areas in Kanto expected to reach 25C or higher.

Japan's weather agency and the Cabinet Office issued a 'Hokkaido-Sanriku Offshore Subsequent Earthquake Advisory' after an earthquake measuring upper 5 on Japan's seismic intensity scale struck off Sanriku.

JR East has launched a preview version of its new online Shinkansen booking platform, JRE GO, promising reservations in as little as one minute and easier handling of sudden schedule changes.

A bear that had remained in a residential area in central Sendai since early Sunday morning was euthanized last night in an emergency cull. No injuries were reported.

Police investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy whose body was found in a forest in Kyoto Prefecture believe his father moved the remains between several locations over a number of days in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Food NEWS

A bluefin tuna sold for 510.3 million yen at the year’s first auction in January at Toyosu Market in Tokyo’s Koto Ward has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the 'most expensive tuna sold at auction.'

In Izushi, a district of Toyooka in Hyogo Prefecture known for its soba culture, the annual Izushi Soba Eating Contest was held on April 19.

Japan byFood is challenging Shizuka to find the absolute best meals in Tokyo for under ¥1,000 (US$6)—in this economy, what kind of food can we get at that price? It’s time to see how far a single ¥1,000 note can go when you skip the fast food chain and eat the local-only cheap eats. (Japan by Food)

We were so lucky to find this Wagyu Hormone shop in Osaka during the cherry blossom festival and hanami season! (Japanese Food Craftsman)

As temperatures rise and early signs of summer begin to appear, chilled tofu is once again gaining attention, with silken varieties offering a lighter, vitamin-rich option while firm tofu provides higher protein and calcium for building strength.

A dense maze of narrow alleys packed with small eateries continues to define the area known as Ura-Tenma, located just north of JR Tenma Station, preserving the postwar legacy of a black market that once stood on the site.

Japan byFood was challenging Shizuka to ask taxi drivers in Tokyo for food recommendations! The result? SO many hidden food spots in Shibuya and Shinjuku beyond the tourist trap and definitely affordable – we even found a legendary ramen spot for only $7. (Japan by Food)

Japan tightened its "Business Manager" visa requirements in October 2025, prompting growing concern among foreign restaurant owners who fear the changes could force them out of business.