Karaoke Bar 'Snack'

What's snack bars?

Snack bars typically offer a relaxed, personalized experience, focusing on conversation, drinks, and light entertainment rather than food or extensive meals. Snack bars are often managed by a mama-san (a female owner or hostess), who serves drinks, engages in friendly conversation, and may even sing karaoke with the guests. In contrast to busy bars, snack bars are usually small, accommodating between 5 to 20 people, creating an intimate setting where patrons can enjoy personalized service and establish a rapport with the staff and other customers.

The term “snack bar” can be misleading as these establishments do not focus on serving snacks in the Western sense. Instead, drinks are the main offering, with snacks like nuts or small appetizers typically provided at no additional cost to complement the drinks.

Key Differences Between Snack Bars and Izakaya

1. Atmosphere and Purpose:
Izakayas are casual, social dining establishments that offer a variety of food and drinks and are suitable for groups of friends, family gatherings, or work outings. In an izakaya, food often plays an equal or even more significant role than drinks, with dishes like sashimi, tempura, and yakitori frequently ordered and shared. Snack bars, on the other hand, emphasize drinks and conversation over food, providing a quieter, more personal atmosphere focused on relaxation and connection with others.

2. Type of Service:
At izakayas, customers generally order from a menu, and service is less personalized. In contrast, the mama-san or bar hostess in a snack bar will often engage with each customer individually, creating a sense of familiarity. The mama-san will often take time to talk to patrons, share local stories, and sometimes sing karaoke or play games with customers. This one-on-one engagement fosters a sense of community and belonging, making snack bars ideal for those seeking a more personalized drinking experience.

3. Group Size and Seating Style:
Izakayas are designed to accommodate larger groups and feature varied seating options, from private rooms to communal tables. In snack bars, space is limited, often with bar seating only, which encourages a cozy and conversational environment among all present. The smaller setup allows customers to interact with one another more directly, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

4. Entertainment Options:
While izakayas do not generally focus on entertainment, many snack bars have karaoke machines and encourage customers to sing as part of the experience. Some snack bars may also offer simple games, like card or board games, and may even celebrate regular customers' birthdays and special occasions. The focus on customer interaction and entertainment makes snack bars a unique cultural experience.

Prices at Snack Bars

Snack bars typically charge based on time and/or a set charge system rather than solely on individual drink prices. Here are some of the typical costs associated with visiting a snack bar:

・Seating Charge:
Many snack bars charge a seating or cover fee, known as a table charge, which usually ranges from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person. This charge includes basic snacks (such as nuts or pickles) and sometimes the option to sing karaoke.
・Drink Prices:
Drinks at a snack bar are often priced slightly higher than at other bars or izakayas, with cocktails and beer ranging from ¥500 to ¥1,500 each. Premium options, such as whiskey or specialty cocktails, may be priced higher, and some snack bars also offer a “bottle keep” service. With this service, customers can purchase a bottle of liquor (often whiskey) and keep it stored at the bar with their name on it for future visits. Bottle prices typically range from ¥5,000 to ¥15,000 depending on the brand and quality.
・Time-Based Charges:
Some snack bars have a time-based system where customers are charged a flat fee for a set amount of time (e.g., 90 minutes or two hours). This time-based charge can range from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 per person, depending on the bar's location and exclusivity. This system allows for unlimited drinks within the allotted time, though it’s important to check the details as some bars restrict this to specific drink options.
・Additional Charges for Karaoke:
While many snack bars include karaoke in the seating charge, some may charge a nominal fee for each song or require a tip for the mama-san to sing with you. The karaoke fee is usually inexpensive, ranging from ¥100 to ¥500 per song.
・Snack and Light Food Options:
Although food is not the focus, some snack bars offer a limited menu of light snacks or appetizers, such as edamame, fried chicken, or small portions of sashimi. These items are typically priced between ¥300 and ¥1,000 and are designed to complement the drinks rather than serve as a full meal.

Tips for Visiting a Snack Bar

(1) Be Polite and Engaging:
Interaction with the mama-san and other patrons is an important part of the snack bar experience. Greeting the staff warmly and being open to conversation will help you enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
(2) Follow Drinking Etiquette:
Japanese culture has customs regarding pouring drinks for others, especially in a setting like a snack bar. It’s polite to pour drinks for others at your table and wait for them to reciprocate rather than pouring for yourself first.
(3) Enjoy the Karaoke Experience:
Karaoke is often a big part of the entertainment at snack bars, and singing is encouraged regardless of your skill level. It’s an opportunity to have fun and share a part of Japanese nightlife culture.
(4) Plan for Spending:
While visiting a snack bar can be a memorable experience, it’s worth planning your budget ahead of time, as the charges can add up between the table fee, drinks, and any karaoke costs. A typical visit for an hour or two with a couple of drinks may cost between ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 per person, depending on the location and popularity of the bar.


In summary, Japanese snack bars offer a unique and personalized nightlife experience distinct from the bustling, casual atmosphere of izakayas. With their intimate settings, friendly staff, and karaoke entertainment, snack bars provide a welcoming environment for anyone looking to relax, socialize, and enjoy Japanese hospitality. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after a busy day or to meet locals in a relaxed, friendly setting, Japan’s snack bars offer a memorable way to experience Japanese nightlife and culture.