Not just for the chronically depressed anymore!
by Patrick Rial
Admittedly, there are many facets of Japanese culture to explore, both high and low. One thing that many of us JETs have probably had little access to is standing room only bars. These are called Tachinomiya (�������݉�), literally, standing drinking shop.
For the most part these places are no bigger than you average coffin and contain no seats. Most of them dispense with all such frills as chairs, food and liquor. Instead you will be offered up a relatively sparse menu of hot or cold sake, beer and shochu. Some of the glitzier establishments may have a few more options, but that is basically it. So what do you get in exchange for these spartan choices? The answer: cheap booze. Tachinomiyas are also one of the few places in Japan where you should be completely comfortable going by yourself. Since most of them can probably only hold about 10 people, it is not customary for a group to go there, but rather those out on their own for a drink. So, if you are willing to try to communicate in your mangled, pidgin Japanese, here is your perfect chance.
Tachinomiyas are found near almost every train station, you just need to know where to look. There will never be any English signs, so look for the first kanji, �gta�h - ��, on a sign outside, this will send you in the right direction.
Undoubtedly the most famous Tachinomiyas are located in the Golden Gai area of Shinjuku. If you have never been, it is certainly worth a trip. You can rub elbows with some of those illustrious Salarymen that you have heard so much about. Golden Gai probably has 30 or 40 such spots crammed down some of the tiniest back alleys that you will ever see. Happy hunting and don�ft forget to tip one for the homies.