Kamakura — Restaurant in Aomori

Tried to have dinner in this izakaya. We were turned down two nights in a row. There were empty tables yet the chef and the lady rejected us. The first night, we were told they were already closed. Just as we were leaving, a Japanese lady walked in, and she had a seat. Tonight, we tried again. The lady spoke to us in Japanese but we couldn’t understand. The chef at first said nodded his head and pointed to a table. But the lady spoke to the chef in Japanese, and the chef suddenly decided that the empty tables were reserved. I read the review that this izakaya only accepts Japanese people and no foreigners. There’s a sign at the door stating JAPANESE ONLY. I thought they only speak Japanese. So I screenshot all the food I wanted to order. We didn’t have a chance to have a seat in this izakaya. This is our first time experiencing this treatment from Japanese, which are always polite and welcoming.

So if you are a non Japanese, don’t bother to have dinner...

I visited this izakaya a few years ago. It is run by only two people, including the chef, and they have a pretty unique help-yourself style system. You write your order on a memo and hand it to the staff. When you order beer, you pour your own at the beer server.

When you leave, you return all your plates to a designated spot and clean your table. Also, they don’t allow solo diners - you must come in a group of 2 to 8 people.

They tried to explain this system to non-Japanese speakers before, but it never worked. So now, they only accept...

This restaurant is remarkable for one thing and that is Japanese racism. It is quite funny that the board out the front says “ Japanese people only” I have no doubt that is illegal in Japan ( or maybe not?) Despite removing shoes at the entrance, the owner? Said only Japanese speakers, he quite clearly said, in English - “can you write in Japanese?” Please dont waste your time or give them your money- leave all of the delicious food and amazing comments for those that don’t...