Tachinomiya

The NY Times looks at a trend in ’standing room only’ bars in Tokyo as tachinomiya. Their popularity, the article suggests, is fueled by low prices and the opportunities they offer many young, shy Japanese to mix and mingle with whoever is standing next to them.

Generally found close to Tokyo’s major commuter rail stations and open from 4 to 11 p.m., tachinomiya are ideal for an end-of-the-day stop. A visitor can sip a glass of imported wine, nibble on tapas and rub shoulders at the bar. Many of the tachinomiya are literally holes in the wall. But some, like Gohiikini, have Web sites with maps that can be printed out for an evening of hashigo or bar hopping.

Tokyo Bars With Standing Room Only - New York Times: