The 10 Best Izakaya You Must Visit in Kyoto

Kyoto is counted among the top three locations for Japanese sake next to Hyogo and Nigata. This is partially due to the abundant water available underground. Because of this, many of the izakaya in Kyoto offers an extremely unique experience. In addition, the food of Kyoto is simply beautiful. This makes for the perfect combination certainly worth exploring. In addition, this means there are many shops that offer sake for an exceptional price! Let us share with you the best of the best in Kyoto!

1． Fushimi Sakagura Koji

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In the Southern of Kyoto City is where sake is produced. Even today there are many sake producers here such as Kizakura and Gekkeikan can be found here. If you are interested in Japanese sake you may be interested in a tour of a brewery or through museums found here. However, we are sure you must be most interested in testing the sake available.

Fushimi Sagura Koji is where your dream collection to taste and enjoy is made available. At the counter you can find a counter with 17 varieties of sake available from the local breweries. You may also enjoy a set called “Kissui”that allows you to taste the different varieties available. You will receive 50 ml of each to taste. The variety of food available is wonderful! This is a spot we can highly recommend for all sake lovers and those who would like to receive the full sake experience.

2． Torisei

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One of the first places you will likely hear mentioned when you mention Japanese sake in Fushimi is “Torisei”. They have been around for over 300 years and have the shop with the perfect atmosphere to enjoy your sake and yakitori.

Here you can enjoy unprocessed sake or new sake only available in the winter. Come enjoy specialty sake and yakitori made with special sake sauce. The yakitori here is plentiful in variety so you can also fill up on food alone. You may have to wait to be seated on holidays, however it is worth it if you are a sake lover.

3． Kyogoku Stand

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The following shop is located on a very popular shopping street in Kyoto. There you will find this unique shop that began in the beginning of the Showa period. When you enter the shop you will find a retro atmosphere that has been preserved.

You will find cuisine available from Japanese and Western styles at reasonable prices that you can enjoy during the day or at night. They also have an English menu and are very popular among foreigners as well. Why not enjoy a drink while you enjoy shopping!

4． Onikai

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The main ingredient for the cuisine made here is local vegetables known as “Kyoyasai”. Here you can enjoy many different types of dishes that allow you to enjoy the wonderful flavor offered by Kyoto vegetables such as tempura and other items.

You will not only be able to enjoy the local vegetables but also meat dishes. Here you can find something for the vegetarian and the meat-lover. The cocktails also use the local vegetables making them also healthy. If you are on vacation and think you may not be getting enough vegetables, this is the place to come!

5． Akagakiya

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If you want to visit a traditional izakaya of Kyoto, Akagiya is where you must go. They were opened in 1934 and have remained a representative of Kyoto izakaya for all these years. When you enter there is no background music and everyone enjoys their sake in quiet. You may be surprised to not find the prices on the menu but they are not that high.

Tighten mackerel, duck loin, oden and other specially seasoned dishes are among the cuisine available here. These will help you to realize why becoming an adult is so amazing. This is not the place to come and be loud with your friends. However, if you wish to relax in a laid back environment as you enjoy your sake this is the place to be! We can also recommend visiting as here as a couple.

 
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6． Yuki Gion shop

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Yuki is a direct seller of the sake producer “Okamura Honke” in Shiga Prefecture. As this shop is a direct seller you will only find varieties produced by Okamura Honke such as Kinkame and Taisei. However, directly sold sake also means that you can get it at unbeatable prices.

Among the dishes served here there are many types of fish available that you will certainly have difficulty choosing! No wonder it is always so popular. However, if you come just after it opens you will have no problem getting in so visit in the early evening for the most enjoyable of experiences.

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7． Manzara Donguribashi

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One of the sights common to Kyoto summers are the “Kamogawa Patios”. Here you can enjoy an elegant dinner and drink over the river. Generally this style is thought to be expensive. However, at “Manzara” you can enjoy this same atmosphere but in izakaya style!

“Mazara”is originally an izakaya that became famous for remaking traditional Kyoto homes into izakaya. This is why their menu is the unique combination of izakaya regulars and Kyoto cuisine. In addition, you are able to choose your favorite fresh fish from the showcase. Here you can enjoy the best of Kyoto cuisine with your drink. Come enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine!

8． Kemuri

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The title of this restaurant can be directly translated to “smoke”. This izakaya lives up to its name in the seasoning of the cuisine it serves by allowing you to enjoy the fresh ingredients they serve with a smoking seasoning. The smoked chips are seasoned with hickory are only beyond delicious.

Here you can enjoy food produced uniquely in Kyoto such as yuba and namafu. Having these smoked to enjoy is a wonderful experience you will want to try! Of course, they also offer sake and wine to go with the smoked cuisine and the atmosphere of the shop is something else you must experience. We can recommend this shop for a date or a wonderful evening after a full day of sightseeing.

9． Izakaya Anji

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If you wonder where people native to Kyoto go drinking regularly, Anji is the place. The fresh fish they serve is brought in fresh each day and can be seen alongside other dishes unique to Kyoto. There are also other many more dishes providing for a wide variety in the menu offered here.

The drink menu is also well done as they offer drinks with whole fruits in it as well. The prices are also quite reasonable so you can fully enjoy your time here. You may come alone but why not invite friends to join you for this wonderful experience? We can guarantee you will enjoy you time here!

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10． Kyoto Gogyo

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After a few drinks ramen is in order correct? Ramen is loved by Japanese and foreigners alike. Here at Kyoto Gogyo you can enjoy Hakata ramen after you drinks and other finger foods.

Many different non-ramen dishes, shoyu ramen, and tsukemen are offered here. You can get all you need here or use it as your second shop of the night. The shop is a redone traditional Kyoto home great for enjoying the interior. Why not enjoy the ramen here after a few drinks? Surely you will be satisfied!

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Come Enjoy the Izakaya of Kyoto!

What did you think of the variety of izakaya available in Kyoto? You can enjoy Japanese sake only found here as well as other cuisine unique to Kyoto. Every shop is unique in its own way so be sure to try more than one for a more complete experience! Take time to come to Kyoto! Take time to visit a few! You are sure to find the shop that will become the place to brag about to friends.