Izakaya and sake specialists (they’re almost the same thing) are everywhere in Osaka. Spending an evening in an izakaya is one of the best ways to really experience this city – you’ll sample great food, meet the locals, and drink some fabulous sake or beer.
Akagakiya izakaya in Kyoto. – image © Florentyna Leow
There are quite literally thousands of izakaya in the city. You’ll find a high concentration of izakaya around every train station in town. They’re particularly abundant near Shin-Osaka Station, JR Osaka Station, Hankyu Umeda Station, Shinsaibashi Station and Tennoji Station. Here’s a list of our favorite izakaya in Osaka.
- Kikkoya (Downtown Kyoto; mid-range)
Eating out in Kyoto doesn’t have to be fancy, multi-course affairs all the time. We love obanzai places like Kikkoya in downtown Kyoto, which serve up homestyle cooking that’s heavy on the vegetables as well as flavour. - Suiba Shijo Kawaramachiten (Downtown Kyoto; budget to mid-range)
For a fun, inexpensive night out with friends, try a standing izakaya like Suiba in Shijo Kawaramachi. Good, cheap food and drink – what more could you ask for from dinner? - Jojo (Kyoto Station; mid-range)
A good casual izakaya (Japanese-style dining pub) within walking distance of Kyoto Station, Jojo is one of our favorite restaurants in the Kyoto Station area. - Renkon-ya (Downtown Kyoto; mid-range)
Centrally located, friendly, and serves delicious homestyle food – what’s not to like about Renkon-ya? This izakaya in downtown Kyoto near Sanjo Station is a cozy little restaurant that’s popular with the locals. - Akagakiya (Downtown Kyoto; mid-range)
If you’re into non-touristy dining, you’re in luck. Ultra-local Akagakiya near Sanjo serves up a slice of old-school Kyoto atmosphere along with its tasty izakaya classics.
Best Kyoto Restaurant Recommendations
- Best Restaurants In Kyoto
- Best Affordable Sushi in Kyoto
- Best Cafes in Kyoto
- Best Child-Friendly Restaurants in Kyoto
- Best Gyoza in Kyoto
- Best Izakaya in Kyoto
- Best Japanese Tea and Sweet Shops in Kyoto
- Best Kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) in Kyoto
- Best Kissaten in Kyoto
- Best Okonomiyaki in Kyoto
- Best Ramen in Kyoto
- Best Resutoran-gai in Kyoto
- Best Shojin Ryori (Japanese Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
- Best Shokudo (All Round Restaurants) in Kyoto
- Best Soba and Udon in Kyoto
- Best Sukiyaki in Kyoto
- Best Tempura in Kyoto
- Best Tofu Cuisine in Kyoto
- Best Tonkatsu in Kyoto
- Best Unagi in Kyoto
- Best Vegan and Vegetarian in Kyoto
- Best Yakitori in Kyoto
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
