6 Must-Visit Izakayas in Tokyo

Far from the neon glare of Shibuya’s scramble crossing and the bustle of Ginza lie Tokyo’s best-kept secrets: tiny, welcoming izakayas tucked into narrow lanes. These neighbourhood pubs are where locals unwind over charcoal-grilled skewers, fresh sashimi and an endless flow of sake.

Whether you’re craving the speedy service of Morimoto’s yakitori or the centuries-old calm of Shinsuke’s sake bar, venturing off the beaten path will reward you with authentic flavours, friendly banter and memories of Tokyo you won’t find in any guidebook. So, without further ado, here are 6 must-visit izakayas for your next trip to Tokyo!

Also read: Souvenirs to Buy in Tokyo: Sweet Snacks Worth Bringing Home From Japan

1. Morimoto, Shibuya

Address: Hamanokami building 1F, 2-7-4, Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3464-5233

With a very limited number of seats, Morimoto is a fast paced yakitori restaurant that highly discourages its customers to linger around. Hidden away in the north side of Shibuya Station, Morimoto has been serving customers for over 40 years and delighting them with Mr Morimoto’s famous chicken skewers.

2. Uoshin Nogizaka, Akasaka

Address: Minato, Akasaka, 9−6−32
Phone: +81 3-3405-0411

If you’ve travelled to Japan on a quest to find some fresh seafood, add Uoshin to your must-go list. This restaurant is a small chain of seafood izakayas owned by a major seafood wholesaler that provides seafood straight out of world-renowned Tsukiji market. Reviewers have commented that the price of the final bill never ceases to amaze its customers, considering the quality of the fish coupled with adequate sake. With great customer service and great food, the restaurant tends to get busy, so don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand.

3. Shinsuke, Ueno

Address: Yushima 3315 Bldg., 3-31-5 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Located in the southwest corner of the Ueno pond and below the Yushima Tenjin Shrine stands izakaya Shinsuke. Respected for its long presence since 1924, it is considered one of Tokyo’s most influential izakayas. This establishment has been handed down four generations by the same family and seven generations of sake retailers before that. Unlike some of the fast-paced izakayas, Shinsuke has managed to retain its calm, unhurried nature. Similarly, the sake has not evolved since the sake retailers owned this izakaya. The sake choices are limited, but they come from the finest ingredients in the Ryozeki brewery located in the north Akita Prefecture. Don’t forget to try their house special, iwashino ganseki, (translated into deep-fried sardine “rocks”) as well as the gomoku ohitashi (five kinds of lightly cooked vegetables).

4. Akaoni, Sangenjaya

Address: 2-15-3 Sangenjaya, Setagaya, Tokyo 154-0024
Phone: +81 3-3410-9918

Famous for serving over 100 types of sake, Akaoni is rumored to be one of the best nihonshu-focused izakayas in Tokyo. Despite serving a large variety of sake, Akaoni manages to maintain its high standard. Their sake are produced in smaller local breweries. It is advisable to make a reservation before coming as this allows you to pre-order some high-grade sashimi straight from the market, plus it doesn’t hurt to secure yourself a seat in this widely popular restaurant.

5. 35 Steps Bistro

Address: 1-1 Maruyamacho, B1F, Shibuya City Hotel, Shibuya, 150-0044
Phone: +(81) 3-3770-9835

As the name suggests, 35 Steps Bistro is located 35 steps underground and is rated one of the friendliest izakayas in Tokyo. The large kitchen counter allows customers to interact with the chefs while watching their food being prepared. Many visitors praise this izakaya’s wide array of options available, ranging from traditional sashimi to the creative curly fries topped with mentaiko.

6. Gonpachi, Nishiasazabu

Address: 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato 106-0031, Tokyo Prefecture
Phone: +81 3-5771-0170

It’s not every day that you get to enjoy a Japanese meal on the set of an original Quentin Tarantino film! Gonpachi is often visited by foreigners as this izakaya was featured in several Hollywood films, including the famous martial arts action film, Kill Bill. Customers often compare the numerous platters served to the Spanish tapas. Although Gonpachi is considered to be on the luxuriant side, reviewers have commented that the restaurant qualifies as value-for-money.

Cheers to Your Next Tokyo Crawl

From the intimate counter at 35 Steps Bistro to the cinematic setting of Gonpachi, each izakaya invites you to slow down, mingle with strangers-turned-friends, and toast to the simple joys of great food and drink. So slip into your comfiest shoes, follow the paper lanterns into Tokyo’s backstreets, and let your taste buds lead the way. Oh, and always keep an open mind and be prepared to approach an izakaya with an empty stomach! Your perfect pint (and plate) awaits. Kanpai!

Also read: 10 Fun Things to Do in Tokyo for First Time Travellers