20 Izakaya in Kyoto's Kawaramachi! Enjoy great drinks and amazing food like yakitori and Hot Pot

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About a 6-minute walk from Shijo Station, KANEGURA is an izakaya housed in a renovated kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse), and people also love its look full of Japanese charm.

In a calm space, you can enjoy Hot Pot made with high quality Wagyu and creative meat dishes. The counter seats are popular because you can watch the chefs at work up close.

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The signature "niku-nabe (meat Hot Pot)" is served in a style where you enjoy it together with bean sprouts and onions soaked in the savory warishita broth.

The sweet and savory sauce mixes with the fat of the meat for a flavor that makes it hard to stop eating white rice. The tenderness of the Premium meat and the texture of the vegetables are a perfect match, making this a great dish to enjoy all the way to the final bite.

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The "100% Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black Wagyu) Hamburger Steak" is a dish finished rare at the center, bringing out the meat's natural flavor.

It is plump and juicy, and when you cut into it with a knife, the juices spill out. It pairs perfectly with wine and is a signature menu item you should definitely try when you visit.

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Ishiyaki Jidori Torikura is a 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line. This jidori (premium free-range chicken) specialty restaurant sits in central Kyoto, yet its calm atmosphere is part of the appeal.

You can choose from counter or table seating to suit the occasion, and enjoy an interactive style where you grill the food yourself.

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The signature "Ishiyaki no 5-shu assortment" is a luxurious dish of Daisen Jidori grilled on stones that give off far-infrared heat.

You can enjoy the different flavors and textures of each cut at your own pace. Along with the savory aroma, the rich flavor of the jidori chicken spreads with every bite, making it especially good.

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The jidori (free-range chicken) dishes pair perfectly with Japanese sake, and the lineup shows great taste in labels.

The tasting set lets you enjoy the deep range of flavors that come from differences in sake rice. The drink menu also includes options that will satisfy beer lovers, such as the creamy-foam "The Premium Malt's."

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A seafood izakaya just a 3-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, where you can enjoy fresh seafood sourced from markets in Kyoto.

The calm interior with its wood-toned design has table seating on the first floor, while the second floor offers Sunken kotatsu seating and can also accommodate Banquets. The space feels clean and is perfect for meals or drinks with friends.

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The signature dish, "kaki no kankan-yaki (steamed oysters in a can)," is a beach-style dish where oysters are boldly steamed in an itto can.

The shell-on oysters are packed with flavor, plump, and juicy. They open up with a Fresh Scent of the Ocean and a rich taste, and are said to pair perfectly with Japanese sake.

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The popular "otsukuri assortment" features thick cut seafood delivered directly from the fishing port.

Sea Bream, salmon, and seasonal white fish are piled on generously, and some guests say they were impressed by the freshness. It also looks beautiful, making it a dish you will want to enjoy with Japanese sake.

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"Kushiyaki Manten" is a popular kushiyaki (grilled skewer) restaurant in the heart of Kyoto Shijo, just a 1-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line.

The open interior with its high ceiling has a warm wood-grain look and the lively feel of an izakaya (Japanese pub). You can order on your smartphone, making it a great fit for meals with friends or casual drinking parties.

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The popular yasai-maki-kushi (vegetable wrapped skewers) are the signature menu item, made by wrapping fresh vegetables in meat and grilling them over charcoal.

The juicy flavor of the meat blends perfectly with the sweetness of the vegetables, and the savory aroma really whets the appetite. They also look beautiful on the plate and are popular with health conscious diners.

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Another appealing point is the wide variety of drinks, including frozen fruit sours.

The chuhai (shochu highball) packed with chunks of frozen fruit looks cute and has a refreshing taste, and it also pairs well with the grilled skewers.

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A 5-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. This is an izakaya where you can enjoy a wide range of dishes, from robatayaki (fireside grilling) and freshly caught seafood from the morning catch to small plates.

The playful touches, including the Showa retro interior and chopstick sleeves with omikuji (paper fortunes), are a big hit. There are also counter seats and Sunken kotatsu seating, making it a great fit for drinking parties with friends.

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The signature menu item, "mentai tororo motsu-nabe (spicy cod roe and grated yam offal Hot Pot)," has an amazing balance of the rich flavor of mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and the mellow taste of tororo (grated yam).

The soy sauce based soup is filled with plump motsu (offal) and plenty of vegetables, and it is finished by pouring mentai tororo over the top. This slightly spicy, rich dish has a flavor you will want again and again.

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The All you can drink menu is also extensive, with a wide variety including unique sours and ginger highballs.

They pair well with kushiyaki (grilled skewers) and dashimaki (Japanese rolled omelet), and every dish has a flavor that goes great with drinks. People say you can enjoy a fun time here along with the retro atmosphere.

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Sumiro Man is a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line. This izakaya is set in a renovated 90-year-old kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse).

The interior blends Showa-era charm with modern design, creating a retro and stylish feel. In this atmospheric space, you can casually enjoy robata-yaki (fireside grilling) and drinks.

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The popular Kujo-negi (Kujo green onion) sukiyaki is a great match of plenty of Kujo-negi and tender beef.

The sweetness of the green onion melts into the sweet and savory warishita (sukiyaki broth), creating a great flavor. It is said to be easy to order in a single-serving size, and people say they enjoy it all the way to the final course.

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The popular “namafu (wheat gluten) dengaku with white miso and crispy soy sauce” pairs chewy namafu with white miso and fragrant soy sauce. It also looks bright and pretty, making it perfect as a snack to go with drinks.

Among the Kyoto-style obanzai (home-style side dishes) and robata (fireside-grilled dishes) on offer, this is one item that is especially popular with many guests.

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About a 10-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. A buri (yellowtail) specialty restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made with "Buri-o (Buri King)" from Kagoshima Prefecture.

The clean interior with a Japanese modern feel is centered around counter seating, making it a good pick for dates and special occasions. In the relaxed atmosphere, you can also stop by like an izakaya and enjoy seasonal buri with drinks.

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The signature menu item, "buri-shabu (yellowtail shabu-shabu)," is a luxurious dish made with "hyojuku buri (ice-aged yellowtail)," which brings out the fish's umami through aging at near-freezing temperatures.

When you quickly dip the rich, fatty slices into the hot water, the savory flavor and gentle sweetness seem to spread nicely. Served in an individual Hot Pot style, it lets you take your time and enjoy buri's refined taste.

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The "Hyojuku buri (ice aged yellowtail) sashimi 5-part tasting" is a popular menu item that lets you enjoy the differences in texture and fat from one cut to another.

You can try small portions of toro and Nakaochi, and it comes with careful explanations, making it a great match for Japanese sake and white wine. It is known as a dish that lets you discover a new side of buri.

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Kyo-gamo to sake Kamogura, a 2-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, is an izakaya with a cozy space lit by calm lighting and the warmth of wood.

At the counter, skilled chefs cook with quick, smooth movements, while at the tables and Semi-private rooms, you can relax and enjoy your meal. This Kyoto-style spot is also a great choice for dates.

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The specialty item, "Kyo-gamo (Kyoto duck) shabu-shabu," is a popular menu item that lets you enjoy the rich flavor of Kyo-gamo and the sweetness of its fat.

The tender duck meat has no off notes, and they say this dish lets you fully enjoy the appeal of duck.

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The drinks selection is extensive, with beer, Japanese sake, Domestic wines, and more, and you can enjoy them with dishes that bring out the rich flavor of the high quality duck.

The wide ranging menu is another draw, with items like duck carpaccio, dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet), and seasonal hamo (pike conger) dishes that blend Kyoto style with Italian elements.

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Just a 1-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, Katsugyo Izakaya Marufuku is a hidden seafood izakaya tucked away in a back alley near the Kamo-gawa (Kamo River), with glowing lanterns out front.

There is a fish tank inside, and they serve fresh live seafood on the spot. In a calm space that blends Japanese charm with lively energy, you can fully enjoy the bounty of the sea.

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The "Honjitsu no Otsukuri assortment" is a luxurious plate with an assortment of seasonal fish.

Sea Bream, tuna, horse mackerel, hamo (pike conger), and other seafood make up this varied selection, and every rich, fatty slice is said to taste great. You can enjoy the just-prepared freshness and full umami.

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The signature “Flaming Hirezake,” made by steeping toasted fugu (pufferfish) fins in hot sake.

The owner lights it right in front of you, creating a dramatic performance. The toasty aroma and deep flavor are captivating. It also pairs perfectly with fugu dishes.

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Kyo no Jidoriya Akira is a 4-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. This izakaya on Gokomachi-dori, just steps from Nishiki Market, serves chicken dishes and oden (Japanese stew).

The calm space, filled with the warmth of wood, is popular for how comfortable it feels. You can take your time and enjoy flavors that feel very Kyoto-like along with local Japanese sake.

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The specialty "tsukune (chicken meatball skewer)" is a luxurious dish you can enjoy with both grated daikon radish and egg yolk.

The juicy flavor of the chicken, grilled until plump and tender, pairs perfectly with the rich, mellow egg yolk. The other yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) are also cooked with great care, and people say you really can’t go wrong no matter what you order.

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The "Kyo-fu oden (Kyoto-style oden)," finished with a light chicken paitan broth, is also a popular menu item.

The gently flavored broth-soaked daikon radish and aka-konnyaku (red konjac) go perfectly with Japanese sake. This comforting Kyoto-style dish is said to have many repeat customers.

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Waraiya, a yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) izakaya, is a 3-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. It is a house-style yakitori izakaya tucked away in a corner of a residential area.

Its stylish interior and calm atmosphere are part of its appeal, and people use it for all kinds of occasions, from group gatherings to solo drinks.

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The yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), carefully grilled over binchotan (high-grade charcoal), is well known, and the signature tsukune (chicken meatball skewer) lets you enjoy the toasty aroma of charcoal and a plump, juicy texture.

It is also said to be grilled to perfection, bringing out the full flavor of the chicken. It is a standard menu item with many repeat customers.

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The signature dashimaki (Japanese rolled omelet) gets its key flavor from the house-made dashi made with chicken soup prepared fresh every day.

Its soft, airy texture and the savory taste that slowly spreads are outstanding, making you want another sip of your drink. Even the half size is a very satisfying plate, and it is a dish you should definitely try when you visit.

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Just a 3-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. Monakado, a hidden izakaya tucked away on the second floor in a back alley.

Wrapped in the warmth of wood and orange lighting, the interior draws a lively crowd, mainly younger guests, and is popular as a stylish and comfortable space.

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The signature “Chicken Nanban” is a dish topped with plenty of house-made tartar sauce.

The chicken is crisp on the outside and juicy inside, coated in a sauce with just the right tang that goes great with drinks. It is also quite filling, making it one item you will definitely want to order when you visit.

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"Nagaimo (Japanese yam) French fries" are a popular dish with a unique texture that combines a fluffy bite with a nice crunch and keeps you coming back for more.

The light batter and the gentle sweetness of the nagaimo are a great match, and they pair perfectly with beer or cocktails. It is a dish that will make you want to order another serving.

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A 5-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. This popular sumibi kushiyaki (charcoal-grilled skewers) restaurant stands out with its Kyoto-style exterior.

It has counter seats, Sunken kotatsu seating, and Semi-private room seating, so you can relax even in the lively atmosphere. This is an izakaya (Japanese pub) filled with the savory aroma of charcoal, and reservations are a must.

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The “Wakadori Kushi Omakase five-skewer assortment” is a popular menu item, grilled over charcoal for a nice smoky aroma.

You can enjoy a range of cuts, including ume shiso and bonjiri (tail), as well as soriresu (oyster cut), a rare part. It is best to order the rare cuts early, and their appeal lies in the juicy taste brought out by the spot-on grilling.

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The tsukune-kushi (chicken meatball skewer) is also a recommended menu item. It is nicely browned on the outside and plump and juicy inside, and when you mix it with egg yolk, it adds a mild richness that pairs well with drinks.

Grilled vegetables such as Awaji-grown onions are also popular, and they also offer a full lineup of à la carte dishes.

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A 2-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, Tototoriya is a popular izakaya set in a charming renovated Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse).

Located at the back of an alley, the flames and aromas rising from the open kitchen whet your appetite. This is a grown-up hideaway centered on seafood and chicken dishes, with a wide selection of Japanese sake as well.

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The signature menu item, "warayaki (straw-fire grilling)," is a specialty dish seared fragrantly over bold flames.

The gentle aroma of straw settles into seafood such as bonito, and the more you chew, the more flavor spreads. Another reason for its popularity is that you can enjoy the live cooking atmosphere from across the counter.

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The signature “potesara (potato salad),” finished on a Teppan-yaki grill, is a perfect match for beer and Japanese sake.

With the fragrant aroma of stir-fried potatoes and a creamy texture, this dish has a flavor that keeps you coming back for more and has won many fans.

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A 3-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station. Gion Katanaya is an izakaya like a yakitori kappo (Japanese-style fine dining) restaurant, set in a renovated kyo-machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) on a stone-paved alley.

The interior is a calm space that blends Japanese charm with modern style. On the first floor, there is counter seating where you can watch the chefs at work up close, and on the second floor, there are Private room seats.

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The "OMAKASE Course" features five kinds of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) cooked over charcoal, along with seasonal vegetables.

The yakitori, grilled with far infrared heat to lock in the flavor, is juicy and fragrant, with perfect doneness. You can fully enjoy the top quality taste, where the aroma of the charcoal and the rich flavor of the meat come together.

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The "chawanmushi (savory egg custard)" in the course is a dish made with seasonal ingredients such as yurine (lily bulb), crab meat, and mozzarella cheese.

The gentle dashi broth and rich sauce blend together for a new kind of great taste with Italian touches. It pairs well with Special wine and brings out the whole meal.

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A 10-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station, Yakitori Kamameshi Iroha Karuta Kiyamachi Honten is an izakaya serving Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine) and obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).

You can relax and enjoy your meal in Semi-private room spaces with curtains, featuring Sunken kotatsu seating. With its warm atmosphere, the restaurant is popular with both tourists and locals.

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Their signature kamameshi (rice cooked in an iron pot) is prepared right at the table. They take pride in the fragrant crispy rice at the bottom and the plump rice, and the aroma right after it is cooked is said to be especially good.

They offer a wide variety, including chicken, eel, and amadai (tilefish), and its comforting flavor is popular, but it takes time to cook, so ordering early is recommended.

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There is a wide range of drinks, including Japanese sake tasting flights, sours, and cocktails, and if you enjoy them with Kyoto-style dishes such as Kyo-namafu dengaku (grilled Kyoto wheat gluten with miso) and obanzai (Kyoto home-style side dishes), it makes the time feel even more Special.

The non-alcoholic menu is also extensive, and it has a good reputation as a place where even people who do not drink alcohol can enjoy themselves.

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Motsu Nabe・Sukiyaki Isshin is a 5-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. Standing along Kiyamachi-dori, it is a specialist restaurant for motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot) and sukiyaki.

It also offers a wide range of appetizer dishes that pair well with alcohol, making it perfect for drinking parties and meals. The calm Japanese-style space works well for groups of all sizes, from small to large.

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The "Kuroge Wagyu no Kiwami Sukiyaki" is this restaurant's signature dish, made generously with large slices of Wagyu.

The sweet and savory warishita sauce brings out the good flavors of the vegetables and meat, for a rich yet refined taste. It also pairs perfectly with drinks, and if you're lucky, you may also find "Basashi Reba (horse liver sashimi)" shipped directly from Kumamoto.

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"motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot)" is a popular menu item available in three choices: soy sauce, miso, and salt.

The plump motsu and gentle dashi broth are a great match, and you can even enjoy champon noodles or zosui rice porridge To finish. The sweetness of the fat blends with the flavor of the vegetables, making this warm bowl a great match for drinks.

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An 8-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station. This seafood restaurant stands quietly in an alley off Rokkaku-dori, with a Kyoto-style hideaway feel.

You can spend a quiet and relaxed time while looking out at the lit-up inner garden. There are counter seats and Private room seating, making it a good choice for many occasions, from dates to business meals.

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The signature jukusei sashimi (aged sashimi) is a standout dish prepared in a way that brings out the fish’s flavor to the fullest.

It has a rich, sticky texture and deep sweetness, and you can enjoy daily selections such as buri (yellowtail), sawara (Spanish mackerel), and tachiuo (cutlassfish). The flavor-packed sashimi pairs perfectly with Japanese sake.

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The popular Japanese sake “AKABU” stands out for its fruity flavor and clean finish.

It pairs well with aged sashimi, layering umami in your mouth. The lineup of dishes to go with drinks is also extensive, including aburi karasumi (lightly seared dried mullet roe) and obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking), so you can take your time and enjoy them.

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Kiyamachi Dojo Kyoto Kawaramachi Honten is in a great location, just a 2-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station.

With Japanese modern Private room options and spacious table seating, the bright and spotless interior is popular with a wide range of guests. This izakaya (Japanese pub) is well known for its high quality All you can eat and drink options.

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The house specialty, “Gyutoro Bancho,” is a meat sushi dish topped with a bold assortment of roast beef.

The mountain-like presentation makes a huge impact, and the balance of the slightly sweet sauce and vinegared rice is just right. It’s a dish that stands out for both looks and flavor.

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Tebasaki (chicken wings) is a popular menu item, and you can choose your preferred seasoning, such as salt and pepper or curry flavor.

Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it goes perfectly with beer. It is so good you will want to dig in while it is still piping hot, and it is said to have many repeat customers.

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"Sake to Niku Tempura Shoten" is a 1-minute walk from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station. This izakaya (Japanese pub) stands along Pontocho-dori (Pontocho Street) and has a modern Japanese feel.

Inside, the lively space is set off by shamisen (three-stringed Japanese lute) background music and the glow of chochin (paper lanterns). Surrounded by stylish Japanese decor, you can enjoy food and drinks.

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The signature menu item, "niku tempura (meat tempura)," is a standout dish made by deep-frying cuts like Strip loin and Mountain chain tripe in a crisp, light batter.

It pairs perfectly with the house spicy sauce and yuzu salt, bringing out the juicy flavor of the meat. Its drink-friendly taste has earned it a reputation for being so good you can keep eating skewer after skewer.

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They also offer a full drink menu with items that feel very Kyoto-like, including beer and cocktails made with matcha (green tea powder).

Bright and eye-catching in appearance and easy to drink, the "matcha beer" is said to go down smoothly even for people who do not usually like beer, and it is popular with many guests as well.