Head to the izakaya around Ueno Station, full of downtown charm! 20 popular spots you can drop by casually

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This yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) restaurant is in a quiet area, about a 3-minute walk from the Iriya Exit of JR Ueno Station.

It also has counter seats where you can watch the yakitori being prepared, so you can enjoy your meal with a real live feel. It is also equipped with horigotatsu-style Sunken kotatsu seating.

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The owner, who trained at a well-known restaurant, grills juicy yakitori over bincho-tan (high-grade Japanese charcoal) and firewood.

They use different chicken brands for different cuts, including Suigo Akadori and Date-dori. They also seem to have a wide selection of drinks that pair well with Yakiniku, making it a great spot for an izakaya-style visit too.

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The menu centers on courses. For those who want to enjoy not only yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) but also a la carte dishes, the "Irodori Tori Course" comes recommended.

Creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients are served between the yakitori, so you can enjoy the meal all the way through without getting tired of it.

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This is a shellfish specialty izakaya themed around pairing a wide variety of shellfish dishes with Japanese sake. It is a 5-minute walk from the Central Exit of JR Ueno Station.

In addition to counter and table seating, it also has Private room seating, so it is also recommended when you want to relax and spend time in a private space.

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You can enjoy more than 20 kinds of shellfish dishes, from classics like sazae (turban shell) and hamaguri (hard clam) to rarer options, each prepared to bring out the full flavor of the ingredients.

The head chef personally selects the shellfish at Tsukiji Market, and after you order, they take them from the fish tank and prepare them. People say the freshness is excellent and the texture is great.

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They offer a large selection of Japanese sake that pairs perfectly with shellfish dishes, with more than 90 kinds available at all times.

The carefully selected Japanese sake, gathered from across Japan, is all available with an unlimited All you can drink plan, except for the seasonal limited menu.

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This is a Japanese-style izakaya where you can fully enjoy local dishes from Shizuoka Prefecture and local sake. Even though it is conveniently located near Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, it is said to be a quiet and relaxing place.

Its easygoing atmosphere is part of the appeal, and it is said to be easy to drop in whether you are alone or with a group. The interior, filled with the warmth of wood, leaves a good impression.

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They offer a great selection of local sake sourced from around Shizuoka, and many people seem to enjoy it with the food.

One of the most popular drinks is Ito Meisan Guri-cha Hai, a shochu highball made with tea from Shizuoka Prefecture. It is a perfect drink for tea lovers.

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They offer a wide range of dishes made with Shizuoka ingredients that are not often found in Tokyo, such as Izu gyu (Izu beef) and Izu shika (Izu venison).

The Shizuoka specialty Shizuoka oden (Shizuoka-style oden) is also said to be a must-try dish. Despite its dark appearance, it seems to be known for its slightly sweet broth.

An izakaya where you can enjoy shichirin yakitori (charcoal-grilled skewered chicken) and the house specialty, whole roasted chicken. It has great access not only from Ueno Station, but also from Okachimachi Station and Naka-Okachimachi Station.

The interior has the feel of a Showa retro taishu sakaba (casual Japanese pub), making it just right for having a lively time with friends.

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Chicken Yakiniku is served in a style where you grill it yourself over a shichirin (small charcoal grill) at the table. People say the aroma of charcoal really whets the appetite.

The "meibutsu (house specialty) whole roasted chicken" is first cooked on a roaster by the staff, then cut right in front of you. They say the texture is irresistible, moist inside and crisp on the outside.

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All of the chicken dishes are said to be fragrant and juicy, with flavors that pair perfectly with drinks.

They have a great selection of alcoholic drinks, and even the highballs alone come in about 13 varieties, including “fresh lemon,” “sudachi (Japanese citrus),” and “Cola.”

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This seafood izakaya is popular for letting guests relax and take their time while enjoying seasonal dishes from Niigata and Sado, along with local sake.

Located on a basement level, the restaurant has a modern Japanese atmosphere, with a traditional Japanese space that feels like visiting a ryokan (traditional inn) in Niigata. Private room seating is also available.

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They source a wide variety of seafood from Sadogashima (Sado Island), located in the middle of the Sea of Japan. It looks like you can enjoy market-fresh sashimi here.

They also offer a wide selection of local Niigata sake, and if you want to try a little of different kinds, the 6-type sake tasting menu is also recommended.

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Among the many fish dishes on offer, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), a specialty from Sado in Niigata, is said to be especially popular and is often called “the toro of white fish.”

The charcoal grilled “nodoguro no moshio-yaki (nodoguro grilled with seaweed salt)” is said to be rich and full of fat, with a melt in your mouth texture.

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The signature menu item, “7-byo de Shiawase ni Nareru Gyutan Negi Shabu-shabu,” is said to be ordered by 90% of customers.

When you swish the thinly sliced gyutan (beef tongue) through the secret golden broth and eat it, the sweet fat spreads across your mouth. The heaping pile of negi (green onions) makes a big impact.

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Boiled Beef Tongue is also one of the signature menu items. It is popular for its melt-in-your-mouth texture, so tender that you can easily cut it with chopsticks.

The special dashi (Japanese soup stock) blends perfectly with the rich flavor of the Beef Tongue, and it seems to pair great with alcohol as well. Some people say they are amazed by how incredibly tender it is.

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This Japanese-style izakaya, popular with seafood lovers, has fully private rooms that can accommodate groups of various sizes. It is about a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station.

The restaurant focuses on seafood and Kyushu (Japan’s southern main island) cuisine, and it is a great choice when you want to enjoy tasty dishes from the Kyushu region with a drink in hand.

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They offer a wide range of Hakata specialties made with ingredients from Kyushu, and the drink selection is also extensive.

They have a lineup of Special Japanese sake selected from across (Each) part of Kyushu, including seasonal limited editions and rare bottles that are hard to find in Tokyo.

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They serve fresh dishes made with robatayaki (fireside grilling) and seafood sourced from fishermen in Kyushu.

Among them, the popular menu item Hakata goma saba (mackerel with sesame sauce) is said to be an outstanding dish, with the springy texture of the mackerel pairing perfectly with the house-made sesame sauce.

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A popular Japanese izakaya where you can enjoy Special jidori (local branded chicken) and fresh seafood shipped direct from the production region. It seems like a very handy spot when you want to casually enjoy food and drinks.

The Japanese-style interior has a refined atmosphere, and it is said to offer both Private rooms where you can relax and casual table seating.

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The menu features dishes made with jidori (local free-range chicken), including Daisendori, and they are well known for bringing out the quality of the ingredients in every dish.

The signature yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), slowly grilled over charcoal, is said to have a fragrant outside and a juicy inside.

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Many reviews especially recommend the "marudori no hanshin-age (deep-fried half chicken)," known for its hearty portion and bold presentation.

The whole chicken, with its crisp skin, is said to pair perfectly with local sake sourced from some of the country's leading kura moto (sake breweries) and with beer.

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This Beef Tongue specialty restaurant is known for its fresh and refined creative tongue dishes. It is about a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station.

The restaurant has the lively energy that feels very Ueno, along with a cheerful staff, and some say it is the kind of place you will want to visit again and again.

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They offer a wide variety of creative dishes made with Beef Tongue, including shabu-shabu, carpaccio, and ajillo.

The photo shows the "Tappuri Negi no Shibari Beef Tongue." This dish pairs the springy texture of Beef Tongue with the crisp bite of green onion, and the more you chew, the more of the meat's flavor comes through.

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The signature dish, "Charcoal-Grilled Premium Wagyu Beef Tongue Root," uses a generous amount of the especially tender tongue root cut from Beef Tongue.

It is known for its savory charcoal aroma and rich taste, making it a great match for drinks.

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Located a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, this restaurant is popular for yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) prepared by a former French chef.

The spacious interior is said to feature a chic Japanese modern designer setting for adults. It is recommended for anyone looking for an izakaya (Japanese pub) with a nice atmosphere along with great food.

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They carefully select branded chicken from around Japan, and you can enjoy yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) with the makers' own ideas and delicate seasoning.

They also offer cuts that are not often seen on the market, and the creative skewers that bring out the natural flavor of the ingredients are well reviewed.

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The "homemade tsukune (chicken meatball skewer)" comes with egg yolk and can be ordered as a set of 2 skewers. It also seems like a great match for Japanese sake or shochu.

The tsukune is mixed with crunchy nankotsu (cartilage) and coated generously in sauce, and it seems to go perfectly with the rich egg yolk.

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A kushiage (deep-fried skewers) specialty restaurant located under the JR railway arches, just a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station’s Shinobazu Exit. They also offer a wide selection of alcoholic drinks, making it a great place for an izakaya-style meal.

Inside, the restaurant has a spacious and relaxed setting, with a lively atmosphere that feels easy to step into even on your first visit.

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The menu centers on kushiage (deep-fried skewers) served piping hot right out of the fryer, and it is nice that you can casually order from just one skewer.

The batter is said to have a crisp surface and a slightly chewy texture inside. Dip them in the special sauce made with a carefully chosen blend, and they are so good you might feel like you could keep eating skewer after skewer.

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They also have a good selection of a la carte dishes, with plenty of menu items you can enjoy as snacks to go with drinks.

The "beef tendon stew," slowly simmered over a long time, is said to let you enjoy a tender, fall-apart texture and a light salt-based flavor.

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This restaurant is a 1-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station and offers a wide range of Hokkaido dishes and local sake.

The interior is said to have a lively, friendly atmosphere that fits the Ueno neighborhood. Guests can choose from seating options to suit the occasion, including Sunken kotatsu seating and zashiki (tatami room seating).

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The restaurant offers a full range of à la carte dishes centered on Hokkaido (northern Japan) specialties. Fresh fish taken from the fish tank and prepared right away is also popular.

Their Banquet courses, which come with a wide selection of drinks in an All you can drink set, are also popular and perfect for times when everyone wants to have a lively get-together.

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The “Hokkaido-san Kobore Ikura Meshi (Hokkaido overflowing salmon roe rice)” is a fun, showy dish where they generously pile on ikura (salmon roe) right in front of you.

Each roe is large, and its popping texture and mild salty taste spread across your mouth. You can choose from 3 sizes: mini, medium, and large.

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This izakaya offers a full lineup of dishes that go perfectly with drinks, centered on motsuyaki (grilled offal skewers) and creative Japanese cuisine.

Even though it is right near Ueno Station, it is said to have a calm atmosphere that lets you forget the noise of the city. Some say it feels like a cozy hideaway where you can easily drop in.

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The dishes, which blend tradition and innovation, are finished with a clear sense of care and are just right as snacks to go with Japanese sake or shochu (Japanese distilled spirit).

Their specialty kushiyaki (grilled skewers) are all cooked with perfect heat, bringing out the full flavor of the ingredients for a really tasty result.

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The motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot) is also a big hit in reviews. The sweetness of the motsu blends into the broth, and people say it stays excellent all the way through to the final course.

They also offer a wide range of topping options such as motsu, vegetables, and noodles, so it is also a good idea to customize it to your liking and enjoy it your own way.

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This izakaya is popular around Ueno Station as a convenient place to enjoy drinks in a lively atmosphere.

The interior, with its striking wood-grain design, has a cozy and homey feel. It also offers a fully private room for 12 people, and floor Private reservation is available for groups of 20 or more.

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The restaurant is popular for its wide variety of kushiyaki (grilled skewers) centered on chicken. The skewers are slowly grilled over binchotan (high-grade white charcoal), bringing out both the rich aroma and the full flavor of the meat.

The restaurant is particular about changing the grilling method for each cut, including chicken skin and liver. The value kushiyaki set comes recommended as well.

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In addition to grilled skewers, they also offer classic izakaya dishes you can casually snack on, and reviewers say the lineup is great for people who enjoy drinking.

The signature "Tori Gyoza (chicken dumplings)" is an original dish made with a chicken filling. The juicy meat juices are said to be addictively tasty.

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This seafood izakaya (Japanese-style pub) is popular for its fresh crab. Its great location is another draw, just about a 1-minute walk from JR and Tokyo Metro Ueno Station.

Despite being right in front of the station, it has a calm atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy the food and drinks at an easy pace.

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They offer a wide range of beni-zuwai-gani (red snow crab) dishes, shipped directly from Sakaiminato in Tottori Prefecture, which has the highest snow crab catch in Japan.

The signature "kani Hot Pot" can be ordered from just one serving. The crab’s rich flavor and aroma are packed into the broth, giving it a refined taste.

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In addition to crab dishes, they offer a full lineup of snacks that pair perfectly with drinks, including yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and sashimi (raw fish).

As for drinks, they seem to have a wide range, starting with Japanese sake in various labels, as well as beer and wine. They also have a good selection of soft drinks, so even people who do not like alcohol can feel at ease.

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This is a seafood izakaya where you can enjoy fresh fish and oysters shipped directly from their production regions, along with Japanese sake brought in from all over Japan.

Semi-private room separated by noren (traditional fabric dividers) are available, and guests say they can relax and enjoy conversation at their own pace. Its great location right in front of JR Ueno Station is another nice plus.

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The menu centers on seafood, and they say you can enjoy very fresh dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

The "sengyo naten tairyomori (seven-piece assorted fresh fish served on a boat platter)" comes in funefori (boat-style presentation) and stands out for its gorgeous look that gets you excited. It is not just about the presentation, but also said to be tasty enough to leave you Manzoku.

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Among the many seafood dishes, the oyster dishes are the specialty, with a wide variety that includes gratin and fried oysters.

The fresh oysters are said to have a rich and creamy taste, and they pair perfectly with Japanese sake. They recommend eating them with Sado ponzu (ponzu sauce from Sado).

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This is a Private room izakaya where you can enjoy Teppan-yaki and simmered dishes in a nostalgic space that brings to mind old Japanese street stalls.

It offers not only Private rooms but also open seating, and people say it is easy to use without feeling formal. It is said to be a place where guests of any age can relax.

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One thing you should definitely order when you visit is the okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), which looks great in photos and comes with a flame performance right in front of you.

Along with the dynamic performance, you can enjoy its fragrant flavor and soft, fluffy finish. The batter is thick, and the portion seems satisfying too.

In the cold season, the kushi oden (oden on skewers), said to pair perfectly with Japanese sake, also comes highly recommended. Its casual, easy-to-snack-on style is popular.

The oden ingredients, simmered slowly, are soaked with the good flavor of the dashi broth, making it a dish that warms both body and soul.

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This izakaya is a 1-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, where you can enjoy expertly grilled kushiyaki (grilled skewers) backed by years of craftsmanship.

The restaurant is fully equipped with fully private rooms, all with doors, and can accommodate anywhere from 2 people to large groups. It is said to be easy to use whether you are a couple or coming with a large drinking party.

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Starting from the skewer-prep stage, they take care with their yakiton (grilled pork skewers) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and they also offer a full lineup of snacks made with Special ingredients.

They also have a wide selection of Japanese sake carefully chosen from around Japan, including rare local labels such as the popular Dassai and Kubota.

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For those who care about healthy options, the vegetable rolls are also recommended. There is A la carte as well as an assortment menu.

They grill seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, banno-negi (all-purpose green onion), and shiitake mushrooms wrapped in pork belly.

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This izakaya is popular for its wide range of jidori (local chicken) dishes made with branded chicken. It also has a good reputation for its lively, welcoming atmosphere.

With a full range of seating including counter seats, terrace seats, and Private rooms, it looks like a great choice for all kinds of occasions, from drinking solo to Banquets.

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They offer jidori (local free-range chicken), organic vegetables, and a lineup of sake and shochu specially selected by the owner, and you can order either a la carte or as a course.

The "Shiro Reba no Sashimi" is known for its soft, jiggly texture. Made with fresh chicken processed that morning, this popular dish sometimes sells out by the evening.

The kushiyaki (grilled skewers) are slowly grilled over binchotan (high-grade Japanese charcoal), and you can order them from 2 skewers. This place is also a good pick when you're looking for casual snacks to enjoy.

With skilled technique, they change the grilling method depending on the ingredient, so you can fully enjoy the rich flavor of the meat.

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Just a 3-minute walk from the Shinobazu Exit of Ueno Station, this izakaya offers a wide variety of All you can eat and drink options.

The spacious interior is said to have a lively atmosphere that is perfect for having a fun time with everyone. It is fully equipped with seating for groups of many sizes, so it seems easy to use for all kinds of occasions.

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There are about 70 kinds each on the All you can eat and All you can drink menus. One nice point is that there is no extra charge at all for standard izakaya items like an otoshi (small appetizer) fee.

The menu covers a wide range of dishes, from salads to fried items, so you can enjoy it both as a full meal and as snacks to go with drinks.

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You can also enjoy all you can eat fresh sashimi at no extra charge. The photo shows katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), which they say you will not be able to stop eating once you try it.

The seared surface of the katsuo is fragrant, with all its rich flavor packed into each bite. It is served with ginger and green onion, giving it an authentic look.