If you're drinking around Okachimachi Station, start here! 19 popular izakaya (Japanese pubs)

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Kai Ryori Gin is a shellfish specialty restaurant within walking distance of Okachimachi Station, where you can enjoy the rich flavors of shellfish in a calm Japanese-style setting.

Soft lighting fills the interior, creating a relaxed Japanese atmosphere. The dining room mainly has tables for four, making it a great spot for a quiet evening with Japanese sake and good food.

The specialty hamaguri-nabe (clam Hot Pot), available to order from 2 servings, is a luxurious dish that lets you fully enjoy the rich flavor of clam broth.

As time goes on, the broth becomes even richer, and they recommend adding ramen To finish. The soup filled with the aroma of shellfish pairs perfectly with the noodles, so you can enjoy it to the very end.

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The shellfish sashimi assortment is said to be a standout dish, with the clear, glossy flesh showing just how fresh it is.

Scallops, tsubugai (whelk), and more are lined up, and people say each one has a nice texture and lets you really taste the natural flavor of the ingredients. Japanese sake includes more than 80 well known labels from around Japan, and another draw is that you can enjoy them freely with the All you can drink option.

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Sankaku is a creative izakaya with easy access from Okachimachi Station and Ueno-hirokoji Station, offering a lineup of creative dishes that are as fun to look at as they are to eat, including obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).

The basement floor has a stylish atmosphere, with concrete walls and indirect lighting setting the mood.

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The photo shows the "obanzai (Japanese home-style side dishes) set, 6 kinds" made with seasonal ingredients. It is a menu where you can enjoy a different taste with each item, including fresh tomato served with mushroom sauce.

Since the contents change with the season, part of the appeal is finding something new each time, and pairing it with Japanese sake is also recommended.

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The visually fun mushi-tsukune (steamed chicken meatballs) comes with 5 kinds per person, and some regulars say that one of the highlights is enjoying fillings and flavors that change with the seasons, such as Anno-imo (sweet potato) and rakkasei cheese (peanut cheese).

They are bite-sized and easy to eat, with a moist texture and a mild flavor.

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Located near Okachimachi Station on the second floor of Hotel New Ueno, Tori Shiki Ueno Ekimae Ten is an izakaya centered on jidori (premium local chicken) and fresh seafood, with fully private rooms at every seat.

The gray and black interior has an elegant feel, making it a great place for those who want to enjoy a relaxed meal.

The jidori (local chicken) skewers are also a popular menu item that pairs well with drinks. In particular, the signature "tokusei tsukune (special chicken meatball)" is known as an outstanding dish with a soft, fluffy texture and the rich flavor of jidori that slowly spreads across the palate.

The skewers, carefully grilled one by one, are also said to be cooked to perfection, with some reviews saying you will want to keep eating them.

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The "3-item assortment of sashimi made with fresh fish shipped directly from the production region" changes depending on the day. The photo shows three kinds: salmon, Sea Bream, and kanpachi (greater amberjack).

The fish is cut thick, giving it a plump texture with rich flavor and a satisfying bite.

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Hakata Mae Robata Issho Tokyo Ueno is a Japanese izakaya just a short walk from the Asakusa Exit of Ueno Station, and it is also easy to get to from Okachimachi Station.

The interior has a calm atmosphere and many Private room options. The spacing between seats is fairly wide, so it is recommended for all kinds of occasions, from small groups to larger gatherings.

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The photo shows the "Aburi Miso motsu-nabe (grilled miso offal Hot Pot)," known for its plump, springy motsu (offal). The soup, made by blending Kyushu miso with white miso and a secret sauce, is rich yet mellow, with a comforting flavor.

Many people also enjoy it with Kyushu Japanese sake.

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The sashimi assortment, a classic izakaya menu item, is one that many people order here as well. The seafood, sourced directly from fishermen in Fukuoka, is known for its outstanding freshness.

The selection varies by day, but some reviews said the scallops were especially memorable for their melting texture and sweetness.

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Within walking distance of Okachimachi Station, Saga Fumoto Akadori Sakaba Takashina Akihabara Ten, located along Showa-dori, is a local-style izakaya centered on dishes made with ingredients from Kyushu and Saga.

The interior is bright and lively, with counter and table seating, so it works well for everyone from solo diners to groups.

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The "Mitsuse-dori (local chicken) Gohon assortment" is a popular menu item that lets you compare different cuts of jidori (local chicken) from Saga Prefecture, carefully grilled over charcoal.

It is known for its springy texture and sweet fat, with lots of rich flavor, and it is said to pair perfectly with local sake.

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"TKG (tamago kake gohan (rice topped with raw egg))" is a standard Japanese rice dish, and it is known as a simple yet surprisingly deep dish made by mixing raw egg with rice.

The mellow egg, the savory taste of chicken, and the fragrant nori shoyu (seaweed soy sauce) from Saga come together in great balance, creating a layered flavor.

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Hokkaido Maruha Sakaba Okachimachi Nigo Ten, a 1-minute walk from the South Exit of Okachimachi Station, is an izakaya where you can casually enjoy seasonal ingredients shipped directly from Hokkaido.

The interior has a friendly downtown feel and a bright atmosphere. It also has Private rooms, so you can spend a relaxed time there.

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Kaki (oysters) from Akkeshi, which are rare even in Japan for being available year-round. Among them, the especially large "Nagaemon" is known for its rich sweetness and Fresh Scent of the Ocean.

The plump, fully grown meat is said to release a burst of flavor the moment you take a bite. Some reviews also recommend enjoying it with Japanese sake.

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The three-meat assortment of Furano-buta (Furano pork), Saibi-gyu (Saibi beef), and mochi-buta (mochi pork) is a luxurious plate that lets you compare meats raised by the great land of Hokkaido.

Saibi-gyu is said to have refined fat and an appealingly tender texture. One review also said, "This restaurant reminded me that Hokkaido is known not just for seafood, but for great meat too!"

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Yakiton Takichi Ueno Hirokoji Ten, located just a short walk from Okachimachi Station, is a casual taishu izakaya (Japanese-style pub) with an easygoing atmosphere.

On the first floor, there are counter and table seats, while the second floor has more spacious table seating, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions from solo drinks to group gatherings.

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The photo shows the “Waton yakiton (grilled pork skewers) five-skewer assortment,” which you can choose to have seasoned with either salt or tare sauce.

The skewers include liver, Outside skirt, shiro-motsu (pork offal), and kashira (pork head meat), and they are carefully grilled over binchotan (high-grade charcoal). Reviews say you can really taste the full flavor of the pork.

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The specialty "Baka-mori Kara-age" is a very filling plate piled high with 16 pieces of Kara-age.

You can also enjoy changing up the flavor partway through with lemon or mayonnaise. The Kara-age is well seasoned, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and it is said to go perfectly with beer.

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Zenseki Koshitsu Sushi to Sake Uoen, within walking distance of Okachimachi Station, is an izakaya known for its tasty fresh seafood shipped directly from the port.

All rooms are Private room spaces and available for parties of 2 or more. The Japanese modern setting is part of the appeal, and some say its calm atmosphere, which makes you forget the bustle of the city, is perfect for adult drinking gatherings.

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"Hachimantai Salmon" from Hachimantai City in Iwate Prefecture, raised in the area’s pure spring water, has beautiful bright orange flesh and a refined taste with just the right amount of fat.

Reviews also say it has a plump texture and firm bite, and even though it is thick cut, it still feels pleasant in the mouth.

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The "Sakura-niku (horse meat) and garlic meat sushi," popular with those who want a hearty meal, is known for its bold flavor and addictive taste. Some say the "Sakura-niku and ponzu meat sushi" has a light finish that makes it easy to keep eating piece after piece.

Both seem to bring out the sweetness and rich flavor of the horse meat to the fullest.

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SAKE MARKET Akihabara Ten, which is easy to access from both Akihabara Station and Okachimachi Station, is a popular place where you can enjoy comparing different Japanese sake.

The interior is a clean space, and some reviews say the well-spaced seating gives it a nice, relaxing feel like being at home.

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You can enjoy about 100 kinds of Japanese sake, fruit liqueur, shochu, and more gathered from around Japan.

Each person can choose up to 3 ochoko (small sake cups), and another nice touch is that they can be washed each time you compare different labels. There are 30-minute, 90-minute, and unlimited courses, so you can enjoy them at your own pace.

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Inside, they also sell otsumami (small snacks to go with drinks), with a lineup of easygoing bites that pair well with alcohol, including Akita's traditional smoked dried daikon radish pickle iburigakko, kamo no pastrami (duck pastrami), and edamame (green soybeans).

Another appealing point is that delivery and bringing in outside food are allowed.

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Just a 1-minute walk from the south exit of Okachimachi Station, Nihonshu Genka Sakagura Ueno Okachimachi Ten is a popular spot where you can casually enjoy Japanese sake, and it is a perfect place for anyone who wants to savor Japanese sake in a calm space with a Japanese feel.

The 1st floor has counter seating, while the 2nd and 3rd floors have table seating, so you can choose based on the occasion.

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The All you can drink plan, where you can choose from about 50 kinds of Japanese sake, is popular.

The lineup includes rare labels and seasonal limited edition labels, and they also offer tasting sets and Japanese sake cards with information on each one. Since you can look for a bottle you like at your own pace, it is also recommended for people who are new to Japanese sake.

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The place offers a wide range of snacks, from izakaya staples like potato salad and the "Omakase assorted three rare delicacies" to more carefully crafted dishes.

Many of the snacks pair well with Japanese sake, including the "Smoked Potato Salad," which uses iburigakko (smoked pickled daikon) and smoked aigamo (crossbred duck) as hidden flavor accents, and people say the drinks just keep flowing.

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Marugoto Hokkaido Hana no Mai, located in the basement of the UENO3153 Building, is a seafood izakaya where you can enjoy seafood from Hokkaido, about a 7-minute walk from Okachimachi Station.

It also has Private rooms and Sunken kotatsu seating, so you can relax and enjoy your meal.

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The photo shows the "Lamb Teppan-yaki (small)," a dish that juicy cooks fresh lamb and vegetables together on an iron plate.

Reviews also say the meat is tender, and that each bite fills your mouth with rich meaty flavor, making it very tasty.

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The photo shows the "Umi no Sachi Sashimi Assortment 7-item assortment."

This plate lets you enjoy fresh live fish served from the in-house fish tank with three kinds of seasoning: Hidaka kombu kelp soy sauce, wasabi sesame, and salt. Reviews also say you can take your time enjoying the rich flavor of seasonal fish with plenty of fat.

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With easy access from Okachimachi Station, Kanzen Koshitsu Izakaya Kushigoro Ueno Ten, located on the top floor of a building, offers a Japanese modern space with the warmth of wood, making it a great fit for nights when you want to value your privacy.

In a quiet Private room with a door, you can enjoy kushiyaki (grilled skewers) with the aroma of charcoal.

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The "five-skewer assortment" seems to feature fragrant, well-grilled skewers coated well in a sweet and savory sauce.

Though it is a standard izakaya menu item, every skewer is said to stand out for its juiciness. In particular, reviews say the tsukune (chicken meatball skewer) has a soft, fluffy texture and is so tasty it naturally brings a smile to your face.

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The seasonal "sengyo (fresh fish) assortment of three" changes with the time of year and mainly features rich, fatty cuts such as tuna, salmon, and buri (yellowtail).

The bite-size pieces are easy to eat and pair well with kushiyaki (grilled skewers) and drinks. You can also enjoy this dish in courses that come with All you can drink.

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Horumon Sakaba is an izakaya (Japanese pub) that specializes in kushiyaki (grilled skewers), with easy access from Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station.

The spacious interior has table seating and Private rooms for small groups, making it easy to use for different occasions.

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One review said the "yakitori assortment of five" was excellent, with the salt bringing out the chicken's flavor!

The contrast between the juicy meat and the crisp grilled skin is really pleasant, and it apparently goes great with drinks. This is a classic dish.

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The nama-gaki (fresh oysters) are said to be fresh and a perfect match with alcohol. You can enjoy All you can drink with more than 30 kinds of alcohol, including highballs, sours, and cocktails.

The "Premium All you can drink" option, which also includes draft beer and wine, is a good deal.

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About a 10-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, Nihonshu Yokocho Abare Sengyo Ueno Ten is an izakaya where you can enjoy seafood-focused dishes and Japanese sake.

All seats are in Private rooms with doors, and reviews say the high-quality wa-modern (Japanese-modern) interior is stylish and comfortable. It is also a good choice when you want to have a lively time with close friends.

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The photo shows the “maguro (tuna) and salmon ikura (salmon roe) overflowing assortment,” a bold dish with thick cut maguro and salmon placed in a masu (wooden box), then topped with plenty of ikura so it spills over the top.

It also pairs well with fine sake from around Japan and is said to be one of the restaurant’s signature menu items.

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"Sakura niku" is another name for horse meat, known for being lean and having a tender texture.

The "Sakura Yukhoe" made with fresh basashi (horse sashimi) is said to have many fans for its rich flavor, and it also pairs well with Japanese sake.

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Toridori Sakaba, a jidori (free-range chicken) yakitori specialist izakaya, has great access just a 2-minute walk from both Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station.

The interior has a warm wood-toned feel. The space mainly features table seating and also has Private rooms, making it easy to use for groups.

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The photo shows the house-made "tori-gyoza (chicken dumplings)." The surface is nicely browned, and the crisp texture of the wrapper is said to stand out.

With one bite, juicy meat juices with the sweetness of chicken spread through your mouth, and the flavor is said to be light and gentle.

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The "Omakase 6 skewer set" is an assortment of chicken thigh, gizzard, pork belly, sausage, quail egg, and seseri (chicken neck). The gizzard has a nice crunchy bite, and the seseri is springy and juicy, according to reviews.

There were also comments saying the grilling was spot on, making this a set that really lets you enjoy the full flavor of the ingredients.

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About an 11-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, Kaki to Sushi Fukushima-ya Bar Akihabara Ten, located inside Super Fukushima-ya, is a popular spot where you can fully enjoy a wide variety of seafood dishes and drinks.

With a casual bar style that makes use of the eat-in space, it has an atmosphere that makes it easy to drop by after shopping or whenever the mood strikes.

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Many people enjoy the tsufū kaki ("gout" oysters) with beer, a luxurious dish of fresh oysters topped generously with ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin).

The large oysters served in the shell are plump and meaty, and their rich umami seems to fill your mouth.

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The photo shows the "Gokai Kobore Sushi," with very fresh seafood such as maguro (tuna), kani (crab), ikura (salmon roe), and uni (sea urchin) piled generously on top of takuan-maki (pickled daikon roll).

The generous amount of seafood makes a big visual impact, and many people apparently cannot help taking a photo of it.

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Ueno Yokocho, located in a building just steps from Okachimachi Station and Ueno Station, is a hot-topic izakaya where you can casually enjoy a wide range of dishes and drinks, including oden, kushiyaki (grilled skewers), and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), in a yokocho-style setting.

The interior is spacious, and besides table seating, it also offers a wide variety of seating options to suit different occasions, including fully private rooms and Semi-private room.

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The "Honoo no Okonomiyaki (flame-grilled savory pancake)" is served with flames rising right in front of you, making it a popular menu item that many people photograph, and the soft, fragrant batter is said to be packed with motsu (offal).

The beni shoga (pickled red ginger) adds a nice accent, and the hearty two-layer stack gives it a satisfying volume that boosts the sense of Manzoku.

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The photo shows an oden assortment, a traditional Japanese simmered dish slowly cooked in dashi broth. It is known for its gentle flavor, with the good taste of the ingredients soaked into items like daikon radish and soft atsuage (deep-fried tofu).

It also pairs excellently with alcohol.

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Torimichi Sakaba Ueno Honten, located within walking distance of Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, is a popular spot where you can enjoy carefully selected jidori (free-range chicken), Japanese sake, and shochu at reasonable prices.

In addition to table seating, there is also counter seating, making it perfect for drinking solo.

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Tsukune (seasoned chicken meatball skewers) is one type of yakitori menu item made by kneading ground chicken and shaping it into rounds.

The popular "Te-gone Tsukune" is said to be a dish that many people praise for locking in the rich flavor of the meat, with the fragrant tare sauce and the mellow egg yolk making a great match.

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The eye catching "Shokaki Sour (Fire Extinguisher Sour)" is a popular menu item packed with playful flair. It has enough volume for 5〜6 drinks, and you can choose either lemon sour or a highball for what goes inside.

Its fun look is part of the appeal, so many people seem to order it.

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Hakata Dojo Ueno Okachimachi Ten is an izakaya in a great location, a 3-minute walk from Ueno Station and a 1-minute walk from Okachimachi Station, with a wide selection of local dishes from Kyushu (southern Japan), shochu, and Japanese sake.

It also has fully private rooms that make good use of the natural feel of wood, so you can relax and enjoy your time.

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Kyushu and Hakata specialty "tetsunabe gyoza (iron pan dumplings)" are Homemade in-house. They are crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and have a nicely spiced flavor that keeps you coming back.

With their bold seasoning, they are a classic izakaya menu item that many people enjoy with drinks.

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The popular motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot), known for being packed with flavor, comes in four choices: secret soy sauce, special miso, spicy, and shio tonkotsu (salt pork-bone broth).

The photo shows the secret soy sauce base. The carefully prepared motsu has no strong distinctive flavor, and it is simmered with plenty of vegetables for a rich, full-bodied taste.