Full of downtown charm! 20 izakaya (Japanese pubs) in the Nippori area

Photograph:kittynekokun

Motenashiya Sho Nishi-Nippori Ten is an izakaya near Nishi-Nippori Station, the next stop after Nippori Station, and it focuses on soba and Beef Tongue dishes.

It is located on the second floor up a staircase from an entrance that feels like an old kominka (traditional Japanese house), and the inside also has the calm atmosphere of a kominka. There are also tatami-matted Private rooms where guests take off their shoes.

Photograph:sakur529459

One of the specialties is soba, and you can enjoy their “juwari soba (100% buckwheat soba)” made with 100% buckwheat flour. Many people also enjoy it as a finishing meal after drinking alcohol.

The mentsuyu (dipping sauce for noodles) served with the soba uses five kinds of dashi (soup stock) and soy sauce, and is well liked for its light flavor that makes the noodles easy to enjoy.

Photograph:光多♪

They stock about 10 kinds of Japanese sake that pair well with the food menu. It is served by the ichigo (180cc serving), poured from an isshobin (1.8L bottle) into a cup.

“Sobayu-wari,” shochu with shochu mixed with the water used to boil soba noodles, is a way of drinking you only find at a soba restaurant.

Photograph:富士Sun

Nippori Kushimaru is an izakaya located about a 2-minute walk from Nippori Station North Exit along Route Nippori, and it is known for its kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) made by skewering ingredients and frying them, as well as pizza.

It can be used for a wide range of occasions, with counter seats and high-table seats where you can casually stop by for a drink, as well as table seating where groups can relax.

Photograph:リュウライター

The restaurant offers about 30 kinds of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), made by skewering ingredients and frying them, with a wide variety that includes meat, seafood, vegetables, and seasonal limited-time items.

With a fine, light coating, they have a crisp bite and are enjoyed with sauce, which is why people say they pair well with alcohol.

Photograph:Sa〜3103

The restaurant offers about 10 kinds of pizza, all Homemade from the dough up, and they are known for their thin, fragrant crust topped with plenty of ingredients.

The alcohol menu is also extensive, including wines available by the glass. It seems like an easygoing place where you can casually enjoy a drink while snacking on the food.

Photograph:★*

Yaki Maru is a restaurant on the first floor of Station Garden Tower, connected to the north exit side of Nippori Station, and it focuses on kushiyaki (grilled skewers).

The bright interior, lined with whitewood tables, has plenty of counter seating, making it easy to stop by alone and also perfect for lively drinks with a group.

Photograph:AOI.SIVA

The popular kushiyaki (grilled skewers) are said to use fresh ingredients prepared that very morning. There is a wide variety, including pork and vegetables.

Another nice point is that the ingredients are cut into small pieces and skewered, so they are easy to eat. You can choose between salt seasoning and a sweet-savory tare sauce.

Photograph:さりこんぐ

It seems they offer a wide range of dishes made with fresh pork, as well as various dishes seasoned to pair well with alcohol.

They also have original drinks such as Bariking, a shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) mixed with extracts of Japanese spices and herbs like ginger and sansho (Japanese pepper), then cut with soda water.

Photograph:ランチ向上委員会

Uogashi Musashi is a hideaway-style izakaya (Japanese pub) on the second floor of an apartment building along Shinobazu-dori, about 6 minutes by car from Nippori Station, and it focuses mainly on seafood dishes.

The space has a calm, Japanese-modern feel. There are table seats and zashiki (tatami seating) among other options, so even families can relax and take their time here.

Photograph:Haku0506

Especially popular is the "osashimi assortment". About 8 kinds of seafood recommended that day are beautifully arranged on the plate.

A whole fish served with the head still on is also considered auspicious, and the beautifully presented sashimi is perfect for a meal on a special occasion. You may even get to try rare fish at times.

Photograph:b.blue5375

The owner personally visits Japanese sake breweries and stocks about 30 carefully selected labels. They also serve seasonal limited editions and rare Japanese sake.

For a finishing rice dish after drinks, the popular choice is "Sea Bream Clay Pot Rice," made by cooking rice and fish together in a Clay Pot. The flavor of the Sea Bream soaks into the rice.

Photograph:Asiaちゃん

Yajiro Nippori Honten is an izakaya located about a 2-minute walk from the south exit of Nippori Station, and it seems easy to spot by its red lanterns and a barrel of Japanese sake.

The interior has a retro feel, with small tables lined up. They also have zashiki (tatami seating) where you can take off your shoes and relax.

Photograph:ちゅさん0709

The Kara-age Grand Prix, a competition that decides Japan's best fried chicken dish, Kara-age. A specialty here is "Yajiteba," a chicken wing Kara-age that won the grand prize at that competition.

It is said to have a peppery, spicy kick, with crispy skin and juicy meat.

Photograph:y31-t775

They offer a wide range of dishes that go well with alcohol, including sashimi (raw fish slices) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). They also stock a broad selection of Japanese sake, from dry to sweet.

The “Mega Mug,” which is said to hold about three times as much as a regular mug, is heavy but a good deal and recommended for those who want to drink a lot.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Washu Nikomi Raidon Yanaka Ten is an izakaya located about a 12-minute walk from the west exit of Nippori Station, known for its wide selection of alcohol and meat dishes.

Inside, there are counter seats and table seats that feel like Semi-private room seating, and the refined monochrome interior creates a calm setting where you can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace.

Photograph:くまゆう1226

They offer more than 70 kinds of drinks, including Japanese sake, shochu, craft beer, and wine. People say you can discover different alcoholic drinks every time you visit.

The "nomikurabe (tasting comparison)" set, which lets you try three kinds of Japanese sake or shochu side by side, is also popular. The staff will also give you advice on their recommended labels.

Photograph:yukal279

Their popular nikomi (slow simmered stew) is cooked for a long time with pork or beef, vegetables, tofu, and more. You can also choose the flavor of the nikomi, such as miso or soy sauce.

They also offer a course with 10 recommended dishes from the restaurant and All you can drink, making it a good choice when you want to relax, eat, and drink with a group.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Izakaya Isaribi is an izakaya about a 6-minute walk from the North Exit of Nippori Station, where you can enjoy mainly Japanese food and Japanese sake.

The space has a calm wa-modern (Japanese modern) feel. It is said to be a cozy and comfortable place where even solo diners can relax. Private room are also available.

Photograph:まりりん69599

There is a fish tank inside, and when an order comes in, they take out live fish and live shellfish from it and prepare them, so you can enjoy super fresh sashimi (raw sliced fish).

The menu focuses on seafood that is in season at that time of year, and it is said to have a strong umami flavor. Oysters, which are available all year round, are also popular.

Photograph:キッチンタロー

They offer more than 10 kinds of local sake from around Japan, along with a wide selection of shochu, fruit liqueurs, and craft beer.

Their sours, made by mixing shochu with sparkling water, also include unusual versions with additions like pickled plum and tomato, giving them a refreshing taste.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Izakaya Taisho Nishi-Nippori Ten is an izakaya located about a 6-minute walk from the north exit of Nippori Station, along Route Nippori, and is known for dishes grilled over charcoal.

The place has the feel of an old Japanese house. From the counter seats, you can watch the cooking and enjoy the live atmosphere, and they also have calm Private rooms.

Photograph:NAMARA

They offer a full lineup of skewers made by carefully threading Daisendori chicken and vegetables onto sticks and grilling them over charcoal. You can choose between simple salt seasoning or a slightly sweet tare sauce.

They also have many seasonal limited-time dishes, so you can enjoy a wide range of food, including fish, meat, and vegetables.

Photograph:懐疑のホームズ

The alcohol menu is also well stocked, with beer, shochu-based sours mixed with soda or tea, Japanese sake, and more.

One of the highlights is the wide selection of easy dishes that are perfect when you just want to have one drink. Many people also stop by as their second stop of the night.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Sakedokoro Ichigo Nishi-Nippori Ten is an izakaya focused on dishes made with an emphasis on freshness and Japanese sake, located about a 10-minute walk from Nippori Station near the Nishi-Nippori 4-chome intersection.

The interior has a space with a traditional Japanese feel, with table seating on the first floor and semi-private room zashiki (tatami seating) on the second and third floors, making it easy to sit back and relax.

Photograph:すじこおにぎし

The carefully sliced sashimi, prepared from fresh seafood delivered directly from Toyosu Shijo (Toyosu Market), is popular. The menu centers on Japanese food, but also includes items like cheese and pizza.

Many people book a course that comes with recommended dishes and All you can drink alcohol, and visit in groups.

Photograph:愉快なムーミン

The yakitori, made by butchering jidori (free-range chicken) from Iwate Prefecture that morning, skewering it, and grilling it, is also well loved. It lets you really taste the rich flavor of the meat.

They stock rare Japanese sake and shochu from around Japan, and you can also enjoy seasonal limited-edition drinks. Some reviews also say it is easy to chat with the staff and the atmosphere feels comfortable.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Goshosha is an izakaya located on the 1st floor of Station Port Tower near the North Exit of Nippori Station, with a good selection of Japanese sake and dishes that pair well with drinks.

The atmosphere inside is casual enough for solo diners and families alike, and they also have counter seats and tatami seating with Sunken kotatsu seating where you can take off your shoes and relax.

Photograph:tam-tam_busan

They are said to be particular about the freshness of their fish and serve great sashimi (sliced raw fish). You can also enjoy rare cuts of tuna such as noten maguro sashi (bluefin tuna head sashimi), a scarce part from the head.

They offer a lineup of popular Japanese sake, mainly from the Tohoku region. It is also well regarded for how well the Japanese sake pairs with the fish dishes.

Photograph:Babychan66

Multiple reviews say the food menu is extensive, and that everything they try tastes great. The easy to eat onigiri (rice balls), shaped so they are easy to hold, are also popular.

You can also find creative dishes such as the Stamina Bakudan, which is eaten by mixing natto (fermented soybeans), tuna, vegetables, and other ingredients together.

Photograph:大川 楓

Nippori Shuttei InaHa is an izakaya located in a residential area about a 6-minute walk from the south exit of Nippori Station, where you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients that are in season at that time.

The space has a calm, Japanese modern feel. From the counter seats, you can also watch the chefs at work.

Photograph:megumiliao

The seafood dishes made with fresh fish and shellfish are said to be very good. The sashimi assortment lets you enjoy about five kinds of seasonal selections with rich umami.

The grilled shrimp, cooked to a nice fragrant finish, is also popular, along with saikyo-yaki (Kyoto-style miso-marinated grilled fish), which is marinated in miso before being grilled.

Photograph:tyada820

The "sumibiyaki (charcoal grill)" made with Daisendori from Tottori Prefecture is also popular. They knead the ground chicken before skewering and grilling it until fragrant, and it is said to be juicy.

They also have a great selection of shochu and Japanese sake, including rare labels available for a limited time.

Photograph:ココやす

Izakaya Yamachan is located on the 3rd floor of Station Garden Tower near Nippori Station, and it stays open straight through from daytime to night, so you can also stop by for izakaya dining from lunchtime.

The interior has a casual, easy-to-drop-in atmosphere, and many families visit as well. They can also move the tables around to suit your group size.

Photograph:凡凡凡

You can enjoy alcohol with snacks such as sashimi (raw fish slices) and grilled fish made with very fresh seafood.

The specialty is "aji fry (fried horse mackerel)." They fillet the aji, coat it in batter, and deep-fry it, giving it a crisp bite followed by the good flavor of the fish spreading through your mouth.

Photograph:うぴょぴょ

They also offer a course with about 9 dishes that pair well with alcohol, plus All you can drink. The All you can drink option also includes cocktails and soft drinks.

They also have a full set meal menu, so this is a great place if you want to enjoy drinks with your meal.

Photograph:お豚先輩

Hayashiya is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located about a 2-minute walk from the South Exit of Nippori Station, and its yellow exterior walls and roof make it easy to spot.

The compact interior has about 18 seats, and it often fills with local regulars. It is said to be a homey place where you can also enjoy chatting with the staff.

Photograph:の634634

The specialties are super-fresh sashimi of seafood that the owner personally goes to the market to buy, and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) carefully skewered one by one.

The kushiyaki (grilled skewers) menu is extensive, and the skewers such as tomato or asparagus wrapped in pork are also said to be delicious.

Photograph:mars@717

It is said to offer a wide selection of dishes made with Daisendori from Oita Prefecture, as well as seasonal dishes featuring ingredients that are in season at that time.

When you order Japanese sake, they pour it for you right in front of you from an isshobin (1.8-liter bottle) into a glass set inside a small masu (wooden box). It seems you can enjoy Japanese sake filled to overflowing from the glass into the masu.

Photograph:二郎156

Kaiou Sakaba is an izakaya near the South Exit of Nippori Station that focuses on seafood dishes. Look for the signboard with fish illustrations and the lanterns.

Inside, the bright space features a maneki-neko (beckoning cat), a lucky symbol said to bring good fortune. Open from daytime until late at night, it is also a great spot for daytime drinking.

Photograph:duke.983

The restaurant is particular about maguro (tuna), and the signature "Maguro Kaiou assortment" lets you compare different kinds of tuna as well as different cuts.

Dishes made from the head, grilled or deep-fried in ways that cannot be served as sashimi, are also popular.

Photograph:y31-t775

They also offer a wide range of seafood dishes made with fresh seafood sourced from Tsukiji Shijo (Tsukiji Market). One standout sushi dish features sushi wrapped in nori (seaweed) and topped with overflowing amounts of uni (sea urchin) and ikura (salmon roe).

They also have a wide selection of Japanese sake to pair with the seafood dishes, from well-known labels to rare bottles.

Photograph:おデブなみっちゃんNEW

Izakaya Yosuke is an izakaya with excellent access right in front of Nippori Station, located on the second floor of a building by the station.

The interior has a calm atmosphere with dark brown as the main tone, and there are several Private rooms, so you can enjoy a drinking party without worrying about the people around you.

Photograph:32ca2550219

It seems that many people visit in groups. There are also several courses with All you can drink, and some plans let you relax and stay awhile, so you can enjoy plenty of conversation with your group.

There are also many reviews saying that the staff are pleasant and friendly.

Photograph:shin04

They offer a wide range of dishes, including sashimi, fried dishes, grilled dishes, and Hot Pot dishes, and everything gets good reviews for being tasty.

They also have original dishes, such as a pizza with cheese on a thin crust and sprinkled with Gandara Kodai Shio (Gandhara ancient salt).

Photograph:tabelog.com

Shikitei Nippori Ekimae Ten is an izakaya on the 6th floor of a building in front of Nippori Station, specializing in seafood dishes and also serving food unique to Hokkaido.

The Japanese modern space has several Private room options. They also offer rooms where you can take off your shoes and relax, and the dim lighting creates a calm atmosphere.

Photograph:はちぴす

They reportedly contract directly with fishermen and source seafood caught that very day. The sashimi is cut on the thick side, so it has a nice bite and strong umami.

In Tokyo, you can enjoy dishes unique to Hokkaido made with ika (squid), sake (salmon), and other ingredients sourced from Hokkaido.

Photograph:ジンコレ

They offer several courses that can be ordered for 2 or more people, and they are said to be a great value, with generous portions of food and All you can drink included.

There are courses centered on Hot Pot dishes made by simmering ingredients in a large pot, as well as courses that save the trouble of serving portions to each person individually.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Fuzu Ba is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 1-minute walk from the South Exit of Nippori Station, offering a range of alcoholic drinks along with dishes centered on seasonal ingredients.

The interior looks bright and clean. It seems easy to visit whether you are on your own or with family or a group.

Photograph:こあらっこっこ

The menu covers a wide range of dishes, including fish, meat, vegetables, and eggs, and everything is said to pair well with alcohol.

Popular dishes also include bagna cauda, which lets you enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables, and carpaccio made with fresh sashimi and avocado.

Photograph:c71682

In addition to dishes that go well with alcohol, they also offer meal options like ramen, pasta, and onigiri (rice balls), so it is also recommended for a meal-focused visit.

You can order à la carte, or enjoy a Banquet with a course that includes All you can drink.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Izakaya Enkyaku Nishi-Nippori Ten is an izakaya near the Nishinippori 5-chome intersection, located on the first floor of a building and easy to spot thanks to its large signboard and lanterns.

The space is bright and clean. It also has Semi-private room style spaces divided by noren (traditional shop curtains), and there are table seats on the second floor as well.

Photograph:k e i 。

The main draw is seafood dishes made with fresh fish and shellfish brought in from the market every day. They also serve oysters sourced from the Tohoku region.

They also offer yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) made with jidori (free-range chicken) from Kagoshima Prefecture. You can order them one skewer at a time, so they are perfect when you just want a little bite.

Photograph:k e i 。

It used to be a Chinese restaurant, and there are several reviews saying you can enjoy drinks while eating items from the Chinese menu.

The ramen is also said to be simple but good. Since you can add only All you can drink to the à la carte menu, it is also recommended for people who want to focus on alcohol.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Sumibi Yakitori Kushiyoshi Nishi-Nippori Ten is a yakitori restaurant located about halfway between Nippori Station and Nishi-Nippori Station, tucked away deeper inside a building entrance like a hidden gem.

The calm Japanese style interior has counter seats and Sunken kotatsu seating, making it easy to visit whether you are on your own or with a group.

Photograph:aiueo318184

The menu centers on dishes made with Mitsuse-dori (brand chicken raised in Kyushu). The chicken is served as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) cooked over charcoal, along with a range of à la carte dishes.

A popular item is tsunagi (the part between the heart and liver). They also serve liver seasoned with garlic, green onion, and other ingredients.

Photograph:自称独り者グルメ

The signature dish is the "kuro yakisoba (black fried noodles)," which has a spicy Worcestershire sauce kick and pairs well with alcohol.

They also offer a course that includes the restaurant's signature dishes such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), liver, and yakisoba, along with All you can drink.

Photograph:もみー01

Maruyasu Sakaba Nippori Ten is an izakaya centered on Chinese cuisine, located on the second floor of a building right by the south exit of Nippori Station.

The interior has the warm wooden feel of a kominka (traditional Japanese house). The large tables give you plenty of room to sit back and relax. Since it is Open 24 hours, you can use it as an izakaya even during the day, and you can also have a full meal.

Photograph:ごほうび♡

There are more than 80 food items on the menu, and many of the dishes seem to be quite hearty. Each plate is said to be big enough to share between 2 to 3 people.

You can also add an All you can drink option with more than 120 drink choices when ordering a la carte.

Photograph:white636745

The All you can eat plan for groups of 3 or more is also popular. You can order whatever you want from the All you can eat menu, and they serve everything freshly made, so people say you can enjoy piping hot dishes.

You can also use the All you can eat and All you can drink options without a reservation, so it is perfect for an On-the-Day get-together.