Cheers at izakaya in Yamaguchi Prefecture! 20 picks by area, including places where you can enjoy local gourmet food

Photograph:tabelog.com

Choshuya Yuda Ten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 10-minute walk from Yudaonsen Station on the JR Yamaguchi Line. Its spacious interior works for everything from casual get-togethers to slightly Special nights out.

It also has a range of Private room options, including casual ones and more luxurious rooms inspired by Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), so you can choose one to match the occasion.

Photograph:やまだい2100

With the concept of sharing the appeal of Yamaguchi, this place brings together delicious foods from across Yamaguchi.

The local specialty “kawara-soba (tea soba served on a roof tile)” features cha soba noodles, shredded egg crepe, sweet and savory simmered beef, and green onions served on a real kawara tile heated piping hot, then dipped in broth to enjoy. It is a regional dish with a rich, toasty aroma.

Photograph:めんたいこ2016

A popular dish, the “Sankai-mori assortment,” lavishly packed with Yamaguchi’s seafood.

Served in a Hagi-yaki (Hagi ware) vessel inspired by Yamaguchi Prefecture, this assortment is filled with the blessings of the fresh catch, letting you enjoy the region’s richness just as it is.

Photograph:hirozo-

Hamabee Shin-Yamaguchi Kitaguchi Ten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) in the center of Yamaguchi City, about a 1-minute walk from Shin-Yamaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, making it an easy spot to use for meeting up.

The cozy interior has the warmth of wood and offers table seating that can accommodate groups of all sizes, from small to large. With its easygoing atmosphere, it is a great fit for casual drinking parties and a place anyone can enjoy no matter who they visit with.

Photograph:こむコム

They offer a wide range of Yamaguchi seafood dishes, including kujira (whale) and fugu (pufferfish), with cooking that brings out the best in Each ingredient.

With a varied lineup that includes sashimi, kaiyaki (grilled shellfish), and hamayaki (seaside-style grill), the menu lets you fully enjoy the bounty of the area. The style of grilling everything on a stove at Each table is another draw.

Photograph:ひさ&ひさ

"0-fun Sour Takujo Sour All you can drink," where you can pour plain sour from the tower set right at your table.

You can enjoy options like "whisky," "Ehime Iyokan (Ehime iyokan citrus)," and "Taiwan-fu Lemon (Taiwan-style lemon)." One nice point is how easy it is to drink with zero waiting time.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Ishin no Shokudokoro Tsubaki is an izakaya within walking distance of Yudaonsen Station on the JR Yamaguchi Line, located in the center of Yuda Onsen (hot spring) district in Yamaguchi City.

Inside, the restaurant offers counter seats, table seats, and fully private rooms, with a warm and calm atmosphere. It is said to be the kind of place where you can easily stop by on your own and spend the gentle, relaxing time you would expect in a hot spring town.

Photograph:ちあきゆう

The menu features seafood from Hagi and Nagato in Yamaguchi Prefecture and meat from the prefecture, bringing out the best in each ingredient.

The standard dishes that make the most of these quality ingredients are also part of the appeal, and every one offers a satisfying taste. Their original creative dishes are also very popular, giving you lots of ways to enjoy the menu.

Photograph:ayupa476

The popular "Choshu-dori (Choshu chicken) tsubaki-yaki" is said to have a nicely browned, fragrant skin, with a crisp texture from the first bite.

The more you chew, the juicier it gets, and this dish really lets you taste the rich natural flavor of the chicken. The restaurant’s style is to enjoy its spicy flavor with a touch of yuzu kosho (yuzu pepper paste) for a little kick.

Photograph:みやchan♡

Gyosen Suisan Aisuta Shin-Yamaguchi Ten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located just steps from the Shinkansen exit of JR Shin-Yamaguchi Station.

Along with its convenient location near central Yamaguchi City, one of its draws is that it stays open straight through from lunchtime, making it easy to stop by whenever the mood strikes. It offers table seating, Sunken kotatsu seating, and counter seating, so you can choose what suits the way you want to spend your time.

Photograph:味覚人肥行物体

The restaurant offers a wide range of small dishes that go well with drinks, centered on seafood dishes, along with grilled skewers, fried items, and rice dishes.

In addition to Japanese sake and shochu, it also serves a wide selection of drinks including fruit liqueurs. The lineup is full and easy to enjoy with the meal.

Photograph:なつめっちゃん

There are also many set meal options, so you can stop by casually even if you are not drinking alcohol.

The photo shows the "Zeitaku Kaisen Rice bowl". It is generously topped with 8 kinds of seafood, and the fresh taste really comes through. Reviews also said you can feel the careful work that lets each topping stand out as the star.

Photograph:Masahiro1208

Mekiki no Ginji Shinyamaguchi Shinkansenguchi Ekimae Ten is a nationwide chain izakaya, and this branch is in a convenient location in central Yamaguchi City.

The table seating has a playful touch, with empty bottle crates used as chairs, and the bright lanterns create a lively atmosphere. The restaurant also has Private rooms and a kids' room, so you can relax and enjoy your time without worry.

Photograph:イカ様

The piping hot hamayaki (grilled seafood) you can enjoy right at your table is popular. With a style where fresh seafood is grilled right in front of you, one of the big draws is how directly it brings out the natural flavor of the ingredients.

The Fresh Scent of the Ocean rises with a toasty aroma, and combined with the fun of grilling it yourself, some reviews said it naturally made for a lively, conversation filled time.

Photograph:りえちゃん0099

The drink lineup includes draft beer, Japanese sake, shochu, and even soft drinks, so anyone can enjoy it.

The photo shows the bold looking "Frozen Lemon Sour." The frozen lemons lined around the glass make a nice accent and give it a very refreshing taste.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Kotetsu is an izakaya (Japanese pub) in Ube, about a 7-minute walk from Ube-Shinkawa Station on the JR Ube Line.

Seats are arranged around the fully open kitchen, so you can really enjoy the lively feeling of watching the dishes come together right in front of you. They also offer Private rooms where you can relax without worrying about the people around you, which makes it easy to choose the right setting for the occasion.

Photograph:ぴょんち1122

You can enjoy a wide range of Yamaguchi flavors here, from authentic charcoal-grilled yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and Choshu mizutaki (Yamaguchi-style chicken hotpot) to Japanese pufferfish.

The live squid caught off Hagi and shipped straight from the Sea of Japan is a highlight, and you can choose your favorite from the squid swimming in the in-house tank. The "ika no sashimi (squid sashimi)" is said to have a crisp bite and a clear natural sweetness.

Photograph:サイや

Their authentic sumibiyaki yakitori (charcoal-grilled chicken skewers) is also popular, using 4 kinds of chicken for different cuts and bringing out the flavor with the fragrant aroma of binchotan (high-grade charcoal).

The "Kodawari Kushi 4-Piece Assortment" and the freshly fried "Classic 4-Type Kushiage Assortment," which also pairs well with local sake, are popular too, with a light texture that goes well with the house special sauce.

Photograph:aoisan

Oniku Bar Uni Ube Shinkawa Ekimae Ten is a casual izakaya (Japanese pub) in a location just steps from Ube-Shinkawa Station on the JR Onoda Line. Inside, sake barrel tables are lined up, adding to the relaxed atmosphere where you can spend time without feeling formal.

It is also open during the day, which is still unusual in Ube City, making it perfect for dropping by and enjoying a casual daytime drink.

Photograph:dammyname1

They offer a lineup of luxury ingredients, including premium meat, Aged meat, uni (sea urchin), and ikura (salmon roe).

The Most Popular item is "gyu ni uni soe (beef topped with sea urchin)." The Strip loin, aged for 30 days, is said to have fat that melts the moment it hits your mouth. It also has a great match with the rich, large uni.

Photograph:89200770105グルメ

The "Otsubu Noko Uni no Cream Pasta" made with plenty of otsubu noko uni (large rich sea urchin) is so lavish that it almost completely hides the pasta.

The sweet sea urchin coats the pasta in an amount that seems to exceed the pasta itself, making this an irresistible dish for sea urchin lovers.

Photograph:きゅっきぃ

Kaisen Donya is a seafood izakaya (Japanese-style pub) that stands out for its convenient location, right by the Kokusai Hotel in Ube City and just a short walk from JR Ube-Shinkawa Station.

The interior has a calm atmosphere, with table and counter seating. Partitions can divide the space, so it can be arranged to suit different group sizes.

Photograph:むっき〜

The pufferfish dishes are highly regarded even among locals, and the menu is full of options such as torafuku chiri (hotpot with tiger pufferfish) and fuku foil-yaki (foil-baked pufferfish).

The "pufferfish Kara-age" is appealing for its light, airy coating and rich flavor that is hard to believe comes from white fish. It has a delicate texture that keeps you reaching for another bite.

Photograph:miconos

They also have a great lineup of Japanese sake. The nationally known Dassai offers everything from junmai ginjo to sparkling.

You can also enjoy richly flavored drinks unique to this restaurant, such as fuku-hire-zake (blowfish fin sake) and fuku-hone-zake (blowfish bone sake).

Photograph:tabelog.com

"Izakaya Gekijo Rappa" is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located in central Ube City, about a 3-minute walk from JR Ube-Shinkawa Station. At the counter seats, they put on a straw-fire grilling performance, so you can enjoy the live excitement as the food is boldly grilled to a fragrant finish right in front of you.

They also have table seating, making it a good space for a calm, relaxed meal.

Photograph:柏のグルメ

The popular menu item is "wara-yaki (straw-fire searing)." Wara-yaki is a cooking method in which bundled rice straw is set on fire to raise a flame, then ingredients are boldly seared over it.

The restaurant's style for "katsuo (bonito) no wara-yaki" is to sprinkle it with coarse salt and enjoy it with sliced garlic and myoga (Japanese ginger).

Photograph:567dd644514

They also offer kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl) made with fresh seafood and ochazuke (rice with tea or broth).

The “Kaisen Futomaki” in the photo is a luxurious item packed so full of toppings over shari (vinegared sushi rice) made with red vinegar that it almost overflows. It is very filling and is also perfect To finish a meal.

Photograph:ザバス大魔王

Kushiyaki Jizakana Umameshi Shunan Dining Zen Tokuyama Ekimae Ten is an izakaya located in front of Tokuyama Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, on Tokuyama Ginza-dori.

The spacious and welcoming interior has 160 seats in total. The counter seats are sofa-style, so even solo diners can relax and enjoy their meal. Reviews also say the space is thoughtfully designed, making it easy to visit even with small children.

Photograph:ゆかんこ39

The restaurant serves Yamaguchi Prefecture specialties as well as fresh seasonal seafood caught locally in prime condition.

It also offers a full range of Yamaguchi Prefecture specialties such as kawara-soba (noodles served on a roof tile), known for its rich aroma, along with creative dishes. Homemade kushiyaki (grilled skewers) and tempura are also popular.

Photograph:shigeo2929

The local sake lineup focuses on classic labels from Yamaguchi Prefecture, with about 10 varieties available at all times.

Among the popular choices are Dassai, which is fruity and easy to drink, Gangi, which has rich umami and a clean finish, and Toyo Bijin, known for its fresh acidity. They also offer about 100 kinds of alcohol in total, and A la carte All you can drink is available.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Saba Ryori Senmonten SABAR+ Tokuyama Ginza Ten is a specialty izakaya in Shunan City focused on mackerel dishes, about a 3-minute walk from Tokuyama Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line.

The interior has a calm feel with wood-toned tables and bright lighting, and offers both table and counter seating, so you can relax whether visiting alone or in a group.

Photograph:mkmk21518296746

You can casually enjoy carefully crafted saba (mackerel) dishes. They also offer a wide range of original menu items such as grilled saba sushi and saba kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewers).

You can enjoy them with Japanese sake or beer, and the lineup also includes dishes that go well with rice.

Photograph:shiro31646

The "saba (mackerel) kushiyaki (grilled skewers) 4-kind assortment" is a menu item you can enjoy with cheese, ume shiso, garlic, and salt seasoning, letting you enjoy a change in flavor with each skewer.

It is said to bring out the natural umami of the mackerel, while clearly letting you taste the differences in aroma and flavor.

Photograph:生レモン

Taishu Sakaba Taiyo Gyoza is a casual izakaya in the center of Shunan City, just steps from Tokuyama Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line.

Inside, the retro space is lit with neon and lined with casual counter and table seating. In the lively, easygoing atmosphere, you can drop in any time and enjoy your meal or drinks at a relaxed pace.

Photograph:ゆきピです^_^

They serve farm-to-table dishes made with Kano-buta (Kano pork) and Domestic vegetables.

The standard Kiwami Gyoza, packed with a generous filling, is a rich dish with filling that is 90% meat. In addition to pan-fried gyoza, the lineup includes boiled gyoza, deep-fried gyoza, ramen, and a wide range of snacks.

Photograph:みんしぇん

The "Biribiri Mapo Dofu (numbing spicy tofu in chili sauce)" is a popular dish known for its tasty rich flavor and tongue tingling heat.

It is served piping hot, and its aroma and umami are said to whet the appetite. It is said to taste great on its own, over rice, or paired with beer.

Photograph:生レモン

Ichibancho Bar Minami Ginza Ten is an izakaya in Minami Ginza, Shunan City, just steps from Tokuyama Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line.

The stylish interior, renovated from a traditional old house and designed in a West Coast style, includes a terrace, hammocks, and loft seating. At the table seats, which can also be used as barbecue grills, you can relax and spend time with friends or family.

Photograph:przc_

They are popular for hassle-free barbecue indoors that you can enjoy without worrying about the weather.

Aged meat and plenty of fresh ingredients are available, and the staff handle all the setup and cleanup, so you can enjoy barbecue with ease.

Photograph:カシオレちゃん

The "Aged meat seared steak" is a dish served with expert heat control.

The meat, richer in amino acids through aging, has deep umami, and the moment you put it in your mouth, the meat’s natural flavor spreads across the palate. There were also reviews saying it was a luxurious steak that was unforgettable once you tried it.

Yumezen Shimonoseki Ten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) on the 1st floor of KOKO STAY Shimonoseki Hotel, a 2-minute walk from Shimonoseki Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line.

The spacious interior makes it easy to stop by, even if you are not staying at the hotel. It has counter and table seating, so it is said to be comfortable for both solo diners and groups to enjoy a relaxed meal.

Photograph:KamilleBidan

With a local production for local consumption theme, this restaurant serves a la carte dishes and course meals made with the wide range of ingredients unique to Shimonoseki.

Another draw is the full dinner menu that even solo diners can enjoy. The "fuku (pufferfish) no Kara-age" has plump, springy flesh and makes a great easy-to-enjoy snack with drinks.

Photograph:1308b755340

The restaurant stocks more than 40 kinds of local sake from Yamaguchi Prefecture, with a wide lineup that includes fruity styles, dry ones, and bottles that pair well with food.

They also offer luxury sake, Special sake, and limited edition sake, and you can compare flavors with the "kiki-zake (sake tasting) 3-kind set." With so many options, choosing is part of the fun, and some say they had a memorable sake experience.

Photograph:aki8412

Ebisu Mon is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about an 8-minute walk from Shimonoseki Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line. The black exterior stands out, and the kominka-style (traditional townhouse-style) interior full of Japanese charm also comes with Private rooms.

The restaurant offers spacious Sunken kotatsu seating that can accommodate Banquets and business entertainment, creating a calm space where guests can enjoy their meal.

Photograph:網すけ

They serve dishes made with carefully selected local ingredients, including fresh fish caught off the coast of Shimonoseki and jidori (local chicken).

A popular menu item is the "Sengyo no Ebisu assortment." This dish features a bold assortment of seven kinds of fresh fish. It looks vibrant and lets you fully enjoy the natural flavor of the ingredients.

Photograph:ヒロポン93813

The recommended "taimeshi Clay Pot (Sea Bream rice cooked in a Clay Pot)" is an excellent dish topped with moist, tender Sea Bream over freshly cooked rice.

Seasoned with a refined touch to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, this Clay Pot rice also lets you enjoy its aroma. They say each bite spreads the rich taste of Sea Bream, making it a luxurious treat.

Photograph:ゆうき〆U5H

Sakana Ichiba Shimonoseki Ekimae Ten is a seafood izakaya located about a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Shimonoseki Station.

Inside, there is a fish tank and aquariums, so you can enjoy your meal while watching them. There are also counter seats and Sunken kotatsu seating, making it suitable for a wide range of occasions.

Photograph:yukkan_178

You can enjoy fresh live fish and live squid delivered directly from their production regions, caught from the fish tank in the restaurant and prepared on the spot, along with a wide range of standout dishes and Kyushu local sake.

The popular Katsu Yariika Sugata-zukuri (live Spear Squid sashimi platter) stands out for its clear flesh and unique texture. You can taste natural squid delivered daily from fishing ports in Saga, Oita, Yamaguchi, and other areas, served while still alive.

Photograph:umaimeshikuitai

The sushi, carefully shaped by skilled chefs and made with Special seafood, is also well loved.

Classic nigiri such as "maguro (tuna)," "ika (squid)," "ebi (shrimp)," and "hotate (scallop)" can be ordered from a single piece. It is said to be an authentic spot where you can also feel the attention to detail in the rice and the house original vinegar made just for sushi.

Photograph:コ〜タロウ

Toyomaru Suisan Shimonoseki Ekimae Ten is a 3-minute walk from Shimonoseki Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere with large fishing banners decorating the interior, and it is said to be a fun place to enjoy drinks and food.

Inside, there are table seats and Private room with Sunken kotatsu seating. The seating layout can be changed to match the size of your group, and its comfortable atmosphere for all kinds of occasions is part of its appeal.

Photograph:コシノカゲトラ

One of the big draws here is the chance to fully enjoy fresh live fish taken from the in-house fish tank and freshly cut seafood brought in that day.

The wide range of dishes built around seasonal seafood brings out the best flavors of the ingredients with cooking methods matched to each one. They also offer a wide lineup of Japanese sake, shochu, and assorted varieties available drinks.

Photograph:エレキマン69

They stock a wide selection of Yamaguchi local sake, including the "Recommended Tasting Set" as well as Dassai and Toyo Bijin, which are known across Japan.

A nice point is that you can enjoy the different taste profiles of each label and compare them as you drink. Some reviews also said it was a local experience you can only have there.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Kurakura is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located in central Hofu City, about a 10-minute walk from Hofu Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line. The interior is said to have a calm space with a Japanese feel, accented by bamboo decorations, giving it the atmosphere of a hidden retreat.

Inside, where time seems to pass at an easy pace, there are spacious counter seats and table seats.

Photograph:フィネスイモ

Based on the concept of being above an izakaya (Japanese pub) but below a kappo (traditional Japanese fine dining) restaurant, they serve dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from the local market.

The course Appetizers assortment is colorfully plated with items such as aigamo roast (roasted duck), tomorokoshi mousse (corn mousse), mozuku-su (vinegared mozuku seaweed), and madai ume-zushi (Sea Bream sushi with plum). It is also well known for its beautiful presentation.

Photograph:Knosis

The madai (Sea Bream) Clay Pot rice, which you can enjoy either as part of a course or à la carte, has the soft texture and refined taste that only freshly cooked rice can offer.

It is perfect To finish a meal, and the rich flavor of the madai soaks well into the rice. Since it takes about 40 minutes to serve, they recommend ordering it early.

Photograph:tabelog.com

Kushiyaki Karyoku is an izakaya (Japanese pub) in a convenient location about a 7-minute walk from Hofu Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line.

The interior has a calm Japanese modern feel, with counter and table seating, and it is said to be easy to use for a wide range of occasions, from meals with family or friends to dining alone.

Photograph:haruru0308

The kushiyaki (grilled skewers) are carefully grilled over Kishu Binchotan (premium white charcoal from Kishu), and each one is a fine dish made with a skilled grill master's attention to everything from selecting the ingredients to skewering and grilling.

Fresh chicken is hand-skewered every day, then grilled to a fragrant finish with tare sauce, salt, or dashi shoyu (soy sauce with soup stock) chosen to match each skewer.

Photograph:卵かけご飯！！！

Homemade snacks to enjoy while you wait for the kushiyaki (grilled skewers) to finish cooking are well liked.

The seasonal menu is also extensive, and the "Seasonal Fruit and Cheese Wrapped in Prosciutto" is a popular Appetizers dish. This luxurious item wraps seasonal fruit and cheese in prosciutto. It also pairs well with wine and Japanese sake.

Photograph:Dron

Iwakuni Enya is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located just steps from Iwakuni Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line, and also very close to Iwakuni-shi Nakamichi Station.

The counter seats are suitable even for solo diners, and the table seats are divided by partitions, so groups can also relax and enjoy their time.

Photograph:torak834587

Fresh fish landed in nearby waters centered on the Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea), along with charcoal grilled dishes, are well regarded.

The "hasami-age (fried lotus root sandwich)" made with Iwakuni renkon (Iwakuni lotus root) is a dish where the crisp lotus root holds in the flavors of meat and seafood. They offer Japanese sake from five Iwakuni breweries, including "Dassai" and "Gangi," so you can enjoy it with the food.

Photograph:UMaMi

The photo shows the popular “wakadori no hanshin-age (deep-fried half young chicken) (served with secret spicy miso).” They deep-fry half a chicken in a bold style, and you can enjoy the juicy, tender meat.

The secret spicy miso adds a nice accent, making this a dish that goes well with both food and drinks.