Popular izakaya (Japanese pubs) in Tochigi Prefecture! 17 recommended spots by station

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Kawaraya Utsunomiya Ten is an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) on the 6th floor of a building, about a 3-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station in the eastern part of Tochigi Prefecture. The interior has a modern feel, with design supervision by a professional designer.

As the restaurant name suggests, it offers plenty of meat dishes, along with a full lineup of vegetables and seafood dishes as well, and many people seem surprised by the wide variety.

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Dishes made with meat and cheese are the restaurant's specialties.

In particular, menu items that let you enjoy both at once, such as the "Wagyu Cheese Yaki (grilled cheese)" the "Cheese Gyoza (dumplings)" and the "Outside skirt Cheese Mountain," are said to be irresistibly good, with the savory flavor of the meat and the richness of the cheese bringing out the best in each other.

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What moves many people is the "yogan-yaki (lava stone grill)" shown in the photo. You cook it yourself right at the table, so you can enjoy it at your preferred doneness.

Along with the "Tochigi Wagyu Steak," they offer a wide range of cuts, including Outside skirt and Beef Tongue. It is said to turn out nice and juicy.

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Samurai Jugemu is an izakaya located a 7-minute walk from Tobu Utsunomiya Station in the eastern part of Tochigi Prefecture. It has a homey atmosphere and is said to have many repeat customers.

Starting with gyoza made with plenty of ingredients from Tochigi Prefecture, the restaurant offers a wide range of food, including Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes.

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A popular menu item is the large Jugenmu Gyoza. People like not only the chewy wrappers and juicy filling, but also the bright colors that make them fun to look at.

Each one uses distinctive ingredients such as takesumi (bamboo charcoal), tomato, and spinach, so comparing the different flavors is part of the fun.

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The house made "Jugemu Hamburger Steak" is also well known. Packed with the rich flavor of meat and very satisfying, it is so tender that you can easily cut it with chopsticks, and it is said to be very delicious.

The sauce also pairs extremely well with alcohol.

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"Kushiyaki Kameya Ikegamicho Honten" is an izakaya located about a 3-minute walk from Tobu Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture. Tucked away in a back alley, it is also well liked for its hideaway atmosphere.

The restaurant seems to offer a lineup of high quality dishes, with thoughtful touches in everything from ingredient selection to the pairing of yakumi (condiments).

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The restaurant’s recommended menu item is nikumaki-kushi (meat wrapped skewers). You can really enjoy the crispy, juicy texture of the meat.

The ingredients paired inside come in a wide range of options, including nori (seaweed), cheese, and vegetables. They are said to be seasoned with just the right amount of salt, making drinks go down easy.

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The à la carte menu features classic Japanese dishes, including the aburi Tochio-age (seared deep-fried tofu from Tochio) shown in the photo, as well as chicken skin with ponzu sauce and rich, tasty motsu-ni (offal stew).

To go with the food, they also have a full lineup of drinks, including local sake from Tochigi and a wide selection of shochu.

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Self Yakitoti Suki Katte is an izakaya located in Orion-dori Shotengai (Orion shopping street), about a 5-minute walk from Tobu Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture. It is said to have a retro and relaxed atmosphere.

You can enjoy yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), along with classic izakaya dishes and a wide selection of alcoholic drinks.

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You can enjoy self grilled yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) on a tabletop stove. You can season it to your liking and (Each) come up with your own grilling style, which makes it feel a bit like a fun group activity.

Another draw is that you can eat it piping hot right off the grill.

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They also offer a wide range of small dishes you can quickly enjoy while waiting for the meat to finish grilling.

The lineup includes classic favorites that drink lovers will find hard to resist, such as "salt sauce cabbage," "Ume Suisho," and "Chanja."

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Hakata Kushiyaki Baniku Ryori Ikkyu is an izakaya about a 3-minute walk from Tobu Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture. As the name suggests, this spot serves kushiyaki (grilled skewers) and baniku ryori (horse meat dishes), along with a range of Kyushu gourmet dishes.

The space has a stylish feel, with counter seats where you can watch the cooking and Private room options where you can relax and enjoy your time.

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Because they source fresh horse meat, you can enjoy high quality basashi (horse sashimi). They also carry rare cuts, and the popular "Basashi Seven Kinds Tower Assortment" lets you try a range of different parts.

They also offer a wide variety of horse meat dishes, including sushi and steak.

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When it comes to kushiyaki (grilled skewers) in Kyushu, yasai-maki (vegetable wrapped skewers), which let you enjoy both vegetables and meat, are especially well known. This restaurant also offers a wide variety of yasai-maki.

Inside the meat, there are plenty of vegetables that pair well with it, such as asparagus, tomato, and avocado, and they are said to be very tasty.

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Robata to Oden Koronagirai Utsunomiya Ten is an izakaya near Utsunomiya Station in the eastern part of Tochigi Prefecture, along Orion Street Shopping Arcade, and it seems to have a stylish atmosphere with Japanese touches.

In addition to a wide food menu, they also seem to offer a full lineup of alcoholic drinks such as Hoppy, shochu highballs, and sours.

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Many people seem to be surprised by how good the oden (Japanese hot pot items simmered in broth) served as the otoshi (small appetizer) is at this restaurant. Every ingredient is said to be well soaked with dashi, making it a great match for drinks.

On top of that, it is All you can eat, so you will likely want seconds again and again.

The robatayaki (fireside grilling) finished with a nice toasty aroma is also one of the restaurant's recommended menu items.

In addition to filling seafood options like “Tenshi no Ebi (angel prawn) Skewer” and “Grilled Tuna Tail,” they also offer a wide range of meat and vegetable dishes.

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365 GYOZA BAR is an izakaya located about a 3-minute walk from the west exit of Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture, where you can enjoy the pairing of stylish gyoza (dumplings) and wine, along with a wide range of a la carte dishes.

Its casual and easy-to-use atmosphere is also well liked.

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This restaurant is especially popular even in Utsunomiya (a city famous for gyoza), and it offers a wide variety of original gyoza (Japanese dumplings).

You can order options such as the Italian style "Aburi Cheese Yaki Gyoza" with tomato and olive sauce, or "Pakuchi Yaki Gyoza," which is irresistible for cilantro lovers.

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Among the many kinds of gyoza (Japanese dumplings), the one people order most often is the "365 Yaki Gyoza" in the photo. The chewy wrapper and the rich flavor of the juicy filling are said to be brought out by seasonings like truffle salt and lemon & black pepper.

Its all around versatility that pairs well with a wide range of drinks is also part of its appeal.

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Neo Taishu Izakaya Lotus is an izakaya just a 5-minute walk from the west exit of Utsunomiya Station. The retro and stylish interior has an easygoing, relaxing atmosphere.

It is not just the food that stands out. The drinks are also said to be excellent, with a wide range of cocktails and cute-looking items like the Kuma-chan Cream Soda (Bear Cream Soda).

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It seems they offer an appealing lineup of menu items with a creative twist. In particular, they have a wide range of dishes made with seafood ingredients.

Popular choices include the pictured "madai (Sea Bream) yukhoe topped with egg yolk," the beautifully glistening fish roe dish "Zeitaku Ginzake Ikura," and oyster dishes packed with rich flavor.

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It is popular not only for its good flavors, but also for its lineup of visually bright and eye catching dishes.

The photo shows the “Shiroi Dashimaki Tamago (white rolled omelet) to Gyu Shigure-ni (beef simmered in ginger soy sauce).” The fluffy omelet lets you clearly taste the dashi flavor, and it is said to pair perfectly with the shigure-ni.

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This izakaya is by reservation only and located on the second floor of a building, just a 3-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture. In the evening, they serve a course featuring grilled skewers with All you can drink.

The restaurant has a small, cozy setup with only 8 counter seats, and it is said to be a great choice for adults who want to relax and enjoy some quality time.

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Although the course meal includes many dishes, the kushiyaki (grilled skewers) are bite-sized, so the overall portion seems just right.

They say every item is tasty, with careful attention paid to each ingredient, from branded meats and high quality maguro (tuna) to potatoes aged to bring out their umami.

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The meal starts with an otoshi (small appetizer) of oni-oroshi (coarsely grated daikon) topped with dashi soy sauce, followed by creative, high quality dishes such as the meat and maguro (tuna) nigiri in the photo and uni (sea urchin) pudding.

They all pair perfectly with alcohol, and it is also fun to pick the best match from the restaurant’s wide range of drinks.

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Kyushu Sakaba Bakamon is an izakaya on the second floor of a building, about a 7-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station. The manager trained in Kyushu, so you can enjoy authentic Kyushu gourmet food while staying right in Tochigi.

Along with the food, they also offer a wide selection of drinks, including shochu and sours.

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The specialty at this restaurant is dishes made with horse meat delivered fresh every day from Kumamoto. They are known for their basashi (horse sashimi), which is so tasty it goes great with drinks, and some people come here just for that.

They also offer unusual dishes such as horse meat Yakiniku and horse meat sausages.

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The quality of even the small side dishes is high, so it is also recommended for a Quick Drink or for stopping by as a second or later stop.

The photo shows the popular "mentai tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet with pollock roe)." The fluffy eggs are packed with plenty of mentaiko, and it goes great with drinks.

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Aoiya Utsunomiya Higashiguchi Ten is an izakaya located about a 9-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture and about a 2-minute walk from Higashi-Shukugo Station.

This large-capacity restaurant has 156 seats in total, and Private room options are available in a range of sizes for both small and large groups.

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The lineup mainly features meat dishes. The "Roast Beef Tower with uni (sea urchin) sauce" in the photo, eaten by coating the tender meat with egg yolk and rich sauce, gets high marks for both taste and looks.

You can also enjoy a wide range of dishes, including steak and fried items.

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They offer a full lineup of dishes for groups, including Hot Pot dishes and the "Goka Sengyo no Oke-mori (luxurious assorted fresh seafood served in a wooden tub)." They also have a wide range of courses with All you can drink, making this a great place when you want to enjoy drinks in a lively atmosphere.

The alcohol menu is broad as well, with shochu, Japanese sake, cocktails, and more.

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Miyazaki Nichinan Maboroshi no Jidori-yaki Jitokko Utsunomiya Ten is an izakaya located about a 3-minute walk from the west exit of Utsunomiya Station in Tochigi Prefecture. Since it is directly operated by the farm, you can enjoy exceptionally fresh, high-quality chicken.

Many of the dishes are said to be seasoned on the stronger side. They also offer a full selection of alcohol that pairs well with the food, including shochu, sours, and highballs.

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They offer a wide range of dishes made with Miyazaki Jitokko (Miyazaki free-range chicken), known for its pleasantly firm texture and rich flavor that builds as you chew.

In addition to the popular Jitokko-yaki grilled over charcoal with its savory smoky aroma, you can also order tebayaki (grilled chicken wings) and chicken skin with ponzu sauce.

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Another draw of this restaurant is that even the light side dishes are high quality.

There is also a wide variety, including soft and tasty dashimaki tamago (Japanese rolled omelet), an otoshi (small appetizer) of fresh vegetables served with fragrant miso, and "Maru Gyoza" packed with soup.

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About a 1-minute walk from the nearest station, Higashi-Shukugo Station, Zenseki Koshitsu Izakaya Shinobuya Utsunomiya Eki Higashiguchi Ten is an izakaya in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, about a 7-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station.

This restaurant has Private rooms for all seats, with room sizes for groups from 2 people to large parties. Each group can relax and enjoy their meal in comfort.

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Because this restaurant has a great selection of Hot Pot dishes, it is said to be perfect for group drinking parties.

The "Beef Tongue Negi Shabu" in the photo is popular for its rich flavor, light taste, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can choose the soup from Kenbi collagen soup (beauty collagen soup) or mala (numbing spicy broth).

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Another appealing point is that even in Tochigi Prefecture, which has no sea, you can enjoy a wide range of seafood dishes.

The "fugu-nabe (blowfish Hot Pot)" and "ebi-shabu (shrimp shabu-shabu)" are said to be packed with umami and feel indulgent. You can also enjoy a wide variety of dishes, including ozukuri (sashimi platters), sushi, and fried items.

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Yamauchi Nojo Utsunomiya Higashiguchi Ekimae Ten is an izakaya in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, a 4-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station. With 110 seats in total and Private room available, it is said to be easy to use for a wide range of occasions.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of food focused on Kyushu cuisine and a broad alcohol menu that includes craft beer, sours, and cocktails.

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They offer a tempting lineup of chicken dishes, including Kara-age and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Their specialty is charcoal grilled chicken made with Satsuma Yamanouchi Jidori (Satsuma Yamanouchi local chicken), a branded chicken from Kyushu.

The far infrared effect of the charcoal locks in the flavor, making it tender and delicious.

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Kyushu gourmet dishes like motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot) and grilled Horumon are also popular, and the motsu-nabe comes with plump beef Horumon. You can choose the soup from soy sauce or ago dashi paitan (flying fish broth white broth).

The grilled Horumon is a dish with a tasty spicy sauce based on barley miso that really gets your appetite going. Both are said to go great with alcohol.

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Yoichi Gyoza Daiou Oyama Ten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) just a 2-minute walk from the west exit of Oyama Station. It has a casual atmosphere that makes it easy to drop by. It is often full, so if you know your plans, making a reservation is recommended.

In addition to a wide variety of food centered on gyoza (dumplings), it also offers a full lineup of alcoholic drinks including sours and cocktails.

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They are famous for their wide variety of gyoza (dumplings). There are an amazing 30 kinds in total. The selection ranges from standard ones to spicy varieties and options with toppings.

They are said to be appealing for their easy-to-compare size and the flavor of the filling, which lets you taste the natural sweetness of the vegetables.

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The menu has plenty to offer besides gyoza (dumplings). Along with single dish snacks that are perfect as side orders, you can also order finishing dishes.

The ramen in particular has a great reputation for its high quality and for letting you really enjoy the flavor of the dashi (broth).

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Makibao is an izakaya located on the second floor of a building, a 7-minute walk from Oyama Station. The space, repurposed from a private home, has a calm atmosphere and is said to be easy to use whether visiting alone or in a group.

They also have a good selection of drinks that pair well with snacks, including shochu, Japanese sake, and craft beer, making it a highly satisfying place for a night out.

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This restaurant is known for basashi (horse sashimi). The meat shipped directly from Kumamoto is fresh, and they offer a wide range of cuts.

The restaurant's recommended "Akami Kirioshi (trimmed lean horse meat)" and richly fatty otoro (extra fatty cut), among others, are all said to be delicious, and some people even order more.

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They offer a great selection of original dishes made with basashi (horse meat).

The photo shows their "Basuji Nikomi" (stewed horse tendon), simmered until tender, along with "Niku Sushi," an easy-to-enjoy take on basashi, and "Baniku no Korokke" (horse meat croquettes) with a crisp texture. Every one of them sounds appealing.

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"Uma Kara-age to Izaka Meshi Miraizaka Koyama Higashiguchi Ten" is an izakaya located a 4-minute walk from Koyama Station, along Ekihigashi Odori. They say you can casually enjoy drinks in a lively atmosphere.

Not only is the food menu extensive, but the drink selection is also wide. There are many courses with All you can drink, and the broad range of included drinks is a nice plus for people who enjoy alcohol.

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A popular menu item is a whole bone-in thigh of the branded chicken Seiryu Wakadori, cooked as is and cut right in front of you by the staff.

The grilled version in the photo is a dish with a nice garlic aroma. They also offer a Kara-age style version, with the meat marinated in a secret sauce and fried until crisp. Both are said to go great with drinks.

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Another plus is the wide selection of small dishes you can casually snack on.

Popular picks include the "Aburi Shime Saba (seared marinated mackerel)," which adds some fun with tabletop searing, and the "Meiten Dashi no Dashimaki Tamago," a rolled omelet made with dashi supervised by the head chef of a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). They seem to be high quality.