Izakaya in the Takasaki area you’ll want to visit! 20 places where you can enjoy great food and drinks

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Hoderi is an izakaya (Japanese pub) located about a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Takasaki Station. Inside, the chic space has a grown-up feel, with plenty of natural wood and stone materials used throughout.

The restaurant has spacious table seating with a sofa on one side, as well as carefully crafted counter seats made from single slabs of wood.

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The standard menu item is katsuo no wara-yaki (bonito seared over rice straw), made by boldly grilling Kochi bonito over rice straw. The toasty aroma of the straw makes this dish stand out.

They also recommend a la carte dishes such as kushiyaki (grilled skewers) and Joshu gyu (Joshu beef) from Gunma. The lineup also includes Special local sake, wine, and highballs.

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The "gyu motsu-nabe (beef offal Hot Pot)" in the photo is a popular choice for group dinners. This dish slowly simmers fresh beef offal from Gunma Prefecture and vegetables in a special chicken-bone broth.

It is said to have a pleasantly springy texture, with the natural sweetness of the vegetables coming through.

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"Excellent Gunma Food Sanzu" is an izakaya within walking distance of JR Takasaki Station. It has all-private Sunken kotatsu seating, so you can use it for all kinds of occasions.

This is a comfortable space where you can stretch out your legs and enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace. It is also recommended for family gatherings, celebrations, and Banquets.

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You can fully enjoy the bounty of Gunma. The dishes made with Joshu gyu (Joshu beef) and Ehara Herb Buta (Ehara herb pork) are popular.

The "Joshu gyu Hamburger Steak" is homemade and made with 100% Joshu gyu. They say the juices flow out the moment you cut into it with chopsticks.

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The lineup includes local Gunma sake, with Japanese sake selected by the owner from around Japan as well, including bottles that are unique to the season.

"Musubito" is a gentle, well-balanced cup with rounded umami and a pleasant, moderate acidity. You can enjoy it either chilled or warmed.

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Nihon no Sake to Uma no Niku Uma○ Takasaki Ekimae Ten is a horse meat specialty izakaya (Japanese pub) just a 5-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station. The interior is simple and clean, with a calm atmosphere that makes it easy to relax.

It also has Sunken kotatsu seating and Private room options, so it is a good choice for days when you want to sit back and talk. They can also help with celebrations and surprises.

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You can enjoy horse meat and local sake from Fukushima. The wide lineup of horse meat dishes, from classics to creative options, is part of the appeal.

The recommended "Masumori from horse meat" stands out for its freshness. Many people choose it as their first dish.

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One item that often gets ordered at drinking parties is the "Baka Naga! Baniku Oshizushi (extra long pressed horse meat sushi)." With its red and white look, this dish makes a big impression the moment it arrives at the table.

It is easy to share and is said to be a popular menu item for groups.

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Sake to Sakana Shime Udon Akari is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Takasaki Station. Tucked away in an alley off the main street, it has the feel of a hidden gem.

Set in a two-story Japanese-modern space renovated from a traditional old house, the first floor has counter seats and Private room seating, while the second floor has spacious table seating.

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You can enjoy Special meat and fish dishes, basashi (horse sashimi), and Japanese sake from Gunma.

A popular appetizer in reviews is the "nikuatsu eihire no aburi (grilled thick cut ray fin)" shown in the photo. It is surprisingly thick, with rich flavor that spreads as you chew, and is said to be satisfyingly filling.

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The house made udon noodles prepared in the restaurant are also popular. The carefully made dashi is known for its rich umami and aroma from a blend of bonito flakes and kombu kelp.

The photo shows the "hamaguri (clam) udon." It has a gentle flavor that makes it perfect even after drinks.

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Hakata Taishu Sakaba Sacchan Takasaki Eki Higashiguchi Ten is an izakaya located a 4-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station. The interior is lively, with menus covering the walls in a bustling space.

The seating is mainly counter and table seating, and the atmosphere is said to make it easy to drop in even for first-time visitors.

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You can enjoy teppan Yakiniku, known as a soul food of Hakata (a district in Fukuoka). This cooking style is widely loved across western Japan, and one of its hallmarks is the aroma rising from the iron plate.

The "Stamina Teppan Yakiniku" is also a popular set meal option. It is also said to be a dish with many repeat customers as a snack to go with drinks.

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To finish a night of drinks, the recommended choice is Hakata ramen that recreates the authentic taste of Hakata.

The "Hakata Deluxe Ramen (with all toppings)" comes with plenty of large chashu (braised pork) and chopped green onions. The soup has no off notes, and it is said to have an addictive taste.

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Suigetsutei is an izakaya located on Minami Ginza-dori, about a 10-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station. It is by reservation only and features Private room seating throughout.

It has both zashiki (tatami seating) and tables, and every room is said to have a calm, chic interior.

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You have 3 hours to dine, and they serve course meals only. Along with vegetables grown on their own farm in Haruna, they offer dishes made with Joshu beef from the local area.

Reviews also say that each dish is high quality, and the meat dishes in particular were very good.

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In addition to Dassai and Moriizo, they offer a wide lineup including shochu, whisky, and umeshu (plum wine). They also have limited local sake labels.

Their "house-made Haruna no Umeshu" is also popular, enjoyed on the rocks, with water, or with shochu and soda.

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Takasaki Koshitsu Izakaya Izakouzakan Juunitsuki is an izakaya located a 4-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station. The interior has a calm atmosphere with simple decor, and reviews say it is a place where you can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace.

The counter made from a single slab of wood leaves a strong impression, and it is said to be a comfortable space where conversation flows easily.

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They serve dishes made with fresh fish delivered directly from Toyosu Shijo (Toyosu Market). The lineup also includes unusual seafood, making it fun to choose.

The “otsukuri assortment” is especially popular, and it is said to be a dish where you can enjoy whatever is freshest at the time.

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They always have about eight kinds of Japanese sake, ranging from sweet to dry. They mainly feature local sake from Gunma and Hyogo, along with rare labels that are hard to find elsewhere.

Ohsakazuki Bessen Takasaki is brewed with pure water and is said to have a clean, crisp taste.

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Aoiya Takasaki Nishiguchi Ten is an izakaya just a short walk from JR Takasaki Station, and it has a reputation for being cozy, with soft lighting welcoming you when you open the door.

In addition to Semi-private room seating divided by blinds and sofa table seating, it also has Sunken kotatsu seating where you can take off your shoes and relax, so you can spend time here in the style you prefer.

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The menu features carefully crafted creative dishes made with the chef's close attention to detail.

A classic choice for group dinners, the "yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)" is the real deal, made by cutting up Domestic chicken into large pieces and skewering them by hand. They grill it over high heat with far infrared, giving it a crispy outside and a juicy, tender texture inside.

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All course meals come with All you can drink, and let you enjoy a wide range of dishes from meat dishes to seasonal ingredients. In addition to fresh fish shipped direct from the market, they use carefully selected ingredients such as fermented Aged meat.

With the All you can drink option, you can enjoy standard drinks like highballs, shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), and sours.

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"Jidori to Amiyaki Koshitsu Izakaya Torisho Takasaki Ten" is an izakaya located about a 3-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station, and it has fully private rooms. The layout makes it easy to use for celebrations and surprises.

The spacious and open interior works well for a wide range of occasions.

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The lineup centers on jidori (local chicken) dishes grilled over a wire mesh.

The top pick is “Jidori no Teppan-yaki ~Yuzu Kosho~.” The smoky aroma from the charcoal and the heat of yuzu kosho (citrus chili paste) come together for a nice accent, according to reviews.

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A popular menu item in reviews is the Kyushu specialty “toriten (chicken tempura) (served with grated daikon and ponzu sauce)”.

The juicy chicken has a nice substantial bite, making it a satisfying dish. Reviews also say that the fresh taste of the grated daikon and ponzu sauce keeps it from feeling heavy.

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"Gyutan (Beef Tongue) Umai Takasaki Ekimae Ten" is an izakaya with Japanese modern fully private rooms, located about a 3-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station.

The restaurant has a row of private rooms with careful attention paid to everything from the lighting to the wallpaper, creating a calm setting that works well for group drinking parties. Soft indirect lighting gives the space a gentle glow, making it a place where you can relax and enjoy your meal at an easy pace.

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This restaurant specializes in Beef Tongue and horse meat dishes.

The signature dish is the "Aburi Thick Cut Beef Tongue," known for its firm springy texture. The more you chew, the more flavor comes out, making it a satisfying dish. The restaurant style is to enjoy it with lemon or wasabi.

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"Beef Tongue shabu-shabu" is a popular menu item that you can enjoy as All you can eat for 2 hours.

It uses a collagen enriched soup, made with beauty and health in mind. With the restaurant's original dipping sauces and yakumi (condiments), you can change up the flavor and enjoy it to the fullest for 2 hours.

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Nikudofu to Lemon Sour Taishu Shokudo Yasubee Takasaki Eki Higashiguchi Ten is an izakaya in a great location, about a 1-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station.

It has a casual, easy-to-enter atmosphere, and in addition to table and box seating, it also has Private rooms. Its convenience for a wide range of occasions is said to be one of its strong points.

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The recommendations are slowly simmered nikudofu (meat and tofu stew) and lemon sour.

The "nikudofu" comes in two types: black with a soy sauce base, and white made with katsuo-dashi (bonito stock). The meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the tofu is full of flavor, making it a dish that goes well with both drinks and rice.

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They have a wide variety of lemon sours, so you can choose one to suit your taste.

Along with the standard options, they offer a broad lineup ranging from house-marinated types to icy mizore sours. The "Jikasei Tsukekomi Lemon Sour (house-marinated lemon sour)" is said to have a clean sweetness and slight bitterness, and it pairs well with strongly seasoned dishes.

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Hamayaki Kaisen Izakaya Daisho Suisan Takasaki Nishiguchi Ten is a lively izakaya with excellent access, about a 1-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station.

With a casual feel that brings to mind a beach hut, it is an easy place to drop by. Its welcoming atmosphere is part of the appeal, whether you are on your own or with family.

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The menu centers on seafood, with everything from grilled shrimp and shellfish to sushi and sashimi.

The hamayaki (seaside-style grilled seafood) cooked on tabletop grills is popular, especially the shrimp, shellfish, and grilled crab miso in the shell. A nice plus is that the seafood comes from the fish tank in the restaurant, so it is very fresh.

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The "Bukkake Sushi Kobore assortment" is a plate of hosomaki (thin sushi rolls) topped generously with tuna, salmon, buri (yellowtail), negitoro (minced tuna with scallions), and ikura (salmon roe).

Along with its impressive look, the dish lets you really taste the quality of the ingredients themselves. It is highly satisfying and said to be a popular menu item that many people order.

Yasai Nikumaki Kushi Hagabon Takasaki Honten is an izakaya with a retro feel, located about a 5-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station.

It comes with fully private rooms for 5 to 8 people and Semi-private room seating for 4 people. You can enjoy your meal in a space that gives you plenty of privacy.

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The "yasai nikumaki-gushi (vegetable and meat rolled skewers)" are a popular menu item made by wrapping fresh vegetables in pork belly.

The restaurant also offers seasonal limited-time skewers wrapped around seasonal vegetables, mainly using local ingredients. Among them, the "lettuce skewer" and "nira (garlic chives) cheese skewer" are especially well regarded and are said to be popular with a wide range of diners.

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The "Hakabon Course" comes with 2 hours of All you can drink and lets you enjoy the restaurant's standard dishes all at once.

It includes sashimi assortment, homemade tsukune (chicken meatball) skewers, roasted Akagi Pork, and vegetable wrapped skewers, with plenty of volume. Many say it is easy to use for Banquets with groups or friends.

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Shun no Shoku to Jizake Kuraya Takasaki Ekimae Ten is a calm izakaya pub in a great location, about a 1-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station, with a relaxed interior that incorporates modern Japanese style.

It offers table seating, Private room options, and even Sunken kotatsu seating private rooms, making it easy to use for a wide range of occasions, from 2 people to large groups.

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They offer dishes made with horse meat shipped directly from Kumamoto, Joshu-gyu (Joshu beef), and seasonal fresh seafood.

The menu focuses on meat dishes that make the most of the ingredients, including Joshu-gyu steak and authentic Hakata-style motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot). They handle everything with care, from sourcing to cooking, and serve it with consistent quality.

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The “sengyo assortment (fresh seafood assortment)” lets you choose from 2 to 5 kinds, featuring fresh seafood of the day.

The “basashi assortment (horse sashimi assortment)” is also popular, with the chance to compare different cuts as a key feature. You can clearly taste the differences between lean cuts and marbled cuts, and it is said to be a dish many people come back for.

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Niku Jizake Koshitsu Izakaya Yui Takasaki Ekimae Ten is a modern-style izakaya located about a 2-minute walk from JR Takasaki Station.

The table seating can be rearranged to suit different needs. It also has Sunken kotatsu seating and Private room options, making it a good choice for private gatherings as well.

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They offer local dishes and meat dishes from (Each) prefecture in Kyushu.

A top recommendation is Kumamoto's local dish karashi renkon (lotus root stuffed with mustard miso). It is known for the aroma of Japanese mustard and the crisp texture of lotus root. Its sharp heat also goes well with alcohol.

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If you are not sure what to order, the course meal that lets you choose your main dish is a popular option.

For the main, you can choose from "steamed chicken and seasonal vegetables in a seiro (bamboo steamer)," "Hakata motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot) (salt, soy sauce, or miso)," or "chicken steak." It also comes with All you can drink, which is a nice touch for a relaxed meal.

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MEAT LABO ENISHI Takasaki Ekimae Ten is an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) in a great location, about a 1-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station.

The softly lit interior has table seating, sofa seating, and fully private rooms. It works well for anything from a quick stop to a relaxed meal.

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They serve creative Japanese style dishes made with fresh seafood and jidori (local free range chicken).

For the "House Made Roast Beef," "Special Wagyu Steak," and "Gyuzabuton (chuck flap) Tataki," they use different cooking methods for each cut. The lineup is varied and pairs well with drinks.

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You can enjoy Special Japanese sake and beer selected from all over Japan with the seasons.

The craft beer “Susanoo IPA” is said to have a rich, fragrant taste. They also offer All you can drink courses with beer, sours, fruit liqueurs, and more.

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"Zenseki Kanzen Koshitsu Tori to Kaisen Izakaya Kyushu Toriuo Takasaki Ten" is an izakaya located about a 4-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station.

With a fully private room for every seat and Sunken kotatsu seating, it is recommended for families with children and drinking parties with friends.

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They serve brand-name chicken dishes such as Satsuma Gokkei Daimaou (premium Satsuma chicken) and Akagi-dori (Akagi chicken).

The top recommendation is the "Gunma-ken Akagi-dori no Shioyaki ~Yuzu Kosho Soe~." It is said to be a juicy dish that releases plenty of flavorful meat juices with every bite.

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The On-the-Day order is also OK, and the "Premium All you can drink 2 hours" is also popular.

In addition to draft beer, Kurokirishima, and highballs, the All you can drink menu also includes local sake from Gunma Prefecture such as Iwao Honjozo Karakuchi and Ohsakazuki Hojun Karakuchi. This is recommended for people who want to order à la carte and eat whatever they like.

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Robata to Oden Koronagirai Takasaki Ten is an izakaya located about a 4-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station. The restaurant is known for its otoshi (table charge appetizer) oden, which you can enjoy as All you can eat.

There is an oden counter in the center of the restaurant, giving the place a lively atmosphere at all times. The spacious interior also has table seating and Private rooms.

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The otoshi (small appetizer) "oden" is available as All you can eat for an extra charge. There is a wide variety, from standard items like daikon radish, konnyaku (yam cake), and chikuwa (tube-shaped fish cake) to limited-quantity options like octopus legs.

The piping hot oden is said to go well with both rice and alcohol.

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A top pick among the a la carte dishes is the “ginzake (coho salmon) with ikura (salmon roe) and grated daikon radish topping.” The rich salmon is grilled until nicely tender, with just the right amount of salt.

The grated daikon radish and ikura add a nice accent, making it perfect with a drink.

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Toyomaru Suisan Takasaki Eki Nishiguchi Ten is a seafood izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 3-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station, and the interior is an open space lined with table seating.

A tabletop grill is set up at (Each) seat, so you can enjoy hamayaki (seaside-style grilled seafood). The casual atmosphere is said to make it easy to drop in, even for first time visitors.

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At the tabletop grill, you can enjoy "kaisen hamayaki (seaside-style grilled seafood)" and "Yakiniku." For seafood, they boldly serve shell-on items like oysters, scallops, and live sazae (turban shell).

The photo shows "shima hokke yaki (grilled Arabesque greenling)." One of the best parts is grilling it to your preferred doneness and enjoying it that way.

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"Zero-Minute Sour" lets you pour your own plain sour from the server installed at your table.

Another reason it is popular is that you can choose your favorite from 10 kinds of syrup, such as "Natsukashi no Melon (nostalgic melon)," "Pink Grapefruit," and "Shitamachi Shiso Ume (downtown shiso plum)."

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Mekiki no Ginji Takasaki Nishiguchi Ekimae Ten is a seafood izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 2-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Takasaki Station. The walls are decorated with taisyo-ki (large fishing flags), giving the place a bright and lively atmosphere.

The restaurant is fully equipped with zashiki (tatami seating), Sunken kotatsu seating, table seating, and Private room options. The walls between seats are high, so you do not have to worry much about the neighboring tables.

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You can fully enjoy fresh seafood here. The hamayaki (seaside-style tabletop grill) cooked right at the table is popular, especially the grilled shellfish and red shrimp.

The signature dish is the "Gokai Sashimi Nanasu assortment" in the photo. It comes loaded with seasonal sashimi and is said to pair perfectly with drinks.

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The "aburi shime saba sashi (seared vinegared mackerel sashimi)" with its skin lightly seared until fragrant is also popular. The rich flesh is moist, and the moderate acidity from the vinegar curing leaves a clean finish.

With each bite, the umami slowly spreads, and the fragrant notes from the searing pair perfectly with the natural richness of the mackerel.