Cheers at izakaya around Matsumoto Station! 16 places where you can enjoy local gourmet food and local sake

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Matsumoto Kakiireshi is an izakaya a 3-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, where you can enjoy creative seafood dishes centered on oysters.

The interior has a polished atmosphere, and the counter seats, where you can relax and take your time, are said to be popular. It also has Semi-private rooms, and some say they make it easy to spend time there comfortably.

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They offer a wide range of dishes made with fresh oysters sourced daily from all over Japan.

The grilled oysters, carefully cooked and served by skilled chefs at the grill, are said to bring out their rich savory flavor. They also have a good selection of rare meishu (premium sake), local Shinshu sake, and wine, all worth enjoying together.

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The "Special kaki furai (fried oysters)," served right on the shell for a big visual impact, is also one of the restaurant's recommended dishes. It is said to be a standout dish made with extra large oysters coated in a crisp crust.

It comes with homemade tartar sauce made with iburigakko (smoked and pickled daikon radish), a pickle prepared by smoking vegetables before pickling them.

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Kura no Mukou is an izakaya that focuses on soba noodles and local dishes and drinks made with ingredients from the Shinshu region.

It is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, and diners can fully enjoy their meal in a calm, traditional Japanese setting. It also has Private rooms that can accommodate large groups.

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They have a wide selection of local sake and shochu unique to Shinshu (Nagano), along with a full lineup of dishes that pair well with drinks.

If you want to try a local specialty unique to Matsumoto City, the "sanzoku-yaki (deep-fried chicken cutlet)" is just the thing. It has an irresistible crispy texture, and the sliced garlic adds a nice accent.

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To finish after enjoying drinks, ordering the soba carefully made by skilled artisans is also recommended. It uses 100% Azumino sangiko (buckwheat flour from the Azumino production region) grown by contracted farmers at the foot of the Northern Alps.

It features thin noodles with a light, clean texture, and is said to have a rich aroma and go down smoothly. There is also a menu that lets you compare two kinds of soba.

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Yamazato is an izakaya (Japanese pub) about a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Matsumoto Station, where you can enjoy local jibieru (game meat) dishes and mainly Shinshu (Nagano) regional specialties.

The inside has a stylish feel with a U-shaped counter, and there is also zashiki (tatami seating) in the back, so it is said to have many local regulars who keep coming back.

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One thing you should definitely try when you visit is the game dishes. The menu is full of options, including "venison Jingisukan (grilled mutton-style dish)" and "inoshishi niku (wild boar meat) sukiyaki".

They also stock more than 30 kinds of local sake from Shinshu and more than 10 kinds of local shochu from Shinshu, so you are likely to find a drink that pairs perfectly with your favorite dish.

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The restaurant offers about 80 dishes made with ingredients unique to Shinshu, including Matsumoto’s B-class gourmet sanzoku-yaki (fried chicken) and Kara-age made with Shinshu-grown nagaimo (Japanese yam).

The "Shinshu Salmon sashimi" features Shinshu Salmon, a branded fish from Shinshu that took ten years to develop. The thick-cut salmon is said to have excellent fat and rich flavor.

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Matsumoto Han Sakaba Shuraku, about a 2-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, is an izakaya where you can enjoy a wide variety of local dishes along with Shinshu (Nagano) local sake. It is a great pick when you want to fully enjoy Matsumoto’s famous local food.

The clean-looking interior has a calm atmosphere, with counter seats, table seating, and zashiki (tatami-floor seating) available, according to reviews.

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They offer a full lineup of creative dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients, including fresh seafood and Shinshu Kogen Yasai (highland vegetables from Shinshu).

Every dish is beautifully presented and well portioned, which guests love. They also stock local Japanese sake from Shinshu and Japanese sake available only at this restaurant, making it a great pick for anyone who loves a good drink.

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The wide variety of seafood dishes made with seafood shipped directly from Kanazawa Gyoko (Kanazawa Fishing Port) is also not to be missed.

Along with sashimi dishes that let you enjoy the ingredients' natural flavors in a simple way, they also offer dishes with an extra touch, such as "honmaguro (bluefin tuna) yamakake (grated yam topping)" and "mehikari (greeneyes) house made overnight dried fish."

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This izakaya offers a wide range of dishes that go perfectly with drinks, including robatayaki (fireside grilling) and seafood dishes. It is a 3-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.

One reason for its popularity is the nice atmosphere. You can choose from open-kitchen counter seats, table seating, or a Private room with Sunken kotatsu seating.

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The restaurant offers a full lineup of dishes centered on seafood, and the recommended menu changes daily. Reviews also say the seafood small plates are so good that once you start drinking, you cannot stop.

In addition to local sake from Nagano Prefecture, they also serve seasonal limited edition sake from around Japan, which you can drink from tin sake cups.

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Robata-yaki (fireside grill) dishes like grilled crab miso and hokke (Okhotsk atka mackerel) are also popular. The “Hotate (scallop) no Kani Miso Yaki” is said to be a signature menu item with a 90% repeat order rate.

The “Uni (sea urchin) Ikura (salmon roe) Nose Hotate no Kani Miso Yaki,” a slightly more luxurious take on the usual kani miso yaki, is a dish with great visual impact as well.

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"Ganso Sutamina Yakitori Matsumoto Ekimae Ten" is an izakaya where meat dishes such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and stamina-yaki (garlic soy grilled meat), along with Shinshu local specialties, are popular.

Its lively atmosphere makes it a great place to have a fun time with everyone, and it seems to suit all kinds of occasions, from grabbing a quick drink to a Banquet.

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The restaurant's top recommendation is sanzoku-yaki (Matsumoto's local fried chicken dish), a Matsumoto specialty. This dish features chicken thigh marinated in a garlic-forward soy sauce tare, then fried until crisp.

It is topped with plenty of fried garlic, so you can enjoy its crunchy texture.

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For a snack to go with drinks, the "stamina-yaki (charcoal-grilled chicken and pork offal)" is also a great choice.

The meat is grilled all at once over charcoal at just the right temperature, making it addictively tasty. You can enjoy it with the "tokusei stamina dare (special spicy stamina sauce)," which has a mildly spicy flavor.

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Ganso Shinshu Hitokuchi Gyoza Marufuku is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy tasty Shinshu bite sized gyoza made with carefully selected Domestic ingredients.

It has the lively atmosphere you would expect from a casual izakaya and friendly service, making it easy to visit whether on your own or with a group. It also has Private rooms for 4名〜6名.

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They offer a wide selection of single dishes that go well with drinks, including Shinshu specialties like "sanzoku-yaki (fried chicken cutlet)" and "Nozawana Tempura (tempura of Nozawana pickles)".

There are also many good reviews for the popular "niku-dofu (simmered meat and tofu)," cooked in a large pot. The rich flavor soaks into the beef belly and tofu, making for an excellent taste.

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A must order here is the factory-fresh "Shinshu Hitokuchi Gyoza (bite-sized dumplings from Shinshu)," enjoyed with the house special miso sauce.

You can choose from two types: "yaki gyoza (pan-fried dumplings)" with a crispy texture, or "yude gyoza (boiled dumplings)" with a smooth texture. Since they are bite-sized, people say you could keep eating them endlessly.

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Ajian Konoha is a Japanese izakaya on the 1st floor of Hotel New Station, close to Matsumoto Station. It serves dishes made with local ingredients and is said to be well regarded for local Banquets.

The interior has a chic and calm feel. In addition to counter and table seating, there are also Private rooms for 2 or more people.

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A wide range of creative Japanese dishes lets you enjoy Shinshu (Nagano) ingredients through the four seasons. Sanzoku-yaki (fried chicken cutlet) and dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet with dashi) are among the popular menu items.

They offer a Special selection of local sake that pairs well with the food, along with options such as the head chef’s recommended shochu.

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If you love fish, you will definitely want to order the iwana (char) grilled with salt.

After you place your order, they prepare the fish swimming in the fish tank inside the restaurant, so you can enjoy it at peak freshness. You can also enjoy sashimi and hone-zake (hot sake infused with grilled fish bones) from the menu.

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This izakaya is popular for its specialty motsuni (stewed offal) and its wide variety of kushiyaki (grilled skewers). Its location, just a 1-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, is another plus.

The bright and lively interior has counter and table seating, and there is also a terrace in front of the entrance.

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They offer a great selection of a la carte dishes that go well with drinks in a casual setting. One must-order item is their specialty, "Motsu Nikomi (stewed offal)".

They bring in very fresh pork offal every morning and do the butchering and prep in-house. It sounds like ordering one simmered stew per person is the way to go.

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Inside the showcase, there are about 20 or more kinds of Japanese sake lined up, and All you can drink is also available, including more than 100 options such as beer and cocktails.

They also have an excellent selection of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) cooked over binchotan (white charcoal), and the drinks are sure to go down easy. Orders are served quickly, making it a great spot for a quick drink.

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Shinano no Teppen is a popular izakaya where you can enjoy a wide range of Teppan-yaki dishes and snack plates that go well with alcohol. People say it feels like a power spot where you can forget the stress of everyday life.

With its open kitchen style that lets you feel the excitement of the cooking up close, the lively atmosphere and friendly service are part of its appeal.

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Among the many a la carte dishes, the especially recommended items are the Teppan-yaki dishes.

They offer a wide lineup, including their specialty dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet), tonpeiyaki (pork omelet), and okonomiyaki (savory pancake). The dashimaki tamago is known for its soft and fluffy texture.

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Some say that even though it is in an inland prefecture, you can still enjoy fresh and tasty seafood here, so people who like fish dishes will likely enjoy it too.

They also offer local sake in assorted varieties available, so you will want to enjoy it with the seafood dishes. Course meals with All you can drink are also available.

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Italian Cross is a Western-style izakaya (Japanese pub) for adults where you can casually enjoy Italian food. It is a 2-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, and it is said to be the kind of place you can drop into on a whim.

The interior has a modern feel and can suit all kinds of occasions. There is also counter seating, so it is recommended for solo visits.

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The menu centers on Italian dishes prepared by a chef who trained at well-known hotels. Everything is well crafted and gets high marks for being tasty.

The "grilled lamb chops" are one of the restaurant's recommended dishes. They are said to have no off notes, and you can enjoy their tender texture.

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The "Beef Cheek meat braised in red wine" is the most popular item at this restaurant. The melt in your mouth beef Cheek meat is not too heavy, so it goes down nice and easy.

They also offer a wide range of drinks to enjoy with the food, including rare draft beer from Italy and All you can drink red wine.

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Hanzo Matsumoto Ekimae Ten, about a 2-minute walk from Matsumoto Station's Oshiro Exit, is a hideaway izakaya with Private room dining where you can enjoy Shinshu (Nagano region) local cuisine made with Special cuts of meat and fresh seafood.

The restaurant offers a range of seating styles, including Sunken kotatsu seating and zashiki (tatami seating), and design focused private rooms are also available. It is said to be a place loved by locals as well.

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They offer a wide range of Shinshu (Nagano) specialty dishes, making this a great choice when you want to fully enjoy local food unique to the area.

The classic "tori momo sanzoku-yaki (grilled chicken thigh in bandit style)" is said to be very filling, with a bold seasoning that goes perfectly with beer or a highball.

In addition to A la carte orders, many guests also seem to choose Banquet courses. From casual courses to more luxurious ones, you can choose based on your budget.

The lineup nicely balances local food culture, with items like Shinshu soba and otaguri (horse offal stew) made with simmered horse motsu. Most courses come with All you can drink.

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Meat & Tavern CHILL HOUSE is a Western-style izakaya serving a wide range of meat dishes along with house-made items and dishes made with a focus on freshness.

It has a good reputation for how quickly drinks are served and for the kind service from the staff. It also has Semi-private rooms, so it is a good choice for those who want to keep a sense of privacy.

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They offer a wide lineup, from easy snacks like house made sausages and beef steak to main meat dishes.

The food is finished with a light original spice blend, giving it a mild flavor. They also have a full drink selection, from alcohol like beer and cocktails to non-alcoholic options.

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They also offer dishes made with Shinshu Ginjo Buta (Shinshu ginjo pork), a specialty ingredient from Shinshu. It is said to have no off notes and a light, refreshing taste.

The “Shinshu Ginjo Buta Roast Pork” is a dish of roast pork slowly cooked at a low temperature and paired with balsamic sauce.

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Obanzai bar ten is an izakaya located a 5-minute walk from the Castle Exit of Matsumoto Station, and it is popular for local specialties and obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking).

Inside, the restaurant has a calm space with a bar-inspired feel, and it also has Semi-private room seating that can accommodate from 2 to 10 people.

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They offer a lineup of local dishes you can only find here, including dishes made with vegetables from Nagano Prefecture and sansho-yaki (grilled meat with Japanese pepper), a Nagano specialty.

Some say the sanzoku-yaki (Nagano-style fried chicken) is bigger than expected, making it just right for sharing with everyone. It is also recommended to enjoy it with Special local sake from Shinshu and seasonal limited-edition Japanese sake.

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To go with your drinks, you will also want to order obanzai (Kyoto-style home cooking), a type of home cooking made in Kyoto on a daily basis.

If you want to enjoy a little bit of different kinds of obanzai, the “obanzai assortment,” where you can choose 5 small bowls, is perfect.

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Noren Matsumoto Ekimae Ten, with draft beer for JPY199 and oden (Japanese hot pot dishes) All you can eat for JPY500, is an izakaya recommended for casual dining around Matsumoto Station when you want to enjoy traditional Japanese washoku (Japanese cuisine) and the flavors of Shinshu (Nagano).

It is known for the lively and fun atmosphere you would expect from a taishu sakaba (casual Japanese pub). There are various seating options in total, including table seating, Sunken kotatsu seating, and zashiki (tatami room seating).

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They offer a wide range of Shinshu (Nagano) local dishes and Nagano specialties, along with fresh sashimi and individual seafood dishes.

The drink selection is also extensive, from beer to Nagano local sake. Mega-jug sizes are available for drinks too, so this is a great spot for anyone who wants to drink plenty.

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One of the charms of this place is that you can enjoy All you can eat oden (Japanese stew) served as the otoshi (small appetizer).

It seems to have all the classic ingredients, including soft and airy hanpen (fish cake) and rich beef tendon. The oden is said to be well soaked with dashi broth and so tasty you may end up eating too much.

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Nihonkai Shoya Matsumoto Honke Ten is an authentic seafood izakaya where you can enjoy a wide range of Japanese food, including seasonal fish dishes. It is a restaurant with many locations across Japan, from Hokkaido to the Kyushu area.

It is a 2-minute walk from Matsumoto Station, and the restaurant is said to have a comfortable atmosphere with just the right amount of liveliness. Private rooms are also available.

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They source fresh seafood every day from fishing grounds across Japan, and serve it in a wide range of styles including sashimi, grilled fish, and tempura.

A platter assortment of sashimi made with the day's freshly arrived Special seafood is sure to brighten up the table. They also offer a wide selection of meat dishes.

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Banquet courses centered on fresh seafood and made with plenty of seasonal ingredients also seem to be popular. They also offer courses that include Hot Pot, which is perfect for the cold season.

The drink selection is also extensive, and you can enjoy Special Japanese sake selected from breweries across Japan, as well as fruit sours.