Let's head to an izakaya around Kusatsu Station! 20 picks to enjoy great drinks and tasty bites

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Sakaba Stand Uomaru is a popular spot about a 2-minute walk from the East Exit of Kusatsu Station, where you can enjoy seiro-mushi (steamed dishes in a bamboo steamer), fresh seafood, and Japanese sake.

The interior has a casual, lively feel. With its open-kitchen style where they cook right in front of you, you can enjoy it like an izakaya bar.

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They offer courses with All you can drink Japanese sake and shochu, so you can fully enjoy seafood dishes such as an assortment of sashimi made with fresh fish shipped direct from the production region.

They have a wide selection of Japanese sake, from easy-drinking labels to rare ones.

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The popular menu item "katsuo (bonito) no shio tataki" uses fresh katsuo shipped directly from Tosa Fishing Port in Kochi Prefecture.

The skin is crisp and fragrant, while the flesh is tender and juicy in this tataki. Because they are confident in the quality of the ingredients, they keep it simple with just salt, scallions, and garlic.

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Niku Sakaba Modern Meal Kusatsu Ten is a dining bar where you can enjoy Wagyu steak, Omi-gyu (Omi beef) steak, and drinks. It is located on the 1st floor of The Kusatsu Tower, a 3-minute walk from Kusatsu Station East Exit.

The wall-sized cow artwork and objects supervised by a designer are a must-see.

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The hearty course meal comes with kurogé Wagyu (Japanese Black Wagyu) steak, Omi-gyu (Omi beef) sausage steak, and marbled steak, plus 120 minutes of All you can drink.

The drink menu is also extensive, with sparkling wine, lemon sour, highballs, cocktails, and more.

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In addition to steak, they offer a wide range of meat dishes, including Omi gyu (Omi beef) Hamburger Steak, kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black Wagyu) aged nama-hamu (cured ham), and tongue carpaccio.

They also have a full lineup of classic izakaya dishes, including salads, fried items, and pizza.

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Sumibi Shokudo Nagi is a popular spot on the first floor of Garden City, a 3-minute walk from Kusatsu Station, known for its seasonal fresh seafood, charcoal grilled dishes, and Japanese sake.

The interior has an elegant and calm atmosphere, with both counter and table seating.

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They source fresh fish directly from the production regions through contracts with more than 20 fishing crews across Japan. With strict purchasing standards, you can enjoy fish at its seasonal best anytime.

Biwako unagi (eel from Lake Biwa) is known for its plump white flesh and tender skin. It is nicely rich yet still has a clean taste, which many people praise.

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You can casually enjoy charcoal grilled Omi beef, Omi jidori (Omi local chicken), and fresh fish shipped directly from their production regions.

They quickly sear the surface over high heat charcoal, so the good flavor stays packed inside. The outside is crisp and fragrant, while the inside is tender and juicy.

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Wa to Sakana Katsushima is about a 3-minute walk from Kusatsu Station and is a popular place where you can enjoy kappo (traditional Japanese course-style cuisine) that makes the most of seasonal ingredients in a high-quality space with a Japanese feel.　

The interior has the warmth of wood and comes with fully private rooms that ensure privacy.

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They offer a wide selection of drinks, including craft beers such as Yona Yona Ale and 496, as well as wine and Japanese sake, so you can also use it as an izakaya (Japanese pub).

The wines that pair well with the food are kept under strict quality control in a wine cellar. You can enjoy them however you like, whether by the glass or by the bottle.

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The daily a la carte dishes made with fresh fish sourced directly from Kyoto's wholesale market are popular. In addition to seafood dishes, they also serve meat dishes, so you can enjoy seasonal ingredients.

The steak made with Omi gyu (Omi beef) lets you enjoy the meat's natural flavor.

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Anosoranohigashi is a restaurant with a hideaway-like atmosphere, quietly standing in a spot away from the hustle and bustle, just a 4-minute walk from Kusatsu Station.

You can enjoy elaborate, authentic kaiseki (traditional multi-course Japanese meal) cuisine and creative Japanese dishes. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy food and drinks at a relaxed izakaya (Japanese pub) without anything too formal.

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The fish used in the dishes is shipped directly from fishing ports in Kochi and Ishikawa. They also have their own sourcing routes in places like Kyoto, Hyogo, and Oita.

The fresh ozukuri (sashimi), beautifully presented, has drawn high praise in reviews as a perfect match for white wine.

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They also offer course meals of refined washoku (Japanese cuisine) made with seasonal ingredients, with an All you can drink option included.

The course is packed with items such as sakizuke (appetizer), hassun (seasonal assortment platter), otsukuri (sashimi), shiizakana (main dish), and mushimono (steamed dish). It ends with Clay Pot rice, so you may feel ready to burst by the end.

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Oyasa Stand Waen is a dining restaurant just a 3-minute walk from Kusatsu Station, where you can enjoy vegetables from Shiga Prefecture prepared teppan-yaki style. One of its big draws is the convenient location, making it easy to drop by on a whim.

The interior has a warm wooden feel, with counter seats, table seating, and Semi-private rooms, and it is also available for Private reservation.

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They mainly serve healthy, body friendly vegetable dishes. All the vegetables come from Shiga Prefecture.

The vegetables grilled on the Teppan-yaki stand out for their sweetness and savory aroma, and review after review says they pair perfectly with drinks.

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They offer a full lineup of meat dishes made with Kuroge Wagyu (Japanese Black Wagyu), along with classic izakaya favorites. A popular option is a course featuring seasonal vegetables and Kuroge Wagyu, plus 120 minutes of All you can drink.

Both the vegetables and the meat are generous overall, so it is said to leave you highly satisfied.

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Omiya is a restaurant a 3-minute walk from the east exit of JR Kusatsu Station, mainly serving creative dishes made with ingredients from Shiga Prefecture.

For Private reservation, it can accommodate 40 to 55 guests. The calm interior has tables, counter seats, and Sunken kotatsu seating, so it works well for a wide range of occasions.

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For the sukiyaki made with Omi beef of A4 grade or higher, they use their carefully maintained warishita (sukiyaki broth), which has been added to since the restaurant first opened.

It is tasty when eaten with egg, but it is also said to be great with plenty of yakumi (condiments), which go perfectly with the fat.

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They offer a wide range of dishes that pair perfectly with drinks, made with vegetables and fish from Shiga Prefecture. They source ingredients according to the season, so you can enjoy ingredients at their seasonal best.

Reviews say the Biwa masu (Biwa trout) sashimi, a fish found only in Lake Biwa, is so good you would never guess it is a freshwater fish.

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"Kusatsu Sakaba Kenbunroku Kusatsu Ten" is a restaurant located about a 2-minute walk from Kusatsu Station. It stays open straight through from lunch to evening, so many people also visit it as an izakaya for daytime drinks.

The extra-large noren (shop curtain) hung at the wide entrance is the landmark. There are table seats, counter seats, and Sunken kotatsu seating.

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The food is available only à la carte. They offer a wide range of classic izakaya menu items, including fried dishes, meat dishes, salads, and snacks.

Their "jikasei dashimaki (house-made rolled omelet)" is said to be popular and a perfect match for beer. In addition to the plain version, they also offer one with mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and one with green onions.

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The restaurant offers a full lineup of fish dishes made with fresh seafood shipped directly from Kii-Nagashima (a town in Mie Prefecture), Mie Prefecture.

The “7-item sashimi assortment” is very filling. It includes some sashimi with a firm bite, making it a satisfying dish to eat.

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Located about a 4-minute walk from Kusatsu Station, Kusatsu Tatenaga is a popular spot where you can enjoy a wide range of kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewers), from classic picks to more unusual ones.

Just as the name suggests, the long and narrow interior has Sunken kotatsu seating at every table, creating a space where you can relax and take your time.

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They use rice oil for the kushiage (deep-fried skewers), so it feels light. Since they make the kushiage with seasonal ingredients, you can enjoy the flavors of the season.

Their rich original sauce pairs perfectly with vegetables, and it also goes great with beer.

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They also serve dishes made with fresh seafood bought at the market. Their izakaya menu, with dishes that pair well with drinks, is popular.

The “Nama Ebi Zukuri Doka-mori (heaping assortment of raw shrimp)” is said to have plump, springy flesh that tastes great with wasabi soy sauce. It is also nice that they will deep fry any leftover shrimp for you.

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Torisakura is a restaurant where you can enjoy fresh jidori (local chicken), high quality branded chicken, and local sake from Shiga, just a 3-minute walk from JR Kusatsu Station.

The interior has the warmth of wood, with a stylish Japanese modern feel. Private room seating is also available, so you can enjoy your meal in a more private setting.

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The "Omi Shamo (gamefowl) no Gotetsu Hot Pot," made with Omi Shamo delivered directly from a gamefowl specialty poultry farm in Shiga Prefecture and combined with a house special Japanese dashi, is popular.

The chicken has a firm, springy texture and plenty of flavor. Reviews also rate the "Sumikuro-yaki" highly, saying its fragrant char goes great with beer.

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There is also a wide selection of course meals featuring chicken dishes, salads, and desserts. You can choose either a course centered on Hot Pot or one centered on toban-yaki (ceramic plate grilling).

The toban-yaki is a grill-it-yourself style. Tanba-dori (Tanba chicken) has a nice bite, and people say its flavor is concentrated and very good.

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"Kusatsu Gokuraku Sakaba" is a place where you can enjoy warm Homemade creative dishes and local sake. It is in a dining district just a 3-minute walk from JR Kusatsu Station, so access is easy.

There are tatami seating, Sunken kotatsu seating, counter seats, and engawa (veranda-style) seats, so you can choose based on the occasion.

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There are 6 Banquet plans with All you can drink included. There are also 4 types of A la carte All you can drink and as many as 12 Banquet courses, so you can choose based on your budget and preferences.

The courses are full and satisfying, with Appetizers, fresh seafood, salad, a rice dish to finish, and dessert. Reviews also said the meat dishes are especially good.

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They also offer classic izakaya menu staples that go well with drinks, such as Kara-age, edamame (young soybeans), and sashimi (raw fish).

The popular "yaki-gyoza (pan-fried dumplings)" is packed with plenty of Domestic pork and cabbage. People say the wrapper is crisp, and the filling is juicy and tasty.

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Kokoya Kusatsu Ten is a 3-minute walk from JR Kusatsu Station, and serves classic izakaya dishes such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and kushiage (deep-fried skewers) cooked over charcoal.

The bright and clean interior has a homey feel. On the second floor, there are Semi-private room and Sunken kotatsu seating.

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The main yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) uses asabiki-dori (freshly slaughtered chicken) delivered every morning. They grill it carefully over Kishu Binchotan (high-grade Kishu charcoal).

You can choose tare sauce or salt seasoning, and there is a wide variety of cuts. The chicken is tender, and its nice smoky aroma really stands out.

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Fish is delivered fresh every day from partner markets, and you can enjoy fresh sashimi (sliced raw fish) that changes daily. The grilled vegetables made with vegetables from Shiga Prefecture and the kushiage (deep-fried skewers) are also popular.

The asparagus kushiage is said to have a nice crisp texture and great flavor.

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Izakaya Tacchan-chi is a dining bar where you can enjoy meat dishes and simmered dishes in a spacious Hawaiian-style interior. It is located on the first floor of the E-com Building, a 4-minute walk from the west exit of Kusatsu Station.

It looks like a cafe, but since it operates only at night inside Nalu Cafe, you can use it as a hideaway-style izakaya.

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The top pick among the meat dishes, the "roast beef salad," uses Special lean beef. The owner carefully roasts it every day.

It is quite filling, so it is said to be perfect for sharing.

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Izakaya Tacchan-chi also offers course meals that let you fully enjoy its popular dishes. You can choose a plan with All you can drink or A la carte All you can drink.

The "Toro Toro Buta no Kakuni" comes with plenty of daikon radish and egg. It is said to have a satisfying volume.

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Tantoto Wakura Kusatsu A-Square Ten is about a 2-minute walk from the west exit of Kusatsu Station, and offers a wide selection of Beef Tongue, himono (dried fish), and Japanese sake.

The interior has a calm atmosphere and comes with comfortable sofa seating where you can relax. You can use it as a set meal restaurant at lunchtime and as an izakaya at dinnertime.

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The popular Beef Tongue is a carefully prepared specialty, with hand slicing, hand sprinkled salt, and a focus on charcoal grilling. It is served on the menu as set meals, croquettes, stew, and more.

The Beef Tongue is said to be thick cut and satisfyingly hearty.

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They also offer a wide range of fish set meals finished over sumibiyaki (charcoal grilling). They come with rice, miso soup, and pickles.

The "Dekkai! Toroaji Hiraki Teishoku" features a large aji (horse mackerel), just like the name suggests. It gets good reviews for being plump and tasty.

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Sosaku Izakaya Waao is a popular restaurant for creative dishes, located in the shopping center by the east exit of Kusatsu Station.

Orders are placed by scanning a QR code with your own smartphone. It is said to be appealing for its easygoing convenience, with a full lineup of classic izakaya dishes.

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The menu features many fish-based dishes, and the ozukuri (sliced raw fish) is served daily with a changing selection.

The "Honjitsu no Osashimi Funamori (today's sashimi boat assortment)," available to order from per person, has a gorgeous presentation. The owner carefully sources Special fish, so the sashimi is said to be a must-order dish.

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They offer a wide selection of local Shiga sake and limited edition labels, with plenty of Japanese sake and shochu to choose from. They also have a full lineup of snacks that pair well with drinks.

Even the tsukidashi (small appetizer) is said to have seasoning that shows real care. The dishes are said to be generous overall.

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Bishokuya Kanade Kusatsu Ten is about a 3-minute walk from JR Kusatsu Station and offers a wide range of dishes, from Japanese food and Western food to creative cuisine.

The restaurant has Private rooms, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about the people around you.

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You can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, including sushi prepared by skilled chefs, tempura, nimono (simmered dishes), and seafood dishes.

The “katsuo (bonito) shio tataki” is said to be outstanding, with a great combination of grated garlic, sesame oil, onion, and green onion.

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The restaurant is also popular for its course meals that come with All you can drink, featuring Japanese Western fusion dishes. There is a wide range of course options, so you can choose the food to match the occasion.

Reviews also rave about the high quality of each and every dish.

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Wakimansai Shin, about a 4-minute walk from JR Kusatsu Station, is a popular restaurant known for fresh seafood dishes and a wide range of creative cuisine.

It has Private rooms, making it suitable for drinking parties of all sizes, from small groups to large gatherings.

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They offer a wide selection of seafood dishes made with fresh catches from the sea. They carefully source Special seasonal ingredients, so you can enjoy the changing seasons through the food.

The otsukuri (sashimi platter) is said to be beautifully presented and generously portioned, making it highly satisfying.

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With courses that let you enjoy seasonal flavors and Banquet courses with All you can drink, this is a great fit for anyone who wants to use it as an izakaya.

Every dish has a gentle seasoning, and you can tell they are carefully made.

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Kushikatsu Tanaka Kusatsu Ten is a 4-minute walk from the east exit of Kusatsu Station, where you can enjoy Osaka's famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and All you can drink. It is well reviewed for its well stocked Banquet courses and wide selection of drinks.

The compact interior has both counter and table seating.

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They offer a wide range of kushikatsu (deep fried skewers), including meat skewers, vegetable skewers, and seafood skewers. Their secret original sauce is said to have an excellent balance of sweetness and savory flavor.

If you are not sure what to order, the Teiban 8-Piece Assortment comes recommended.

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One of the best things about the quick menu is that the dishes come out fast, so you can enjoy them with your drink right away. The lineup goes perfectly with highballs.

They also serve a la carte dishes like potato salad and takoyaki (octopus balls) that you make yourself, and reviews say the hands-on experience is part of the fun.

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"Uma Kara-age to Izaka-meshi Mirai Zaka Kusatsu Higashiguchi Ten" is a popular spot known for its Kara-age and its selection of more than 50 kinds of drinks. It is located on the second basement floor of the Nanyoken Building, a 2-minute walk from Kusatsu Station.

The interior has a simple, calm feel. It offers Semi-private room style table seating, so you can enjoy your meal without worrying about the people around you.

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The signature "Seiryu Wakadori (young chicken) Hone-tsuki Momo Ippon Glove-age" is an impressive dish of whole chicken thigh made into Kara-age. It is served cut into pieces for easy eating.

It is said to pair perfectly with a refreshing highball or lemon sour.

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They offer a wide variety of course meals with classic izakaya dishes and All you can drink. The lineup is extensive, with options like sukiyaki (Japanese hot pot) and toban-yaki (food grilled on a ceramic plate).

Each dish is served freshly made and comes in hearty portions, so it is said to be highly satisfying.

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Uotami Kusatsu Nishiguchi Ekimae Ten is a restaurant where you can enjoy Japanese food such as sashimi and kyodo ryori (regional cuisine) in a calm Japanese-style setting. It has plenty of Private room options, so you can relax and enjoy your meal and drinks at an easy pace.

It is located very close to the west exit of Kusatsu Station, on the basement level 1 of Hotel Boston Plaza Kusatsu.

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They offer a wide lineup of course meals that come with All you can drink, featuring dishes made with seasonal ingredients as well as standard izakaya fare.

The motsu-nabe (offal Hot Pot) uses a miso base with added tonkotsu (pork bone broth), giving it a rich flavor.

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In addition to course meals, they also offer a wide range of à la carte dishes.

The "Tokudai Saba no Aburi-yaki (extra-large seared mackerel)" is so huge it hangs over the edge of the plate. It is said to be so filling that this dish alone can leave you full.