Update-date: Dec 04 2024
The historic city of Kyoto has many appealing izakaya (Japanese pubs), ranging from long-established ones serving delicious food to standing bars that you can casually stop by. Here is a selection of 14 izakaya that are specifically recommended for foreign tourists by locals.
1. Kyoto Stand Kiyokiyo Kiyamachi Main Branch
Kyoto Stand Kiyokiyo, tucked away off Kiyamachi Dori Street, offers an ideal spot for a lunchtime drink from 2:00 p.m. Guests can savor five types of Obanzai, traditional Kyoto home cooking, and three kinds of local Kyoto sake. Especially popular is the melt-in-your-mouth Beef Tongue Stew, a perfect sake companion. The relaxed bar, with its rounded counter, tables, and glass wall facing the street, exudes openness and comfort. It's a worthy destination for solo dining or a quick stop with friends or a date between sightseeing and shopping.
Kyoto Stand Kiyokiyo Kiyamachi Main Branch
Open: 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 1A of Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. Go north on Kiyamachi Dori and enter the first-floor passageway of the FORUM Kiyamachi Ponto-cho Building.
Address: Rojioku FORUM Kiyamachi, 1F, Ponto-cho Bldg., 220-1, Nabeya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 1A of Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. Go north on Kiyamachi Dori and enter the first-floor passageway of the FORUM Kiyamachi Ponto-cho Building.
Address: Rojioku FORUM Kiyamachi, 1F, Ponto-cho Bldg., 220-1, Nabeya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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2. Enman Izakaya Kougetsu
Enman Izakaya Kougetsu, a cozy retreat on a building's second floor, offers private rental for small groups. Their "Clay pot rice" is a must-try, with its fluffy texture complementing any meal. Other stellar dishes include "Braised Iberico Pork" and "Dashimaki Tamago." The interior, reminiscent of a Japanese-style room, features six counter seats and four tables. Decorated with seasonal Japanese tableware and creators' works, the restaurant exudes an appealing ambiance. The owner's video-distribution activities and food-centered connections cultivate a community warmth at this izakaya.
Enman Izakaya Kougetsu
Open: Dinner 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station/ 6-minute walk from Exit 7 of Sanjo Station
Address: 2F, Kawaramachi Sanjo Bldg., 435-3, Ebisu-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Exit 3 of Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station/ 6-minute walk from Exit 7 of Sanjo Station
Address: 2F, Kawaramachi Sanjo Bldg., 435-3, Ebisu-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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3. Nihonshu to Obanzai no Kyosakaba Kensui Nishiki
Kensui Nishiki caters to diverse dining needs in the bustling Nishiki Market. It offers a variety of dishes, including the "Assorted Tempura" and "Assorted Sashimi," featuring five types of seasonally fresh fish. The restaurant is renowned for its course meals, perfect for banquets and friendly gatherings, with options ranging from affordable to premium. With counter seating, it welcomes solo diners, while its relaxed ambiance suits dates or girls' parties. Private rooms are available for business or anniversary celebrations, offering a unique dining experience.
Nihonshu to Obanzai no Kyosakaba Kensui Nishiki
Open: Dinner 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Food L.O. 11:00 pm, Drink L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go north on Sakaimachi-dori Street from Exit 14 of Karasuma Station. Turn left on Nishikikoji Dori, and the building is on the left.
Address: 2F, 499, Nakauoya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Go north on Sakaimachi-dori Street from Exit 14 of Karasuma Station. Turn left on Nishikikoji Dori, and the building is on the left.
Address: 2F, 499, Nakauoya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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4. Kyoto Kushidokoro Azumaya
Azumaya, located a 7-minute walk from Sanjo Station in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, offers delectable yakitori from fresh Kyoto chickens, kushiage skewers with unique house-made sauces, and Kumamoto-sourced horse sashimi. With over 20 varieties of sake from Kyoto City breweries, a broad cocktail selection, and all-you-can-drink option, it caters to all preferences. The interior, playing slow jazz, breaks the stereotype of traditional yakitori restaurants. It has counter seats, table seats, and sunken kotatsu seats in private rooms, with larger spaces on the second and third floors for banquets.
Kyoto Kushidokoro Azumaya
Open: [Monday-Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) / [Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 2: 00 am (L.O. 1:30 am) / [Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: From the exit, cross the Sanjo bridge and walk south on Kiyamachi-dori Street. It's on 2F of the building next to the left of Gyu-nabe Chiba restaurant.
Address: 2F, Toritane Bldg., 186, Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: From the exit, cross the Sanjo bridge and walk south on Kiyamachi-dori Street. It's on 2F of the building next to the left of Gyu-nabe Chiba restaurant.
Address: 2F, Toritane Bldg., 186, Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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5. Izakaya Asahi
Izakaya Asahi, a one-minute walk from Nagaokakyo Station's West Exit, is a relaxed Japanese pub welcoming women, families, and post-work individuals. Its versatile seating - counters, box seats, floor seats, and private rooms - suits various occasions. The spacious second-floor Japanese-style area, accommodating up to 30 guests, is ideal for large events like banquets and meetings. Fresh, seasonal market ingredients are used in the diverse selection of classic izakaya dishes. Additionally, a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including sake, shochu, whisky, highballs, and wine, complement the food perfectly.
Izakaya Asahi
Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Nagaokakyo Station West Exit on JR JR Tokaido Main Line, 15-minute walk from Nagaoka Tenzin Station East Exit on Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
Address: 1-3-19, Koutari, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Nagaokakyo Station West Exit on JR JR Tokaido Main Line, 15-minute walk from Nagaoka Tenzin Station East Exit on Hankyu Kyoto Main Line
Address: 1-3-19, Koutari, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto Map
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6. Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi Branch
With over 50 years in business, Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi Branch excels in yakitori. Savour the freshly grilled yakitori, enhanced with a secret, time-honored sauce, and the addictive Oyadori Yaki. All dishes feature quality Kyushu chicken. The local Fushimi, Kyoto sake, complements the chicken dishes perfectly. An all-you-can-drink seasonal menu is available for banquets. The restaurant layout includes tables and counter seats on the first floor, and semi-private rooms for up to 12 people on the second floor, accommodating various needs.
Torisei Shijo Kiyamachi Branch
Open: [Weekdays] 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O 10:30 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 11:00 pm (L.O 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Hankyu Main Line, 2 minutes walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Address: Higashi-iru, Hitosujime, Shijo-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 4 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Hankyu Main Line, 2 minutes walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line
Address: Higashi-iru, Hitosujime, Shijo-agaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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7. Kushinobo Kyoto Station Branch
Established in 1950, Kushinobo specializes in deep-fried kushiyaki dishes. Ingredients are coated in a special batter with breadcrumbs, resulting in golden-brown delicacies like Crab meat roll with Japanese whiting and Shrimp wrapped with Japanese basil. The Chef's choice of assorted kushiyaki, which includes a variety of deep-fried meats, seafood, and vegetables, is a recommended menu item. Guests can enjoy unlimited servings of freshly fried dishes, with set menus available for various group sizes or events. Conveniently located next to Kyoto station, it's the perfect spot to enjoy beer or shochu with popular dishes.
Kushinobo Kyoto Station Branch
Open: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,250 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Kyoto station. Located in the 11F of Kyoto Station Building.
Address: 11F, Kyoto Station Building The CUBE, 657 Higashi-shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-kudaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,250 JPY
Access: 3 minutes walk from JR Kyoto station. Located in the 11F of Kyoto Station Building.
Address: 11F, Kyoto Station Building The CUBE, 657 Higashi-shiokoji-cho, Shiokoji-kudaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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8. Imomatsu Kita-bekkan
Imomatsu's second branch in Kiyamachi offers both quality and value with an all-you-can-eat and drink menu, featuring approximately 100 items. From grilled and deep-fried dishes to sushi and desserts, the cost-effective courses cater to a wide range of tastes. Open until 5:00 a.m. on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and the day before national holidays), it's a convenient choice for late-night dining or as a subsequent stop. Their special plans, allowing guests to stay till morning, add to the restaurant's appeal.
Imomatsu Kita-bekkan
Open: [Monday-Thursday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (L.O. 1:00 am), [Friday, Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 6:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Keihan Sanjo Station, 7-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
Address: B1F, New Kyoto Bldg., 181-2, Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Keihan Sanjo Station, 7-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
Address: B1F, New Kyoto Bldg., 181-2, Zaimoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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9. GION Yamaneko
Rare in Gion, GION Yamaneko is a dining bar where you can casually enjoy seven types of Kyoto craft beers and over 50 kinds of Japanese sake from daytime in a traditional Kyoto ambiance. Harmonizing Japanese and Western styles, the décor features chochin lanterns and dried flowers for a chic atmosphere. Located in a 150-year-old former teahouse, this two-story Kyomachiya townhouse provides counter and table seating for 23 on the ground floor and sofa seating for 10 upstairs. Ideal for daytime drinking, it also serves a selection of drinks including original blend coffee, making it a suitable café spot. A sake comparison set, curated by three sake sommeliers, comes highly recommended.
GION Yamaneko
Open: 1:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O.10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 502m from Gion-shijo Station
Address: 321-1, Kitagawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 502m from Gion-shijo Station
Address: 321-1, Kitagawa, Gion-machi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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10. Fried Chicken and Highball Link
Link is known for its signature Fried Chicken, slow-cooked at low temperatures for enhanced juiciness. Among various offerings, the Otoku! Iroiro-Mori, an assorted fried chicken platter, is highly recommended. Other popular dishes include Home-Made Chicken Nuggets and Deep-Fried Salted Chicken Breast. The most favored drink is the Kaku Highball, a perfect blend of Suntory whiskey and soda. Link also offers Flavored Highballs like matcha tea and green apple, plus over 20 Non-Alcohol Cocktails, making it a venue designed to connect people.
Fried Chicken and Highball Link
Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 2,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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11. Kirakutei
Kirakutei focuses on serving dishes with seasonal ingredients, especially highlighting the unique flavor and aroma of Kyoto's renowned vegetables. Using only the finest local chicken and vegetables, the chefs masterfully imbue these ingredients with seasonal flavors. A selection of local sake pairs perfectly with the exquisite food. Kirakutei's unique atmosphere, reminiscent of a relaxing bath house, provides a distinctive dining experience. The combination of delicious food, local sake, and the enthralling ambiance ensures a memorable culinary journey for all visitors.
Kirakutei
Open: 17:00-01:00, last order for food at 23:30, last order for drinks at 00:30Lunch from 11:30-14:00
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 750 JPY
Access: A 1-minute walk from Marutamachi station on the Karasuma subway line
Address: Christer Plaza M1F , 215 Karasu Maru Takeya-cho Agaru Okura-cho, Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 750 JPY
Access: A 1-minute walk from Marutamachi station on the Karasuma subway line
Address: Christer Plaza M1F , 215 Karasu Maru Takeya-cho Agaru Okura-cho, Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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12. Roppakuya KADO
The Omi Beef Sinew Stew Gratin w/Baguette is a standout dish at this establishment, featuring carefully simmered Omi beef from Ryuo. The utmost care is taken to preserve the beef's unique flavor. The owner hand-picks oysters and seafood, ensuring full-bodied flavor in all meat dishes, with local specialties for vegetables and rice. The timing of serving is carefully managed for peak flavor enjoyment, while maintaining customer conversation. The restaurant's three-story layout offers varied atmospheres for any occasion, ensuring a pleasant visit for solo diners or groups, underlining their commitment to hospitality.
Roppakuya KADO
Open: Normal hours: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from Exit 26 of Hankyu Karasuma Station. Turn right at the crossing by the Sumitomo Life Kyoto Building and go straight; it will be on your left.
Address: 453 - 1 Muromachi Shinmachi no Aida Shijo Agaru Kannondo-cho , Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: A 5-minute walk from Exit 26 of Hankyu Karasuma Station. Turn right at the crossing by the Sumitomo Life Kyoto Building and go straight; it will be on your left.
Address: 453 - 1 Muromachi Shinmachi no Aida Shijo Agaru Kannondo-cho , Chukyo-ku,Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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13. Torisei Takoyakushi Branch
Torisei Takoyakushi Branch, a yakitori restaurant with over 50 years of history, offers a blend of traditional and innovative dishes. Apart from their signature Yakitori, there are unique dishes for chicken lovers such as spicy Oyadori Yaki and rare Usuzukuri, a seared chicken sashimi made with fresh chicken. Sake from a Fushimi, Kyoto brewery complements the meals. The Kyoto-style ambiance is refined and relaxing, with semi-private rooms for small groups and fully private rooms, offering a variety of stress-free dining experiences.
Torisei Takoyakushi Branch
Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (L.O. 2:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O.10:00 pm) [Saturday, Sunday] 11:30 am-10:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line or 3-minute walk from Shijo Station on Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line
Address: 625, Mototakeda-cho, Higashiiru, Higashinotoin, Takoyakushi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line or 3-minute walk from Shijo Station on Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line
Address: 625, Mototakeda-cho, Higashiiru, Higashinotoin, Takoyakushi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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14. Jukusei Sashimi to Umaisake Kyoto Hitoshio
This hidden gem in Japan's old capital offers guests a unique Kyoto Tsumoto culinary experience with aged sashimi, local sake, and private dining rooms. The restaurant specializes in aged sashimi, a rare find in Kyoto, prepared from fresh fish delivered directly from Maizuruuru and Ehime. The fish is expertly seasoned to highlight its flavor and richness. Alongside, it offers a variety of delicacies and obanzai dishes made from local Kyoto ingredients. The owner handpicks a wide range of sake, from standard to rare options. Visitors are invited to enjoy a delightful time in an authentically Japanese, Kyoto-style atmosphere.
Jukusei Sashimi to Umaisake Kyoto Hitoshio
Open: [Monday, Wednesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 8-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line. It is located east of Rokkaku-dori Tominokoji-dori Street.
Address: 1F, Sylvoupre Bldg., 88, Daikoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 8-minute walk from Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line. It is located east of Rokkaku-dori Tominokoji-dori Street.
Address: 1F, Sylvoupre Bldg., 88, Daikoku-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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15. KYOTO TOWER SANDO BAR
KYOTO TOWER SANDO BAR offers a taste of Kyoto's seasons through an array of alcoholic beverages, from rare sake to popular brands. It features exquisite local sake from Kyoto, craft beer, and unique cocktails made with Amazake, a fermented rice drink. A recommended choice for sake enthusiasts is the "Sake and Beer Tasting Set." Guests are welcome to bring food from other shops in Kyoto Tower to pair with our drinks. Occasional events with sake breweries serve to introduce Kyoto's charm through its iconic drinks.
KYOTO TOWER SANDO BAR
Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 900 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 900 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Map
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One of the top tourist destinations in Japan, Kyoto is full of fabulous restaurants. This article focuses on some recommended izakaya in Kyoto. Why not go for a drink at an izakaya that intrigues you after a day spent at historic temples and shrines?
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
