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20 Best Izakaya and Restaurants in Tokyo for Must-Try Dishes

Update-Date: May 2, 2025

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Izakaya

20 Best Izakaya and Restaurants in Tokyo for Must-Try Dishes

From traditional Japanese pubs to modern, stylish eateries, this curated list features 20 of the best izakayas and restaurants in Tokyo — all popular with locals and known for their must-try dishes. These standout spots offer unforgettable flavors and authentic dining experiences you won't want to miss.

1. ICHIHA

ICHIHA is a serene Japanese-modern restaurant offering a wide menu, from classic sides to seasonal dishes. The popular Miso Motsu-nikomi (tripe stew) uses a house-made blend of white, red, and barley miso. Patrons also enjoy their original fresh fruit sour drinks and a wide selection of alcohol. With artisan-crafted walls and wooden counters, it’s perfect for dates, girls’ nights, or solo visits. The space is available for private parties of 15+ with course orders.

ICHIHA

Open: [Weekdays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch box sales 11:00 am - 2:00 pm *Lunch (11:00 am - 2:00 pm) is only for lunch boxes. [Weekdays, Saturday, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 850 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Exit A1 or A4 of Mitsukoshimae Station. 5-minute walk from Exit B12 of Nihombashi Station.
Address: 1F, Nihonbashi Mizuno Bldg., 1-11-12, Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. honda Akasaka Branch

Akasaka Honda, one of Tokyo’s Japanese restaurant gems, offers a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of an intimate hideaway. Step through its atmospheric door to discover a spacious setting, designed in chic black. The restaurant prides itself on serving creative Japanese cuisine, made with seasonal ingredients and paired with a selection from over 100 varieties of sake. You can savour assorted appetizers or try the ikameshi, squid and rice cooked in an earthenware pot. The seating options include counter seats for a view of the chefs, table seats, and private rooms for a more secluded experience, making it perfect for any occasion.

honda Akasaka Branch

Open: [Monday - Friday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 3:00 am [Sunday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: Saturday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Exit 7 of Akasaka Station on the Chiyoda Line, 5 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Nogizaka Station
Address: 7-10-9-103, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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3. Meguro Soregashi

Meguro Soregashi is a chic izakaya for adults, following its Gotanda and Ebisu branches. With a stylish gray and beige interior, it’s ideal for quiet drinks. The menu features charcoal-grilled dishes, including the standout Tankai Jidori Chicken from Shiga, known for its rich flavor, alongside fresh seasonal ingredients. Futomaki rolls, such as tuna, and half portions are available. Pair dishes with Japanese sake or natural wines for a refined dining experience.

Meguro Soregashi

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) Food L.O. 10:30 pm / Drink L.O. 11:00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 8,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from West Exit of Meguro Station on JR Yamanote Line
Address: 2F, Sun felista Meguro, 2-27-1, Kami-osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Map
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4. Juban Shuraba

Juban Shuraba in Azabu-juban offers a unique, reasonably priced teppanyaki experience in a spacious, casual Japanese-style setting. The highlight is fresh oysters and seafood dishes, sourced directly from Toyosu Market. A diverse menu includes the "Omakase Course" and Korean-style "Yangnyeom Chicken," meeting various tastes. Whether it's a special occasion, women's gatherings, or business entertainment, Juban Shuraba caters to all, making every meal memorable.

Juban Shuraba

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Azabu-Juban Station on Tokyo Metro Namboku Line / 12-minute walk from Roppongi Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Address: 2F, Dione 8 Bldg., 2-9-7, Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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5. Nishi Azabu Bancho (Nogizaka)

Enjoy yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) here, a standard dish at every izakaya. Brand meat called Suigo Aka chicken is used here, which is full of umami (Japanese savory taste) and has a pleasant texture. The chicken is grilled over charcoal, making the outside crisp, while keeping the inside tender. Their famous [Bancho 6-skewer Course] features tender, thigh, liver, wing, meatball, and a vegetable skewer. They are seasoned with sea salt, which brings out the umami of the meat and vegetables. There are many varieties of sake (Japanese alcohol) and shochu (Japanese alcohol) offered here, as well as many light fares that go well with them, so this mellow spot is especially recommended for a few quiet drinks.

Nishi Azabu Bancho

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Normal hours: 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Closed: Sundays
Average price: -
Access: Seven-minute walk from Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Located near the Minato Ward municipal offices.
Address: Hikita Bldg. 1F, 1-14-2 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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6. Minami Aoyama Hifumi (Gaiemmae)

Enjoy reasonably priced, authentic Japanese food and alcohol in the stylish Japanese atmosphere of this restaurant. Vegetables and fish are directly brought in from contracted farmers and fishing ports, so many of the simple dishes offered here focus on the flavors of the ingredients themselves. Another notable feature of the place is the many varieties of sake and shochu that are available. All-you-can-drink courses are offered, perfect for diners who want to sample various drinks along with their meal. The famous item here is the [Bimeiton Pork Tonteki] (pork steak with thick sauce), made with brand pork from Ibaraki Prefecture. This hearty dish is created using pork shoulder exclusively, so you can enjoy the light fatty flavor along with the deep and sweet flavor of the meat. Other popular choices are the [Sashimi Assortment], which features natural fish bought directly from fishing ports, while the [Raw Vegetable Assortment] consists of vegetables procured directly from contracted farmers.

Minami Aoyama Hifumi

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (last order 3:00 pm) / 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (last order 11:30 pm) *Opens at 5:00 pm starting January
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: A three-minute walk from Gaienmae Station. Take Exit 1a, turn left at Francfranc, and you will come across the restaurant while walking down the hill.
Address: B1F Cattleya Building, 3-2-3 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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7. Hakata Hotaru Azabujuban (Azabu-juban)

3. Hakata Hotaru Azabujuban (Azabu-juban)

Enjoy Fukuoka and Hakata's famous motsunabe (innards hot pot) here, as well as skewers, fresh fish, and other authentic dishes of Hakata. This hideaway-like spot is renowned for its calm atmosphere and Japanese aesthetics and is recommended for a meal with friends as well as dates. The famous item here is the [Hakata Motsunabe]. The soup has special spicy miso melted into it for a refreshing and refined yet rich flavor and features Mataichi Salt, made completely by hand in Fukuoka's Itoshima, as well as Agodashi-joyu, (flying fish broth soy sauce), filled with umami of fish. The main ingredient of the dish is odorless, tender innards, which is stewed to create the rich motsunabe. The fresh innards used here are so delicious that you will want to drink every last drop of your soup! There are many kinds of alcoholic beverages available here, but shochu is by far the best choice for pairing with the motsunabe.

Hakata Hotaru Azabujuban

Open: Normal hours: 6:00 pm- 4:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 4,900 JPY
Access: A 2-minute walk in the direction of the Embassy of Austria from exit 7 of Azabu-Juban station on the Toei Oedo line
Address: IPSE Azabu Juban Shichimenzaka 1F, 2-7-5 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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8. Akoya

Shellfish fans won't be able to resist this specialty restaurant! Only a specialized place like this can acquire so many different kinds of shellfish of such high quality. The food here has a shifting, evolving quality that brings out the umami of the shellfish. The sashimi, grilled and steamed items, and steaks here are some of the ways in which you can directly enjoy shellfish, while items such as dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet), chawanmushi (savory steamed egg custard), and risotto all put shellfish extract to good use. Watching the shellfish being prepared from scratch and the fragrance of the items as they are being grilled are just some of the thrills you can experience here. The [Innards Sukiyaki] (hot pot stew) is one of the most well-known items here. Shellfish innards and vegetables are stewed together in a sweet and salty soup, which you dip and coat in egg before eating. The egg combines with the texture of the shellfish and sweetness of the sukiyaki sauce for a mild effect. It goes great with a drink too! Add rice to the remaining broth to make ojiya (rice porridge), the perfect end to a meal.

Akoya

Open: 6:00 pm - 0:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk/93m from Exit 1 of Ebisu Station on JR Yamanote Line
Address: 1F, TIMEZONE Komachi Bldg., 1-4-4, Ebisu-minami, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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9. Kushiage Nakaya Higashi-Azabu

Kushiage Nakaya Higashi-Azabu offers delicately crafted Kushiage skewers showcasing premium ingredients like angel shrimps, sea urchins, and Yamagata beef, paired with seasonal vegetables. The crispy batter reveals new sensations with each bite. Guests can sit at the Hinoki cypress counter to observe the chefs’ artistry, creating a luxurious experience perfect for anniversaries or hosting international visitors. With a philosophy of limitless possibilities in flavor, the restaurant recommends early reservations for a refined dining occasion.

Kushiage Nakaya Higashi-Azabu

Open: Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY
Access: About a 3-minute walk from the Nakanobashi Exit of Akabanebashi Station on the Toei Oedo Line
Address: 1F, AZABEETERRACE, 2-20-3, Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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10. CRAFT BEER FACTORY SHINJUKU ALE

15 Izakaya and Restaurants in Tokyo with Must-try Food

SHINJUKU ALE combines original craft beer and BBQ with stunning urban views. Offering BBQ plans with all-you-can-drink, there’s no need to bring anything—just enjoy hearty dishes like the signature “Kabuki Jerk Chicken” made with a 1kg whole chicken. The venue caters to different vibes: a casual standing bar on the first floor, intimate counter seating upstairs, and a rooftop terrace that can be privately reserved for groups ordering the BBQ plan. Perfect for dates, parties, or girls’ nights out.

CRAFT BEER FACTORY SHINJUKU ALE

Open: 1:00 pm - 4:00 am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line / From the station, head down Kabukicho Godzilla Street to Toho Cinema
Address: Marui Bldg., 1-14-5, Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
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11. Niku Ebisu 89BAL

Niku Ebisu 89BAL lives by the motto, “You can’t laugh without meat.” This restaurant serves premium wagyu beef, including Kikuchi Beef, a gold-medal winner at a Japanese black beef competition. Handpicked by meat master Mr. Kensaku Yamase, each cut is grilled to perfection, releasing irresistible flavors. Paired with a curated selection of fine wines, it’s perfect for date nights, girls’ parties, or casual gatherings. They also offer takeout, so you can enjoy their exquisite dishes at home.

Niku Ebisu 89BAL

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 6:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm -11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 7,000 JPY
Access: 6-minute walk from the East Exit of Ebisu Station on JR Line. It's near Shibuya Ebisu Post Office at Ebisu 4-chome.
Address: 4-27-3, Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Map
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12. Kuma no yakitori cocoro

Nestled on the ninth floor near Shinjuku Station, Cocoro is a hidden gem without a signboard, offering a reservation-only yakitori course in a private setting. Featuring the “ultimate chicken” crafted by specialists, guests can enjoy premium ingredients through skewers and a la carte dishes. Choose from counter seats to watch the grilling or private rooms for intimate gatherings. With all-you-can-drink options, it’s perfect for special moments with loved ones. A dining experience you’ll want to share.

Kuma no yakitori cocoro

Open: Dinner Part-1 6:00 pm - 8:10 pm / Dinner Part-2 8:40 pm - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY
Access: Take the JR Yamanote Line East Exit. It is on the 9th floor of the Family Mart building on Chuo-dori Street.
Address: 9F, Peace Bldg., 3-34-11, Shinjuku, Shinju-ku, Tokyo Map
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13. Toriyoshi Naka-Meguro Branch

Mr. Inomata, renowned for spreading YAKITORI worldwide, runs Toriyoshi, with a branch in Naka-Meguro offering high-grade yakitori crafted from Date-dori Chicken sourced from Fukushima. The expert chefs, led by Manager Kikuchi, grill fresh cuts—including rare ones—over a counter made from a single piece of wood. Their unique rule involves serving just-grilled skewers directly to counter guests, delivering mouthwatering flavor and a fluffy texture. While table seating for four is available, reservations are not accepted, ensuring casual enjoyment for everyone.

Toriyoshi Naka-Meguro Branch

Open: [Weekdays] 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 4:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Tuesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access: Go left from the South Ticket Gate of Naka-meguro Station on Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line / 3-minute walk from the East Exit
Address: 2-8-5, Kami-meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Map
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14. Shimbashi Ren / SAKE STAND R

By day until 9:00 pm, Shinbashi Refined offers an exclusive dining experience with two types of course meals, available by complete reservation for one group per day. After 9:00 pm, it transforms into SAKE STAND R, a sake bar serving rare sake brands and exquisite seasonal dishes. Each course highlights the transition of seasons with delicate presentation and rich flavors. Offering both indoor and terrace seating, it’s a perfect spot for special occasions like dates, anniversaries, or entertainment.

Shimbashi Ren / SAKE STAND R

Open: [Monday - Saturday] Shimbashi Ren 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) [Monday - Thursday] SAKE STAND R 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:30 pm) / [Friday, Saturday] SAKE STAND R 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: It is within the approach to Karasumori Shrine, a 5-minute walk from the Karasumori Exit of Shimbashi Station
Address: 3F, Shimbashi Edoman Bldg., 2-15-5, Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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15. Trattoria Pizzeria LOGIC Odaiba

LOGIC is home to a celebrated pizzaiolo who was a winner in the foreigner category at the 2012 Neapolitan Pizza World Championship in Italy. With expertise and a passion for authenticity, the pizzaiolo delivers Neapolitan Pizza that lets you savor the true flavors of Italy—bringing the breezy charm of the country directly to your plate.

Trattoria Pizzeria LOGIC Odaiba

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm), [Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 4:00 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Same as the facility
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: 3-minute walk from Odaiba-kaihinkoen Station on Yurikamome Line
Address: 3F, DECKS Tokyo Beach, 1-6-11-6-1, Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo Map
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16. SPICE LAB TOKYO

SPICE LAB TOKYO offers modern Indian cuisine crafted by a skilled Indian chef who transforms Japanese seasonal ingredients into elegant, spice-infused dishes. Their extensive course menu, including vegetarian options, takes diners on a journey through today’s India, blending Indian modernism with Japanese sensibilities. Vegan menus (no animal products) are available with a 3-day advance reservation. Note: The restaurant serves course meals only, with no à la carte options. Experience unique, gastronomic Indian cuisine like never before.

SPICE LAB TOKYO

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm) / Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 15,000 JPY / [Lunch] 6,000 JPY
Access: 2-minute walk from Exit C3 of Ginza Station on Tokyo Metro Ginza Line/Marunouchi Line/Hibiya Line
Address: 10F, GICROS GINZA GEMS, 6-4-3, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Map
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17. Unagi Kushiyaki Shinten

This somewhat rare kind of restaurant offers various ways to sample eel. The renowned [Grilled Skewers] use eel that is procured fresh every morning, and carefully prepared into different cuts. The method for carefully and cleanly removing the liver from within the eel's innards and skewering it requires a high level of skill. Once it is deftly grilled on binchotan (high-quality charcoal), the distinct flavors will spread through your mouth, and you will inevitably want to a enjoy a drink along with your meal. The sake and shochu offering here will certainly bring out the flavors of the eel even more. And for your final dish, don't forget to try the [Hitsumabushi], featuring kabayaki (eel grilled with a rich sauce) on top of a bowl of rice with dashi (broth) poured on top.

Unagi Kushiyaki Shinten

Open: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:15 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: Three minute walk from A2 Exit, Ningyocho Station, Hibiya Line; also three minutes from Exit 8, Suitengumae Station, Hanzomon Line
Address: 1-14-7 Nihonbashi Kakigara-cho , Chuo-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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18. Izakaya Kushiroya

Enjoy delicious Hokkaido cuisine made with fresh ingredients procured directly to Izakaya Kushiroya. The interior has a retro, homey atmosphere that will make you will feel like you're having a relaxing drink in your very own home. The popular choice here is the [Fried Spring Chicken], a half chicken that is seasoned and deep-fried to perfection. The skin is crispy while the inside is bursting with juice. Other essential Hokkaido food options include the [Buttered Potato with Shiokara] (fermented salt-marinated fish innards) and [Home-made Ikura-don] (rice bowl dish with salmon roe). Beer, sake, and shochu are all available, as well as the many shochu cocktails typical of an izakaya.

Izakaya Kushiroya

Open: [Weekdays/Saturday/holidays] Dinner 6：00 pm - 10：00 pm
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: Five minute walk from JR Shibuya station. Take Hachiko exit and turn right at the intersection down Dogenzaka road. Take a left at Dogenzaka 2-Chome interection, and it is located 50m futher on the left hand side.
Address: Koike Bldg. B1, 2-23-1 Dogenzaka , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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19. Tenku no Tsuki

The interior of this izakaya evokes the townscape of Kyoto, and consists of exclusively private rooms for parties anywhere between 2 and 44. The sashimi and ni-zakana (stewed fish) are made with fresh fish procured every day, while there are many other creative Japanese cuisine dishes on the menu. One of their most famous items is the [Seared Wagyu Nigiri]. The lightly seared Wagyu is thinly sliced to make the nigirizushi (hand-formed sushi). The perfect balance of meat and shari (vinegared rice for sushi) will melt-in-your-mouth! The regularly occurring Sake Fair is also popular and offers carefully selected sake from across Japan that perfectly pair with their dishes. You have to try the excellent combination of choice ji-zake and creative Japanese cuisine.

Tenku no Tsuki

Open: 5:00 pm- 12:30 am (L.O. 11:30 pm) *Operating hours end at 2:00 am on Fridays (L.O. 1:00 am), and 12:30 am on Saturdays and Day before national holidays / Lunch: 11:30 am -2:00 pm [Monday - Friday]
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: A 7-minute walk from the JR Shibuya station or 2-minute walk from Shinsen station on the Inokashira line. The restaurant is on the 3rd floor of the Dougenzaka square building, near the Dougenzaka-jo police box.
Address: Dogenzaka SQUARE 3F , 5-18 Maruyama-cho , Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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20. Torigen Kamata

Torigen specializes in chicken cuisine and uses Miyazaki prefecture's Kirishima chicken. There are a lot of options featuring various chicken parts offered here, but their famous item is undeniably the [Assortment of 5 Skewers]. The chef exactingly selects the very best skewers of the day so that diners may sample all of the various flavors in just one dish. You can enjoy chicken in other ways, here too, such as in the [Torigen Salad], accented with crispy fried chicken skin, or the [Deep-fried Bone-in Thigh Meat], a perfect choice if you're starving. There are many varieties of shochu available here, as well as the Okinawan liquor awamori, exceptionally good with chicken, so be sure to sample the selection!

Torigen Kamata

Open: [Weekdays/Saturday] Normal hours 5:00 p.m.- 3:00 a.m. (last order 2:00 a.m.) [Sunday/holidays] Normal hours 5:00 p.m.- 12:00 midnight (last order 11:00 p.m.)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: Three minute walk from the east exit of JR Kamata Station. Take the street to the left of Mitsubishi Tokyo UFJ Bank, cross Route 11 and head 30m for the bridge, left side.
Address: 5-3-3 Kamata , Ota-ku, Tokyo (Map)
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Make sure to try the remarkable dishes and drinks that each place has to offer, and enjoy izakaya of Tokyo fully!

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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