5 Stylish Izakayas for a Unique Adult Date in Kyoto Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Nov 13 2024

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

5 Stylish Izakayas for a Unique Adult Date in Kyoto

A sophisticated date where two people enjoy conversation while sipping drinks together. A date at a restaurant with a nice atmosphere seems to bring the two closer together. Recently, izakayas not only offer delicious food and drinks but also have a stylish ambiance. This time, we will introduce izakayas in Kyoto that are perfect for an adult date.

See full listings of Izakaya restaurants found in and around Kyoto.

1. Kawaramachi [Kungin Kazuya]

Enjoy the pairing of smoked dishes made with seasonal ingredients and Japanese sake.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, [Kungin Kazuya] is a bar specializing in sake and smoked dishes. The seasonal smoked items are crafted by selecting different types of wood chips and determining the smoking temperature and time for each ingredient, enhancing the natural flavors of the materials. The sake selection boasts around 120 varieties, including seasonal limited editions and hard-to-find hidden gems from across the country. Guests can enjoy the smoky aroma of the smoked dishes paired with the rich fragrance of the sake.

The interior of the restaurant, which feels warm with wood, is stylish and resembles an adult hideaway. It is a fashionable and convenient bar that can be used for both the first stop and as a closing venue. Guests can enjoy an adult date while tasting carefully selected sake and concentrated smoked delicacies. The restaurant values seasonal flavors, so the menu offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience with seasonal ingredients. It is guaranteed to make guests want to return.

Ibushigin Kazuya

Open: Dinner 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY
Access: 4-minute walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line. Located right in front of the south exit of the BAL building.
Address: 1F, 276, Kitakurumaya-cho, Higashi-iru, 2-chome, Sanjo-sagaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
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2. Karasuma [Aged Sashimi and Delicious Sake Kyoto Hitoshio]

Aged sashimi and carefully selected local sake enjoyed in a hidden gem of an ancient city.

Located an 8-minute walk from Karasuma Station, [Aged Sashimi and Delicious Sake Kyoto Hitoshio] is a restaurant where one can enjoy 'aged sashimi.' The seafood is sourced fresh from fishermen in Maizuru and Ehime. The fresh fish, which is caught alive, is bled using a method called Tsukamoto-style and then aged in a vacuum state in a dedicated refrigerator, enhancing its flavor. The 'Kyoto obanzai,' which is made with carefully brewed dashi, is also popular.

The interior and furnishings incorporate traditional Japanese designs, creating a hidden gem atmosphere where jazz music plays. The carefully selected sake enjoyed in this modern space, which exudes a Kyoto-like Japanese ambiance, is exceptional. They always have 25 to 30 varieties of carefully selected sake, specializing in junmai sake, including local sake from Kyoto. It is said that there are also hidden sakes not listed on the menu.

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
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3. Gion Shijo [GION Yamane Ko]

Enjoying Kyoto craft beer and sake in the good old Gion.

Enjoying Kyoto craft beer and sake in the historic Gion.

Located a 7-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, GION Yamane Ko is a dining bar set in a historically rich former tea house in a Kyoto machiya. It offers a selection of 7 types of craft beer produced in Kyoto and over 50 varieties of sake. It is perfect for daytime drinking, and the sake tasting set carefully selected by 3 certified sake sommeliers is highly recommended. Additionally, it also offers original blend coffee, making it suitable for use as a café.

5 Stylish Izakayas with a Unique Twist for Adult Dates in Kyoto

The two-story building, which is 150 years old, features counter seats, table seats, and sofa seats that can accommodate up to 10 people, making it suitable for various occasions. How about spending a special moment at [Yamane Ko], where tradition and modernity intersect?

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
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4. Marutamachi [Kirakutei]

In a cozy space in Kyoto, they focus on dishes made with seasonal ingredients.

At [Kirakutei], located just a one-minute walk from Marutamachi Station, visitors can enjoy Japanese creative cuisine that focuses on seasonal ingredients. The recommended dish, "Toro Box Mori," is a splendid assortment of fresh fish caught that morning at Maizuru Port in Kyoto. Additionally, the restaurant offers over 30 varieties of local sake and shochu from across the country, which can be enjoyed alongside the dishes.

The cozy interior, inspired by a bathhouse, is an ideal space for girls' gatherings and parties. There are also counter seats, making it easy for individuals to drop by. How about savoring the dishes at [Kirakutei] while feeling the calm atmosphere of Kyoto?

Kirakutei

Open: [Tuesday - Sunday, National Holiday, Day before Nationsl Holiday] Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm, Drink L.O. 11:00 pm) [Wednesday - Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Closed: There may be irregular Monday holidays.
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
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5. Karasuma[ROPPAKUYA KADO]

Exquisite creative cuisine that allows one to fully enjoy carefully selected ingredients from Kyoto.

Located just a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station, [Roppakuya KADO] is a restaurant where visitors can enjoy creative dishes that make use of carefully selected local ingredients such as Kyoto Kamigamo vegetables, Kyo-mochi pork, and Omi beef from Ryuo. The dishes crafted by chefs trained at the main restaurant "Rokuhakuya" are all exquisite, highlighting the original flavors of the ingredients. The daily menu is also abundant, offering new tastes to discover with each visit.

The three-story restaurant features a counter seating area on the first floor, spacious table seating on the second floor, and private rooms with sunken kotatsu on the third floor, allowing guests to enjoy different atmospheres on each level. It is perfect for relaxing alone or enjoying a meal with a large group. How about tasting Kyoto's carefully selected ingredients in various settings?

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
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.