The 10 Best Izakaya in Tokyo (2026)

Updated October 2026 · 10 picks

The best izakaya in Tokyo in 2026 are Shin Hinomoto (Andy's) under the Yurakucho tracks, Shinsuke in Yushima for sake and classic dishes, and Donzoko in Shinjuku. For yakitori, try Kushiwakamaru in Nakameguro and Torien in Omoide Yokocho. Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu, Uoshin Ebisu and Birdland round out the list, with picks for every budget and booking style.

An izakaya is a Japanese pub: you order drinks first, then share small plates over the evening. Most add a small seating or table charge (otoshi) that comes with a starter, which is normal and not a trick. This list mixes classic izakaya, fish-focused izakaya and yakitori shops, and names specific venues rather than whole alleys.

Book ahead for the sit-down places, especially on weekends, and bring cash for the smaller ones. After a meal, pair it with a drink at one of the best cocktail bars in Tokyo, or start with a bowl at the best ramen shops.

1. Shin Hinomoto (Andy's) — Yurakucho

A seafood izakaya under the Yurakucho tracks, open since 1946.

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Shin Hinomoto describes itself as a pub open since 1946 under the Yurakucho overpass, serving fish bought at Toyosu Market each morning. Guides add that a British owner, known as Andy, runs the floor in English, which makes it an easy first izakaya.

Order the fish of the day and share small plates. The trains rattle overhead, which is part of the appeal.

Good to know: Reserve through the site's reservation page. Open 17:00 to 23:30 (last order 23:00), closed Sundays and over the New Year, and the site asks guests to pay in cash.

2-4-4 Yurakucho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0006

Google Maps Website

2. Shinsuke — Yushima

A sake-focused classic izakaya with a fish-led menu near Yushima Station.

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Shinsuke is an old-school sake izakaya in Yushima, an easy walk from Ueno. Listings describe a fish-led menu and a sake focus, and one guide says it has been family-run for generations.

It sits on two floors of a building about a two-minute walk from Yushima Station's Exit 3. It is quieter and more traditional than the alley bars in Shinjuku.

Good to know: A Tabelog listing says reservations are taken only for the second floor, with first-floor tables sometimes offered if the second is full. Phone ahead on 03-3832-0469.

YUSHIMA 3315 Building, 3-31-5 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0034

Google Maps

3. Donzoko — Shinjuku Sanchome

A multi-floor Showa-era izakaya off Yasukuni-dori, open since 1951.

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Donzoko is a postwar izakaya near Shinjuku-Sanchome Station with counter seating, tatami rooms and low tables across several floors. Several sources date it to 1951.

Time Out suggests the Napolitan spaghetti and the signature Donzoko cocktail. It is a practical choice for groups because the rooms vary.

Good to know: One guide lists a ¥500 otoshi charge and says cash is preferred. Hours differ by source, so check before you go.

3-10-2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

Google Maps

4. Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu — Nishi-Azabu

A big soba-and-skewers izakaya that takes web reservations.

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Gonpachi is a Japanese restaurant brand run by Global Dining, Inc., and the Nishi-Azabu restaurant serves soba and kushi (grilled skewers), with tempura among the brand's dishes. It is a large, lively place that is good for groups.

Unlike many izakaya on this list, it takes online reservations, which makes it a safe pick for a fixed itinerary.

Good to know: Reserve through the web reservation link on the official site. Phone reservations are accepted 11:30 to 22:00.

1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031

Google Maps Website

5. Kushiwakamaru — Nakameguro

A yakitori izakaya two minutes from Nakameguro Station.

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Kushiwakamaru is a yakitori izakaya near Nakameguro Station that grills skewers over charcoal. One guide describes it as a yakitori izakaya at a modest price, with a menu priced at roughly ¥3,000 to ¥4,000 per person.

People often gather outside around dinner, so it is worth planning ahead.

Good to know: Reservations are by phone only (03-3715-9292). Most listings give 17:00 to about midnight, but check before you go.

1-19-2 Kamimeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0051

Google Maps

6. Torien — Omoide Yokocho

A yakitori izakaya in the Omoide Yokocho alley behind Shinjuku Station.

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Torien is a yakitori izakaya in Omoide Yokocho, the smoky alley beside the tracks behind Shinjuku Station's west exit. A yakitori guide lists it at about ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per person.

It is a walk-in place in a small stall setting, and the alley is best for eating shoulder to shoulder over skewers and a beer.

Good to know: Walk in or phone. Alley guides say to arrive by about 19:30 on weekdays to get a seat, and bring cash. The shop may be listed as 鳥園 on Google Maps.

1-2-4 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023

Google Maps

7. Buri — Ebisu Nishi

A standing sake bar for about a dozen people behind Ebisu Yokocho.

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Buri is a standing-only sake bar for about 10 to 12 people, with a wall of one-cup sake. It is behind Ebisu Yokocho, about a three-minute walk from Ebisu Station.

It is a stop for a drink and a snack, not a full dinner. Pair it with a seat at one of the larger izakaya nearby.

Good to know: Walk in only, since there are no seats. Cash is strongly preferred, and guides suggest weekdays between 19:00 and 20:30.

1-14-1 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0021

Google Maps

8. Uoshin Ebisu — Ebisu Minami

A fish-focused izakaya in an Ebisu basement, part of a small chain.

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Uoshin is a small izakaya chain of about ten branches that focuses on fish, and the Ebisu branch sits in the basement of the Kobayashi Building. Tabelog classifies it as an izakaya serving seafood and hot pot.

It is a solid option when you want sashimi and grilled fish with beer or sake.

Good to know: Reservations are taken by phone at 050-5456-1827. One listing gives 17:00 to 23:00 with last orders at 22:30.

Kobayashi Building B1F, 1-2-9 Ebisu-Minami, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0022

Google Maps

9. Birdland Ginza — Ginza

A one-Michelin-star yakitori counter in a Ginza basement.

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Birdland is a basement yakitori counter in Ginza. One guide describes it as the Ginza benchmark for Tokyo yakitori, with a Michelin star and a 20-course omakase.

It is a polished sit-down meal, not a casual izakaya, but it is the best place on this list for yakitori at the highest level.

Good to know: Guides say reservations open two months ahead for evening seatings, and that you can book by phone or through a hotel concierge. Closed Sundays and Mondays per one guide.

Tsukamoto Sozan Building B1F, 4-2-15 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061

Google Maps

10. Kamiya Bar — Asakusa

A historic Asakusa drinking hall, famous for Denki Bran.

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Kamiya Bar is a long-established drinking hall across from Asakusa Station, known for Denki Bran, a sweet blend of wine, gin and brandy, according to Time Out. It is more of a beer-hall izakaya than a chef-led restaurant.

It is a good first stop before an evening in Asakusa.

Good to know: Most listings give Tuesday as the closed day, but opening hours vary widely by source, so check before you go.

1-1-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

How much does an izakaya meal cost in Tokyo?

Most casual izakaya cost roughly ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 per person with a few drinks, though fish-focused places and yakitori counters can cost more. A seating charge (otoshi), often a few hundred yen, is usual and comes with a small starter.

Do I need a reservation at an izakaya in Tokyo?

For the well-known sit-down places, yes. Shin Hinomoto takes reservations through its website, Shinsuke accepts bookings for its second floor, and Kushiwakamaru takes phone reservations only. Standing bars and alley stalls are walk-in.

What is the difference between an izakaya and a yakitori shop?

An izakaya serves a broad menu of small dishes with drinks, while a yakitori shop focuses on charcoal-grilled chicken skewers. Some places, like Kushiwakamaru, are yakitori izakaya that combine the two.

What should I order at an izakaya?

Start with a beer, then order a few shared dishes such as sashimi, grilled fish, fried items and skewers. Many izakaya have English or photo menus; if not, ask for the recommended dishes of the day.

What is otoshi and do I have to pay it?

Otoshi is a small starter that comes automatically and doubles as a cover charge, and you pay it even if you do not eat it. It is a normal part of the bill at most izakaya.

Which area is best for izakaya in Tokyo?

Yurakucho and Shinbashi under the railway tracks, Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, Ebisu and Yushima are all strong areas. Each has a different feel, from salaryman alleys to quieter sake-focused rooms.

1. Shin Hinomoto (Andy's) — Yurakucho

2. Shinsuke — Yushima

3. Donzoko — Shinjuku Sanchome

4. Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu — Nishi-Azabu

5. Kushiwakamaru — Nakameguro

6. Torien — Omoide Yokocho

7. Buri — Ebisu Nishi

8. Uoshin Ebisu — Ebisu Minami

9. Birdland Ginza — Ginza

10. Kamiya Bar — Asakusa

Frequently asked questions

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