HOME Kansai Kyoto Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple 4 Unmissable Kyoto Izakaya With Private Rooms - Enjoy Classy Japanese Dining!
4 Unmissable Kyoto Izakaya With Private Rooms - Enjoy Classy Japanese Dining!

4 Unmissable Kyoto Izakaya With Private Rooms - Enjoy Classy Japanese Dining!

Last updated: 22 February 2021

Dining at a Kyoto izakaya restaurant will be one of the highlights of your visit to the area.

Izakaya, or casual Japanese pubs, often have tables arranged in an open space, but some will have "koshitsu" - semi-private compartments or fully-private rooms. Because there is no contact with other customers, you can completely relax and enjoy a private meal with family or friends.

Here we will introduce four Kyoto izakaya with private rooms around the popular areas of Kyoto Station, Gion, and the Kawaramachi District. Kyoto Station is known for being a bustling entryway for all kinds of business and tourism, whereas Gion and the Kawaramachi District encapsulate the more traditional, splendidly unique atmosphere of Kyoto.

Furthermore, all of these izakaya have taken preventative measures against Covid-19. Not only is this experience safe and relaxing, but the cuisine and spirits served at these izakaya are superb!

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Tenbokaku: Enjoy a fisherman's meal in the heart of Kyoto
  2. 2. Kaburaya: Excellent Kyoto Cuisine and Original Dishes Made with Organic Kyoto Vegetables
  3. 3. Ichirin: Assorted sashimi and robatayaki made with fresh seafood straight from the port!
  4. 4. Torigoro Kawaramachi-ten: Everything from yakitori to one-plate dishes at bargain prices!

1. Tenbokaku: Enjoy a fisherman's meal in the heart of Kyoto

A relaxing couple seat with a view of Kyoto Tower from the large window
A relaxing couple seat with a view of Kyoto Tower from the large window
The "Winter Yellowtail Shabu-shabu Hot Pot Course for One", is an eight-dish course with free-flow drinks for 2 hours. (5,500 yen, with tax).
The "Winter Yellowtail Shabu-shabu Hot Pot Course for One", is an eight-dish course with free-flow drinks for 2 hours. (5,500 yen, with tax).

Tenbokaku Kyoto Ekimaeten is modestly situated on the 5th floor of a building located a 3-minute walk away from every line of Kyoto Station. Incredibly fresh seafood makes its way directly to the izakaya from the fishing port in Miyazu City in northern Kyoto Prefecture.

Exceptional dishes featuring this fresh seafood follow the theme of "meals eaten by Kyoto's fishermen." Because each ingredient is so carefully selected, dishes are prepared in a way that honors the natural umami flavors.

Such menu options range from sashimi assortments to seafood BBQ. From the leisurely views of Kyoto during the daytime to the gorgeous views at night, there's no missing out on this refined dining experience.

Relax at the various rooms available, including ones with a sweeping view of Kyoto Tower

On top of each table having its own grill, the room itself is thoroughly disinfected and ventilated.
On top of each table having its own grill, the room itself is thoroughly disinfected and ventilated.

All seats are either koshitsu rooms or semi-koshitsu rooms. Some of the luxury koshitsu rooms showcase a view of Kyoto Tower.

There are 20 tables and 100 seats in total, all of which have a horigotatsu - a seat that is built into the floor, allowing space for you to dangle your feet. With this type of seating, there is more than enough space to relax and enjoy the delicious fisherman's meal.

This particular horigotatsu-style koshitsu room is a hit among foreign tourists, as it is made in the shape of a bright red torii gate representative of Kyoto.
This particular horigotatsu-style koshitsu room is a hit among foreign tourists, as it is made in the shape of a bright red torii gate representative of Kyoto.
This is a horigotatsu style, semi-koshitsu room. The otherworldly green lighting and atmosphere of the space will make it hard to believe that you're in an izakaya!
This is a horigotatsu style, semi-koshitsu room. The otherworldly green lighting and atmosphere of the space will make it hard to believe that you're in an izakaya!

Many types of koshitsu rooms are available. From rooms with bright red chairs, tables, and impressive torii-like pillars to greenly lit rooms that give off an otherworldly atmosphere, there are rooms for all occasions. What's more, Tsunokishuho, a 220-year-old sake shop located in the Nishiki Market Place, has carefully selected 20 types of sake for you to try.

The izakaya offers an all-you-can-drink ticket for 5,000 yen (with tax). This ticket is valid for an entire month, enabling you to come and visit the izakaya as many times as you like throughout this period!

Countermeasures against Covid-19
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of shop and facilities / Sanitizer installed / Disinfected after each guest leaves / Ventilation measures in place / Usage of hypochlorous acid disinfectant spray and NASA sterilizing fogger / Plastic partitions installed / Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature / Limited capacity / increased space between seats / Reservations required with restricted admission / Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell / Masks required / temperature check enforced

  • Tenboukaku Kyoto
    京の漁師めし海鮮居酒屋 展望閣 京都駅前店
    • Address 197 Maoyacho, Kyoto Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8211
    • Nearest Station 3 minutes from every line of Kyoto Station
    • Phone Number 075-352-3009
    • Hours: 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Last order for food & drinks: 1:30 p.m.), 5:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. (last order for food: 11:00 p.m., for drinks: 11:30 p.m.) *No reservation needed during lunch hours.
      As of January 2021: Dinner hours 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.(last order: 7:30 p.m., last order for all alcoholic beverages: 7:00 p.m.)
      Fee: Table charge is 324 yen (with tax) per person
      Closed: Monday

2. Kaburaya: Excellent Kyoto Cuisine and Original Dishes Made with Organic Kyoto Vegetables

Standing quietly a short stroll away from Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion.
Standing quietly a short stroll away from Hanamikoji Street, the main street of Gion.

The owner of Kaburaya, who originally comes from one of Kyoto's farms, makes sure to stock this izakaya with many of Kyoto's famous produce.

You can have a taste of Kyoto cuisine and other creative dishes that incorporate these vegetables, seasonal ingredients, along with the other staple ingredients of Kyoto.

Located in the center of Gion and only a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, the allure of this restaurant is that it offers one-of-a-kind dishes at very reasonable izakaya prices.

Kyoto's Home-style 5 Dish Plate, "Obanzai" (1,600 yen, with tax)
Kyoto's Home-style 5 Dish Plate, "Obanzai" (1,600 yen, with tax)

This izakaya is adamant in acquiring the most delicious stock of Kyoto's vegetables from its producer. In the spring, the aromatic Kyoto bamboo shoots from Oetsukahara are offered.

In the summer, large and round eggplants known as kamo nasu, along with the uniquely fragrant, sweet, and slightly acidic kamo tomato, come from Kamigamo. In the winter, a type of taro called ebi-imo in addition to tender Japanese red kintoki carrots are brought in from Toba.

By stopping by this izakaya, you can savor these quality vegetables and get a taste of authentic Japanese local cuisine.

These domestic organic lemons are steeped in homemade liquor to make "Specially-Made Lemon Sour" (650 yen, with tax)
These domestic organic lemons are steeped in homemade liquor to make "Specially-Made Lemon Sour" (650 yen, with tax)

Also, starting with a wide selection of unique liquors and rice wines from Kyoto, top-grade local spirits from all over the country are used to make original cocktails, sours, and other specialty drinks.

A variety of koshitsu rooms are available for your dining enjoyment!

This semi-koshitsu room fits up to six people. Privacy is also ensured due to a curtain covering the entrance.
This semi-koshitsu room fits up to six people. Privacy is also ensured due to a curtain covering the entrance.
This is a multi-purpose, Japanese-style koshitsu room furnished with a table.
This is a multi-purpose, Japanese-style koshitsu room furnished with a table.

At this izakaya, you can find 3 semi-koshitsu rooms made to seat 2 to 4 people. This seating perfectly blends in with the ambiance of the izakaya. Also, there is a Japanese-style koshitsu room furnished with tables and chairs that can be used as a drawing room.

In the case that 5 to 10 guests wish to use this room, a paper sliding door called a shoji can be used as a partition, creating a completely private koshitsu room with a hall.

On the first floor, a hidden chamber called "Hanare" features a bar that seats up to 7 people. This space, which is lavishly made out of cedar and Japanese hinoki cypress from Kyoto, can be rented out to parties of 4 or more.

Countermeasures against Covid-19
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of shop and facilities / Sanitizer installed / Disinfected after each guest leaves / Ventilation measures in place / Implementation of air purifiers and Cleverin generators (sterilization products) / Plastic partitions installed / Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature / Limited capacity / increased space between seats / Reservations required with restricted admission / Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell / Masks required / temperature check enforced

  • Kaburaya
    蕪屋
    • Address 570-123 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074
    • Nearest Station A 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station
    • Phone Number 075-551-0900
    • Hours: 5:00 p.m.~10:00 p.m. (Last Order: 9:00 p.m.)
      Price: Table charge is 400 yen (without tax) per person
      Closed: Open daily

3. Ichirin: Assorted sashimi and robatayaki made with fresh seafood straight from the port!

Assortment of sashimi lavishly plated with seafood straight from the port: "Ichirin's Assortment," Serves One, 1,958 yen (Photo shows 8-person serving)
Assortment of sashimi lavishly plated with seafood straight from the port: "Ichirin's Assortment," Serves One, 1,958 yen (Photo shows 8-person serving)

Ichirin boasts directly flying in a fresh morning catch of fish from Ise in Wakayama Prefecture and Hakodate in Hokkaido. This top-quality fresh seafood is placed in a huge shuhai, a traditional Japanese drinking vessel with a radius of over 30cm~40cm. This is a very impactful dish where many customers can't help but cheer and snap photos upon serving.

Robatayaki is another favorite. This traditional cuisine consists of grilling seasonal fish, meat, and Kyoto vegetables over a charcoal fire. Through this method, the umami flavor and sweetness of the ingredients come to the forefront.

This juicy masterpiece will definitely leave an impression. Not to mention, you can choose from and enjoy a selection of more than 10 of Kyoto's local spirits.

Relax and enjoy the traditional Japanese atmosphere at one of the many koshitsu rooms made to accommodate differing numbers of customers.

This bar, made using kumiko woodwork, is regarded highly as a space you won't want to leave.
This bar, made using kumiko woodwork, is regarded highly as a space you won't want to leave.

Conceived by a celebrated designer's hand, this izakaya incorporates a traditional Japanese woodworking technique known as kumiko.

The method doesn't require any nails to hold pieces together but instead takes wooden strips and molds them into various patterns and designs.

Dining among this traditional design, you can experience the very essence of Japanese culture throughout the entire space. The koshitsu rooms available include 2 two-person koshitsu rooms, 3 four-person koshitsu rooms, 2 six-person koshitsu rooms, and 1 thirty-person koshitsu room usually used for banquets. In total, there are 8 koshitsu rooms.

Depending on how many people use the space, you can remove the partition in the four to six-person koshitsu rooms.

The four to six-person koshitsu room, which has horigotatsu seating, is the perfect place to unwind.
The four to six-person koshitsu room, which has horigotatsu seating, is the perfect place to unwind.
The barrier-free, banquet hall-style koshitsu room is equipped with a projector.
The barrier-free, banquet hall-style koshitsu room is equipped with a projector.
This two-person koshitsu room is perfect for a date or anniversary.
This two-person koshitsu room is perfect for a date or anniversary.

The izakaya is located conveniently in Gion's center, only a 6-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Main Line. This is perfect for stopping by other popular tourist attractions in the vicinity. An English menu is also available.

Upon entering the restaurant, it is mandatory to disinfect your hands and have your temperature taken. A partition is set up at each seat.
Upon entering the restaurant, it is mandatory to disinfect your hands and have your temperature taken. A partition is set up at each seat.

Countermeasures against Covid-19
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of shop and facilities / Sanitizer installed / Disinfected after each guest leaves / Ventilation measures in place / Plastic partitions installed / Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature / Limited capacity / increased space between seats / Reservations required with restricted admission / Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell / Masks required / temperature check enforced

*Due to preventing the spread of COVID 19, this izakaya is temporarily closed until the state of emergency has been lifted. (Re-opening may be delayed)

  • Robata Sushi Uonabe Ichirin
    Robata Sushi Uonabe Ichirin
    うなぎと蕎麦 一鱗
    Has Health & Safety Measures
    • Address 114, Tominagacho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 605-0078
    • Nearest Station Gionshijo Station (Keihan Line)
    • Phone Number 075-561-7000

4. Torigoro Kawaramachi-ten: Everything from yakitori to one-plate dishes at bargain prices!

There are many options on the a la carte menu. Very reasonable prices with all dishes at a mere 300 yen (without tax).
There are many options on the a la carte menu. Very reasonable prices with all dishes at a mere 300 yen (without tax).

Easy access. Located a 4-minute walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station. At Torigoro Kawaramachiten, you can try all the staple izakaya dishes at the price of 300 yen each (without tax). This overwhelmingly impressive cost-performance makes the izakaya very popular.

You can enjoy carefully hand-made yakitori on its own, or with the all-you-can-eat and drink course.
You can enjoy carefully hand-made yakitori on its own, or with the all-you-can-eat and drink course.

The izakaya serves various types of carefully grilled yakitori, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth rolled omelets, and a specialty of Japanese fried chicken. You can also find a large selection of beers, wines, alcoholic spirts, and other drinks that complement the food.

An all-you-can-eat course with a selection of over 50 dishes along with an all-you-can-drink course are offered. The "two-hour all-you-can-eat and drink" course is available at 2,500 yen (without tax) per person.

The Kyoto izakaya is very convenient thanks to the many fully private-koshitsu rooms available!

The seating options include traditional Japanese-style seating as well as horigotatsu-style koshitsu rooms where you can stretch out your legs.
The seating options include traditional Japanese-style seating as well as horigotatsu-style koshitsu rooms where you can stretch out your legs.
With its warm lighting and calming atmosphere, this room is reminiscent of a Kyoto townhouse.
With its warm lighting and calming atmosphere, this room is reminiscent of a Kyoto townhouse.

For fully private koshitsu rooms, a total of 24 seats are available. Some koshitsu rooms even showcase a view of Kyoto's Kamo River. These rooms can be used for many different occasions.

The options range from two to eight-person horigotatsu-style koshitsu rooms to ten-person traditional Japanese seating rooms. A partition with a height of approximately 180 cm is implemented as a measure against Covid-19. You can spend your time here without any worries due to the strict preventative measures taken.

Additionally, the menu has been translated into both English and Chinese. This Kyoto izakaya is very popular with foreign tourists due to the traditional Japanese atmosphere and reasonable pricing.

Countermeasures against Covid-19
Disinfection, sterilization, and cleaning of shop and facilities / Sanitizer installed / Disinfected after each guest leaves / Ventilation measures in place / Plastic partitions installed / Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature / Limited capacity / increased space between seats / Reservations required with restricted admission / Entry declined to anyone who is feeling unwell / Masks required / temperature check enforced

  • Yakitori King! Torigoro Kawaramachi-ten
    焼き鳥キング!トリゴロー 河原町店
    • Address 291 Takoyakushinoboru-Narayamachi,kawaramachidori,Kyoto Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 〒604-8027
    • Nearest Station A 4-minute walk from Kyoto-kawaramachi Station
    • Phone Number 050-8892-3535
    • Hours: 5:00 p.m.~12:00 a.m., Fridays / Saturdays / Holidays from 5:00 p.m. ~ 1:00 a.m. (last orders are taken 60 minutes before closing)
      Pricing:No table charge
      Closed: Holidays are not fixed *To prevent the spread of Covid-19, this izakaya is temporarily closed until the state of emergency has been lifted (Re-opening may be delayed).

This article has introduced quality Kyoto izakaya where you can take your time to enjoy the ambiance and scenery of Japan's cultural capital. Take it easy and enjoy exquisite traditional Kyoto cuisine and other dishes paired with complementary spirits.

*Due to the spread of COVID-19, there may be some changes regarding business hours, holidays, and service methods.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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