Next to YANAGIKOJI Street, there is a nice Japanese sake bar (they also have other drinks). I came here with my friends who love sake because they offer sake tasting. We were able to relax as it was not too crowded when we arrived. The stingray fin as a side dish was delicious and went well with the sake. Thank you for the meal.

I ordered a tasting flight of three different types of sake at the restaurant. When asked about my preference, the staff recommended a selection for me. Each sake was poured generously and tasted delicious. I got carried away and drank too much, so I had a rough time the next day. However, the dishes had a good portion size for the price, so I was very satisfied.

A friend took me to this sake drinking place. When we arrived a little after 2pm, the shop was still getting ready. There weren't many seats, but since we were a group of 6, we waited at a nearby Chinese restaurant and revisited at 2:55pm. We didn't have a reservation, but we were able to secure seats. I'm not very knowledgeable about sake and prefer something not too strong, so I had my friend choose three types for us. With the heat in Kyoto making me crave something refreshing, I absolutely loved the one on the far left, Kabutomushi! I used to think beer or highballs were the best for hot days, but I was reminded that ice-cold sake is also perfect. I didn't take any pictures, but the food at this place was also amazing! We tried about 4 dishes, and they paired excellently with the sake. I definitely want to visit this place again when I'm in Kyoto.

A hidden gem of a place with a counter seat made of a single board, serving carefully selected Japanese sake. Even though it was fully booked with reservations from early hours, we were able to get in just as some people were leaving. There seemed to be many foreigners. The variety of Japanese sake was perfect, and the dishes were just right to go with them. You can forget about the hustle and bustle of Kawaramachi and enjoy a peaceful moment.

This alley is bustling with activity. There are many unique Japanese sake options available here. The sake, whether it's Daiginjo or any other type, is priced at 590 yen for 100ml. I tried "Tagaji" and "Izumofuji". They have a tasting set with three different sakes, but the portions are a bit small. The food, such as simmered eggplant, costs 790 yen. The portion size is generous, but the price is high. It seems like they make more profit from food than from sake. The total bill came to 1970 yen. The atmosphere is nice, and the staff are friendly. It's a good place.

This is a recommended place for both beginners and frequent drinkers of Japanese sake, as you can consult with the manager to order and compare a variety of sake. I tried the grilled yellowtail with daikon radish and smoked duck, which were also delicious. The service was great and I would love to visit again.

With a reputation as having the best selection of sake in Kyoto and reasonable prices, this establishment is located in Kawaramachi Gojo and its main branch is situated in the historic alley called Yanagikoji. The compact bar features a large counter where you can enjoy a variety of sake (100ml glass for 590 yen/1 go for 1100 yen) and a 3-sake tasting set (60ml x 3 for 980 yen). They also offer simple small dishes that pair well with sake, as well as bottled beer and shochu highballs. On the day of my visit, the place was almost full, but I managed to find a seat in the back. The staff, mostly young women in their early twenties, were attentive and provided friendly service. They explained the sake options clearly, and I opted for a tasting set of three different types: Michizakura Junmai from Gifu to Hokkaido, Kudoki Jozu Junmai Daiginjo from Yamagata, and Kan Hokuto Karakuchi Junmai from Fukuoka. Each sake had its own unique flavor profile, and I particularly enjoyed the limited edition Kudoki Jozu with its subtle sweetness and fruity notes. It was a brief but enjoyable moment of relaxation, thanks to the kind service and delicious sake. Across the street, there is a classic izakaya called "Shizuka," which has been a favorite spot for many years. Next to it is a popular modern bar called "Yanagikoji TAKA," creating a unique atmosphere with a mix of traditional and contemporary establishments. Yanagikoji is a short alley near Shijo Kawaramachi, lined with various distinctive eateries. The interior of this bar features a large counter and is non-smoking, making it a comfortable choice for those who dislike cigarette smoke. Whether you're looking for a single glass of sake (100ml for 590 yen) or rare premium options, this cozy spot offers a range of choices, including beer, highballs, fruit liqueurs, and whiskey for casual enjoyment.

Just before returning to Tokyo, I happened to enter a shop while walking. The shop had a nice atmosphere and when I peeked inside, it seemed like they had a lot of Japanese sake, probably around 40 types. The variety of brands was rich and the prices were not too high. It seems like their main dish is oden, but they also had other options. I didn't have much time to spend there, but the atmosphere was nice and I feel like visiting again. Thank you for the meal!

In a back alley temple in Kawaramachi, Kyoto, there is a place called "Sakadon Nishikawa" where you can enjoy Japanese sake. This was our third stop of the night, so we didn't order any food! Since we're not familiar with Japanese sake, we asked the knowledgeable staff for recommendations and enjoyed the sake they suggested. It's a great place for beginners to enjoy Japanese sake!

"Yakunomi Nishikawa" in Kyoto is highly regarded for its wide selection of sake and reasonable prices. The Yagura-koji branch offers a variety of Japanese sake that can be enjoyed for 580 yen per 100ml glass, as well as bottled beer and sours. The menu mainly consists of oden dishes, making it a budget-friendly place where you can enjoy a quick drink. During my visit, I had lunch at "Ache" in Gosho Minami, followed by a stop at "Baba Shoten" in Nishiki Market, where I encountered the new head chef, Taro, who had taken over in late October. Taro, a young chef who used to work at a renowned kaiseki restaurant, was recommended by the staff. I started with the Tochigi Senkin "Yukidaruma Shiboritate Kassei Nigorizake" sake and the Satsuma Age oden. I then ordered the Takachiyo SEVEN "Origarami Namagenshu" sake. As I was the only customer, I had the opportunity to chat with the chef. We both shared a love for the "Shinmi WHITE" type of sake. I mentioned a place called "Petit Chale" in Miyagawacho, where I used to occasionally have sake, and Taro found out that a friend of his worked there. It turned out that we had mutual acquaintances in the industry. The dish of oysters and seaweed was delicious, and I moved on to the third sake, the "Shinsei No.6 R Type." The atmosphere was relaxed as the place was almost empty. Taro, the second-generation chef, had honed his skills at a legendary sushi restaurant in Kyushu before working at a top kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto. I had mentioned my desire to try the course menu that was previously only available at the "Horikawa Marutamachi" branch, and I finally got to experience it in December 2021. Taro later left in January 2022 to pursue overseas training, so the restaurant now only offers a la carte dishes. By revisiting the restaurant occasionally, I was able to uncover untold stories and connections, which is the true pleasure of exploring different dining experiences. The area also houses the historic "Izakaya Shizuka," which has been serving customers for over a hundred years, and the popular modern sake bar "Yagura-koji TAKA." The street is home to many unique and excellent establishments. The restaurant has a divided layout with two rows of seating, and it is smoke-free, making it comfortable for non-smokers. Head to "Yagura-koji" for reasonably priced Japanese sake at 580 yen for a 100ml glass and affordable dishes. Be sure to check out the latest updates on their "Kawaramachi Gojo" branch, which I visited in mid-January this year.

"Saunomi Nishikawa," which is highly praised as the best place in Kyoto with a wide selection of sake and reasonable prices, was visited after about 10 months. They offer a variety of sake that can be enjoyed for 580 yen including tax for a 100ml glass, as well as bottled beer and sours, with oden being the main dish. It is a small but delightful shop where you can enjoy a quick drink. This visit took place in late October 2021, shortly after the lifting of the state of emergency. The weekend lunch at "Gibier Miyama" in Gion, "Spice Sherry," was visited, and the newly appointed young chef, Taro, was in charge. With only me as a customer that day, the conversation with him flourished, sharing stories of his journey as a chef and recommended restaurants. Originally from Kyushu, he honed his skills at a legendary sushi restaurant and a top-notch kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto before furthering his experience in sake at "Saunomi Nishikawa." On this day, right after lunch, without ordering food, I enjoyed Gifu Mizaru Nakashima Brewery's "Kozaburo Junmai Ginjo," "Juyondai Ginjo Sake," and Shinsei's "Nirugame" while hearing about his plans to further his skills in Italy next year. It was a very enjoyable moment, resonating with the story of a young chef pursuing his dreams. Across the street sits "Izakaya Shizuka," said to be the origin of Kyoto's sake bars, marking over 100 years of history. Although I have not reviewed it yet, I have been a repeat customer for many years. I believe that the presence of "Shizuka," preserving the atmosphere of a Taisho-era bar, enhances the charm of "Yanagikoji." The compact interior may vary in satisfaction depending on the customers or circumstances, but I recommend visiting "Yanagikoji" where you can enjoy sake for 580 yen including tax for a 100ml glass and oden dishes starting from 180 yen. The new "Kawaramachi Gojo store" is also in pre-operation. In these times, I recommend checking their SNS for the latest information and hope that many people will visit this place.

Located near Shijo Kawaramachi, Sake Nomu Nishikawa is an oden restaurant that opened on Yanagikoji Street. The interior features a large table with a counter-like seating arrangement where customers can enjoy oden and sake. The menu is traditional but the broth is delicious and makes you want to keep drinking. It was unusual to see dashimaki tamago on the oden menu!

I visited the second branch of "Sakadon Nishikawa," which is known for revitalizing the sake scene in Kyoto and also receiving praise for its authentic Japanese cuisine. This Japanese sake bar offers not only sake but also bottled beer and highball cocktails, with a large counter where everyone can gather around. I have a personal attachment to the approximately 60m long "Yanagi Koji" street where it is located. I visited the restaurant in late November, about half a month after its opening in mid-December 2020. On this day, I was greeted by the owner, Mr. Nishikawa, and a male staff member whom I had met at the main branch. I started by ordering a sake tasting set of three varieties (980 yen) - Tennen Koshu Nigori Special Junmai 2020, Shinsuke Colors - Akizakura 2018, and Shinsuke No.6 Type X 2019 Nama. In addition to sake, they also offered a variety of dishes, including oden (starting from 200 yen), which was a new addition since my last visit. The restaurant is focusing on oden as one of their specialties, along with appetizers and smoked dishes. I tried thick tofu, daikon radish, boiled egg, and konjac from the oden menu, and the lightly flavored broth was deep and rich. The boiled egg, in particular, stood out with its well-infused broth. I learned that the oden broth and preparation are done by the head chef from the main branch and brought to the Yanagi Koji branch. The taste depth of the broth made sense when I found out that a young chef from a three-star restaurant had taken over from the previous chef. The restaurant has a casual and cozy atmosphere with a large counter as the main seating option. I ended my visit with a glass of "Mansaku no Hana Bikkaku Daiginjo" and enjoyed four types of sake and oden by myself. It was a pleasant experience to chat with Mr. Nishikawa, whom I had missed during my last visit. The location of the restaurant is in Ura Teramachi, near Shijo Kawaramachi. On the short street of about 60m called "Yanagi Koji," there is the longstanding "Izakaya Shizuka," which has been operating for over 100 years and is considered the origin of Kyoto's sake bars. Despite not having reviews, the presence of the old "Shizuka," which has been operating since the early Taisho era, adds to the charm of Yanagi Koji. Next to it, there are popular establishments like "Yanagi Koji TAKA" and its new branch "N," as well as the newest addition, "Sakadon Nishikawa Yanagi Koji Branch." Unlike the main branch, it does not have the traditional machiya-style space or authentic Japanese cuisine, but its casual style where everyone can gather adds a different charm. The cozy atmosphere may vary depending on the situation, but with a diverse selection of sake and oden, it is perfect for a quick drink or bar hopping in Yanagi Koji. Given the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to check the latest information on their social media. Exploring the sake bars on Yanagi Koji and hopping from one to another can also be a fun experience.

In spring 2019, a new branch of "Sakunomi Nishikawa," a casual Japanese sake bar known for its authentic Japanese cuisine, opened in the Ura Teramachi area on November 27, 2020. Located on the historic street of Yanagikoji, where popular establishments like "Yanagikoji TAKA" and the traditional izakaya "Izakaya Shizuka" have been serving customers for over 100 years, the new branch of "Sakunomi Nishikawa" adds a fresh and easy-going atmosphere focusing on Japanese sake and small dishes. The cozy space features a large counter where customers can enjoy a glass of sake for 500 yen each (some are priced at 650 yen), or choose a tasting set of three 60ml glasses for 980 yen. The food menu is limited to small bites and appetizers, such as "Quail Egg Kunsei" (480 yen) and "Sakamitsu Potatosalad" (500 yen). Although the owner, Mr. Nishikawa, was not present during the visit, the friendly female sake sommelier who previously served at the main branch in Marutamachi engaged in pleasant conversations with other customers. Looking out at the facade of "Izakaya Shizuka" from the entrance, the visit to the new branch in late November was a memorable experience. Situated among popular establishments like "Yanagikoji TAKA" and its new branch "Enne," and facing the distinguished "Izakaya Shizuka," the new branch of "Sakunomi Nishikawa" on Yanagikoji continues the tradition of the street as a historic drinking district, offering a simple yet convenient spot for enjoying sake and small dishes. As the operating hours are currently around 3-5 pm and the telephone line is not yet operational, it is recommended to check their SNS for more details before visiting.

I visited this shop that I was curious about while shopping in the Shijo area. It was perfect for a daytime drink, with delicious drinks and very satisfying dishes.

The potato salad with smoked mackerel and seared saba were excellent. The cozy and calm atmosphere is perfect for couples. There is also an outdoor table that can seat up to four people.

A shop with a wide variety of sake. The three sake tasting set seems to be popular. The food was also delicious! The staff was lovely.

I had salted squid and two cups of sake. The place was starting to get crowded so I decided to leave, but it's a nice place to relax and enjoy.