Izakaya "Akakura"

Since it's close to our hotel, I often recommend Akakura to my guests. But it's not just because it's close. Honestly, I was surprised the first time I visited. It's amazing value for money.

Today, I'd like to introduce this wonderful izakaya, Akakura.

Delicious Fish

The fish at Akakura is delicious. This may sound obvious to Japanese people, but Kyoto is actually a place far removed from raw fish.

Of course, there are traditional and delicious fish dishes like conger eel and mackerel sushi, and the Sea of ​​Japan is within the prefecture, but Kyoto is still an inland city. It's also true that it's not a so-called "seafood town" like Hokkaido or Hokuriku.

Even in Kyoto, the fish at Akakura is delicious. It's easy to see why it's a favorite among locals.

Seared Bonito

While I've focused on raw fish, their boiled fish is also delicious.

Not just fish, but fried dishes and other dishes, too.

I forgot to take a photo, but the beef stew served with the baguette is a specialty. The tender meat and rich stew were absolutely delicious. The variety of dishes on offer is one of the great things about Japanese izakayas.

The drinks are also great.

Sake is a must-try when it comes to Japanese cuisine, and Akakura has a handwritten sake menu inside. Of course, they offer Kyoto sake, but they also have a wide selection, including sake from other prefectures, such as the Tohoku region.

Served in a bamboo bowl, the sake is a generous portion—a solid 180ml. As mentioned above, Akakura is beloved not only by tourists but also by locals. The service here shows why.

More Than the Price

The food and drinks are delicious, and while you might find yourself lingering, the bill is very reasonable. Of course, it depends on the person, but I think most people can stay within 5,000 yen per person. Great value!

When it comes to dinner in Kyoto's Arashiyama area, kaiseki cuisine is often associated with it, but Akakura is also highly recommended for its relaxed atmosphere. Please try it.