[Around Kochi Station] Have a party at a popular izakaya at night♪ 10 recommended restaurants

Kochi Prefecture has many attractive gourmet foods, such as Tosa bonito and delicious local sake, which make it one of the most enjoyable sightseeing destinations.Izakayas, especially those located near Kochi Station, are easily accessible and allow you to enjoy Kochi's specialties at your leisure. Here, we introduce some izakayas near Kochi Station with a good reputation for serving tasty Kochi specialties such as bonito.

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10 recommended izakaya (Japanese style pubs) near Kochi Station!Private rooms and popular gourmet specialties...

In recent years, Kochi Prefecture has been in the limelight as the setting for a certain drama. Ryoma Sakamoto and other samurai from the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate are also popular, and many people visit Kochi to see the sights. Many people will also enjoy delicious drinks and Kochi's gourmet food at izakaya (Japanese style pubs). We want to introduce some izakayas near Kochi Station that are well known for their delicious Kochi Gourmet. Please note that this information is current as of January 2024. We recommend you check the latest information on the restaurant's official website before visiting.

You can't miss it when you visit Kochi!3 Tosa Specialties

Before starting with izakaya recommendations near Kochi Station, let's start with some local specialties you should try when visiting Kochi. Kochi faces the Pacific Ocean and has a mild climate, which makes it possible to eat a lot of delicious seafood. Among such seafood, we will highlight some of the most famous and rare items you may not find in other places in Japan.

skipjack tuna

The first dish that comes to mind regarding Kochi's specialties is "katsuo-no-tataki" (bonito chop). Bonito is the star ingredient of Tosa cuisine, often called the "Yokozuna" of Tosa cuisine. The surface of the fish is then roasted, cut into thick slices, lightly patted, and topped with onions, myoga, shiso leaves, and other condiments. The surface of the fish is then roasted over a fire to enhance its aroma, while the raw inside allows you to enjoy the crispy texture of sashimi. Most izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and restaurants in Kochi serve this dish, but it has been prepared and arranged in various ways, including Western-style carpaccio in recent years. Kochi's local cuisine is called "Tosa Ryori. Among them, bonito tataki, called "Tosa-zukuri," is one of the most representative dishes of Kochi. Why not compare the different types at izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) near Kochi Station?

eel cuisine

Many people have had the opportunity to see moray eel in aquariums and other places, but few have had the chance to eat it.Moray eel is one of Kochi's specialties. The grotesque appearance of moray eel, with its many small bones and complex structure, makes it a challenging food to prepare. On the other hand, its meat is thick and has a gelatinous texture under the skin, and its light but rich flavor is said to be so delicious that even connoisseurs are impressed. Because it is difficult to cook, it is only available at a limited number of izakayas (Japanese style pubs) in the Kochi Station area, but it is a must-try delicacy. Eels have high collagen content and are rich in nutrients. It is expected to be a stamina food and a beautifying effect and is also used in celebratory dishes.

Whale meat cuisine

Tosa Bay, which stretches out before Kochi's very eyes, is one of the best whale habitats in Japan, and whale watching is now a popular tourist activity in Kochi. Whale watching is now a popular tourist activity in Kochi. Whaling has also been active, and the people of Kochi have enjoyed whales as a delicious gourmet food. As the famous song "Yosakoi-bushi" (a traditional Japanese folk song) says, "Tide-blowing fish," the whale has been a familiar "fish" to the people of Kochi for a long time. In recent years, dishes using whales from research whaling have often been eaten as Kochi's whale cuisine. Popular dishes include sashimi and deep-fried tatsuta, and in winter, hari-hari-nabe, a hot pot served with potherb mustard.As it is said that there is nothing left to throw away, all parts of the fish are used in dishes served at izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) near Kochi Station.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (1) Izakaya Harima Yariguru

Izakaya Harima Yariguru is an izakaya located near Harimaya Bridge, a famous sightseeing spot in Kochi. It can be reached on foot from Kochi Station or by taking the Tosaden train, so it is a good place to go out for sightseeing in Kochi. The name of the restaurant is "I" Sakaya, and the owner has a lot of experience in Italian cuisine. Riguru" is a Tosa dialect word meaning "to examine and select ingredients and methods. As these names suggest, the restaurant is an eclectic mix of Italian and Japanese cuisine, with ingredients and cooking methods chosen carefully, and has gained a reputation for offering local gourmet food in the most delicious way.

Tosa's red ox and moray eel are popular, so be sure to taste them!

"Tosa Akashi" is a Japanese brown cow bred only in Kochi Prefecture. The entire body is brown, but the eyes and the tip of the tail are black, giving it a charming appearance. The meat has a good balance of sashi and lean beef and is known for its umami and juiciness, making it as tasty as grilled meat and roast beef. The meat here is purchased directly from farmers and cooked at an exquisite temperature that makes it moist when eaten. The eel tataki is soft and fluffy so as not to lose the gelatin, and is so popular that people who want to enjoy Kochi's gourmet food come here for this dish.

A wide selection of Kochi's local sake

As an izakaya (Japanese style bar), sake is a must. Kochi is known for its delicious sake, and local sake is a must-try accompaniment to Kochi's gourmet cuisine. The owner is a certified "Tosa Sake Advisor" and can recommend the best sake to suit your food and tastes. The "TOSACO Craft Collection," a craft beer made in Kochi using Tosa pomelo, yuzu, kaya nut, Kochi rice, rice malt, and other ingredients, is a favorite among people of all ages as a sake that reflects the rich bounty of Kochi.

Recommended Izakaya around Kochi Station (2) Izakaya Katsuki

If you want to enjoy Kochi gourmet food with your good friends, go to the same izakaya with private rooms. "Izakaya KATSUKI" is recommended in such cases. While counter seating is of course available, the restaurant is also fully equipped with private rooms, sunken kotatsu seats, and banquet seating on the second floor that can accommodate up to 60 people. You can enjoy gourmet food in an intimate setting. The abundant use of local Kochi ingredients characterizes the menu. The menu features dishes made with local ingredients from Kochi, which are served with a wide variety of locally brewed sake. In addition, a limited menu using seasonal ingredients is available depending on the season. The restaurant is accessible near the Harimaya Bridge, and can be reached on foot from Kochi Station.

Spare Ribs with Garlic" is a popular menu item that attracts many repeat customers.

Of the many dishes on the menu at this restaurant, which uses local and seasonal products such as seafood, meat, and vegetables from Kochi, the most popular is the garlic-roasted spare ribs. The spare ribs are made from Shimanto pork from Kochi, marinated in more than ten spices, and grilled, and are an original product unique to this restaurant. Many repeat customers visit Katsuki when they come to Kochi for this dish. Take-out is also available, so you can pick it up before going to Kochi Station. If you are interested in trying spare ribs, please check it out.

Tataki of bonito with different flavors depending on the season, served with locally brewed sake.

Of course, there is also a wide selection of local sake. The counter at the restaurant is lined with a wide selection of Kochi's best sake. You can choose your favorite among them or ask the staff to recommend one that matches your dish. The bonito tataki, which cannot be missed when visiting Kochi, uses fresh bonito and seasonal condiments to give a sense of the season. You can also enjoy Kochi's specialties while feeling the arrival of spring with the buds of the trees.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (3) Tosa no Kokoro Hayashi

The next popular izakaya near Kochi Station is Tosa no Kokoro Hayashi.This sushi kappo restaurant is located near the Harimaya Bridge and easily accessible from Kochi Station. It is well known as a restaurant where you can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood from Kochi, such as natural sashimi and sushi, as well as many a la carte dishes, so you can fully enjoy your favorite menu. In addition to counter seating, there are also sunken kotatsu seats, which are convenient for parties and other gatherings.

Don't miss the bonito tataki, grilled to order, and the locally brewed sake!

Bonito Tataki is a must-try when you visit Kochi. This restaurant grills fresh raw bonito on a straw grill to order. The aroma of the straw-baked bonito whets your appetite and allows you to enjoy the unique taste of Kochi. In addition to sake, shochu, beer, and wine, the restaurant offers various drinks, including Japanese liqueurs. Japanese liqueurs made with yuzu and other ingredients are easy to drink, even for those not usually drink alcoholic beverages. Enjoy them with your favorite food and your favorite combination.

In winter, try the rare sukiyaki of eels.

If you visit Kochi between October and February, I highly recommend the sukiyaki of utsubo. This is a dish unique to Kochi, in which utsubo is mixed with Chinese cabbage, burdock root, kyo leek, garlic leaves, and other ingredients, and served with sweetened warishita sauce. As mentioned earlier, utsubo is challenging to cook and unavailable everywhere. The umami of moray eel, in its light yet rich gelatinous texture, is addictive and goes well with Warishita. The availability period is limited, so be sure to check before you visit.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (4) Sakuraya

Sakuraya is located between Kochi Station and the Harimayabashi Bridge, in the center of Kochi, a 10-minute walk from Kochi Station. It is conveniently located for visiting while sightseeing. The restaurant has counter seats and sunken kotatsu seats, and the counter seats are especially popular with those who want to enjoy drinks alone, as they can watch the chefs preparing their dishes. Private rooms are also available, so it is a good place to go when you want to enjoy a drink with friends without worrying.

Locally produced and consumed food and drinks are the best part of the trip.

The restaurant, which is often used for business entertainment, offers a menu that allows diners to fully appreciate the deliciousness of Kochi's ingredients.Under the slogan of "local production for local consumption," the restaurant uses local brand meat, fresh fish caught off the coast of Muroto, and vegetables from the farmhouse of the proprietress's family. This restaurant is perfect for those who want to enjoy Kochi's gourmet cuisine, as it offers a simple way to enjoy the umami and deliciousness of the ingredients. Please enjoy it with Kochi's local sake.

Enjoy the power of the ingredients at Shimizu Mackerel and Tagine Hot Pot

Today's fish, including fresh bonito, is the most delicious of the day and should be enjoyed as sashimi. "Shimizu Mackerel" has no odor and has an elegant taste with sweetness and umami. You can't miss it when you come to this restaurant. The tagine nabe is made with 10 kinds of vegetables, Kubokawa pork, shrimp, and other ingredients, using only the water content of the ingredients and no seasonings. It is a unique dish that is well-reputed for the umami taste of each ingredient.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (5) maguro dining Hanamaguro

Seafood is a must at any izakaya in Kochi. Kochi has an abundance of delicious fish, including bonito tataki, but as the name suggests, "maguro dining Hana-Maguro" is an izakaya specializing in tuna. It is located on the second floor of a hotel within walking distance from Kochi Station. As a specialty restaurant, it is popular among groups of women who do not usually frequent izakaya (Japanese style pubs) for its creative dishes centering on tuna, which are gorgeous and tasty. Recommended for those who want to enjoy whole tuna such as sashimi and sushi.

Enjoy tuna that can only be found here, directly managed by the company that owns the "Tuna Fleet".

This restaurant is directly managed by the company that owns the "tuna fleet. Based on information from the captain of the fleet, the restaurant obtains the best tuna of the moment, cooks it, and serves it. This means that you can enjoy fresh and flavorful tuna in abundance. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of rare parts of tuna, so there are many dishes featuring parts of tuna that are rarely seen in other restaurants. The interior of the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the taste of tuna in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cute tuna dishes popular among women are pleasing to the eye.

Hana-Maguro features not only standard tuna dishes such as sushi and sashimi but also a wide variety of stylish and creative dishes. One such dish is the colorful, bite-sized tuna pintxos sushi. Since even women can easily take a bite, it is a perfect snack while drinking alcohol. In addition to raw tuna, we also offer a wide variety of deep-fried dishes such as sauced pork cutlets, and dishes using tuna stomach, cheeks, and fish collar. You can enjoy the taste of various parts of tuna. All-you-can-drink courses are also available.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (6) Matsuri Jaya

Located near Kochi Station and by Otemae Park, Matsuri-chaya is a recommended izakaya for those who want to try a variety of good food from Kochi. It is also a place to stop by for a drink before heading home from Kochi Station. The restaurant has been a favorite of locals for many years and offers a wide variety of dishes, making it easy to meet your needs at any time of the day. There are many types of seating, including tatami rooms, tables, and counters, so it is easy to come in by yourself.

The original Tosa tataki is a dish not to be missed.

There are more than 140 items on the menu. It may be difficult to decide for the first time, but one menu item that cannot be missed is the "Tosa no tataki," a dish that can only be found here. The "Tosa Tataki" is a very thick slice of bonito, and is so popular that even people from outside of the prefecture come to try it. Other menu items include "Shimanto River Shrimp Karaage" and "Shimanto Pork Skewers," using delicious local Kochi ingredients and allowing customers to enjoy the taste of the ingredients. This is the perfect place for those who want to try a variety of Kochi's specialties.

Eels and whales are also on the menu.

As mentioned earlier, some of Kochi's specialties, such as moray eel and whale, are unavailable in other parts of Japan. At this restaurant, you can try the tareki of moray eel, sashimi of whale, and bacon. Of course, there is also a large selection of local Kochi sake to enjoy with the food. We recommend that you let the waiter know your preferences and ask him or her to recommend the best sake.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (7) Live, Ikesu Cuisine Izakaya Makotoya

Located in the central area from Kochi Station to the Harimayabashi Bridge, Ikeshi/Ikesu Cuisine Izakaya Makotoya is close to hotels around Kochi Station. It is recommended for those who want fresh seafood on a night out in Kochi. The owner of this izakaya is a local from the Suzaki fishing port. He is an excellent connoisseur and offers a wide variety of seasonal fish and shellfish. You will be able to enjoy the bounty of the Kochi sea.

Course meals for banquets and other occasions are also recommended, and enjoy the bounty of the Kochi sea.

The owner of the restaurant himself is a connoisseur and purchases the most delicious seafood at the time of purchase. The restaurant is also happy to accommodate small dinners as well as banquets. In particular, there is a wide variety of course meals available for parties of four or more. They are highly popular because they allow you to eat the entire seasonal menu, and they are also highly recommended because they are cost-effective .Depending on the course, local fish, meat, fruit, etc. are included.

Enjoy seafood grilled over charcoal.

Fresh seafood is delicious raw, but the restaurant also offers charcoal grilling using Tosa-binchotan charcoal. The "Yakimono Assortment" of grilled shellfish and dried fish, in particular, changes depending on the day, allowing you to savor the full flavor of the seafood. Also, high-end seafood such as Ise lobsters and Nagataro clams are abundant, and the Ise lobsters can be enjoyed whole in a soup, miso soup, or zosui (rice porridge). If you have been to Kochi several times and want to try a rare taste of Kochi, give it a try.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (8) Yuzu Izakaya Touchan-ya

This restaurant, which derives its name from the owner's nickname "Tou-chan," features dishes using Kochi's famous yuzu (citron), as the name implies. Run on 55th Street, within walking distance of Kochi Station, this izakaya is a bit of a hideaway, and a great place to wander in and feel at ease. It moved to its current location in May 2023. After sightseeing at Harimayabashi Bridge, you can stop by on your way back to Kochi Station. Since it is in the center of Kochi, it is lively and enjoyable even at night.

A varied menu with many different items to choose from.

Touchan-ya offers more than 60 dishes at any given time, including local Kochi cuisine such as bonito tataki and Tosa maki and original homemade dishes. The menu using Kochi's morning fish is trendy, so check out the day's specials. The owner is also a native of Umaji Village, known for its yuzu (Japanese citron). The use of yuzu further deepens the flavor of the dish. Enjoy the refreshing taste of yuzu.

Enjoy bonito with salt and ponzu.

Tataki is made from fresh raw bonito and can be enjoyed with either salt or ponzu (Japanese sauce made from ponzu citrus juice). Tosa sun-dried salt is used for the salt. Let's enjoy the taste of the ingredients as they are. The "Bonito with Yuzu Kosho" with yuzu (citrus fruit) has a refreshing flavor that goes well with sake. The "Curry Croquette," a popular menu item since the opening of the restaurant, has a crispy batter and creamy filling that goes great with beer. It is recommended as a snack when you want to start off with a beer.

Recommended Izakaya around Kochi Station (9) Gurumantei

Many izakaya (Japanese style pubs) in the Kochi Station area are places to enjoy Kochi's famous seafood and local sake, but this one is also a beer bar and is known for its delicious beer and fried chicken. The beer, in particular, is so good that even beer makers pay attention to it, and it takes five minutes to pour. If you like beer, you should visit this izakaya at least once.

Beer that takes 5 minutes to pour is heavenly!

The secret of Gurumantei's delicious beer lies in its servers. The server is an old-style swinging column, which was made about 60 years ago, and is still being used with great care. When you order beer, it is poured in several pours using this type of server. The beer poured in this artisanal manner has a mild and luxurious taste with a fine foam covering the surface like whipped cream. Even if you are not a regular beer drinker, you should not miss this beer. We hope you will enjoy "discovering" new beers.

Be sure to try the fried chicken that goes great with beer!

The fried chicken on the menu is made from "Genki Dori" from Ehime. The chicken is marinated in a homemade sauce for three days to soak up the flavor before frying. It is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It goes great with beer. You can enjoy the deliciousness of various parts of fried chicken, such as chicken legs and wings. You will not be able to stop drinking beer.

Recommended Izakaya near Kochi Station (10) Wasan Obiya Kansuke

Taste creative Tosa cuisine and Japanese dishes near Kochi Castle

This creative Japanese-style restaurant is located about a 2-minute walk from the Ohashi-dori stop on the Tosaden Kotsu Line and about a 5-minute walk from Kochi Castle. The restaurant offers new tastes using ingredients from various genres, such as Kurobuta pork, Iberico pork, and foie gras, as well as sea and mountain produce from Kochi Prefecture. There is also a wide variety of fresh fish sashimi, including "whale sashimi," "whale tataki," "bonito natural coarse salt tataki," and many other dishes unique to Kochi. Enjoy the taste of Tosa to your heart's content in the relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant.

Let's make your night in Kochi more wonderful with Tosa's specialties!

Kochi has many delicious ingredients, and izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) near Kochi Station offers menus that allow you to enjoy these ingredients. The combination with a wide variety of locally brewed sake is also very attractive. We hope you will enjoy the flavors of Kochi in abundance at our izakaya near Kochi Station.