Ueno is a bustling district known for sightseeing and shopping, yet it also offers many izakaya loved by locals. From casual daytime drinking spots to late-night venues, we’ve selected four unique izakaya featuring diverse styles and flavors: traditional yakitori, fresh seafood, robatayaki, and standing-style bars. Here, we introduce their signature dishes, atmosphere, and access information to help you plan your visit.
“Izakaya Nonchan” is a popular casual izakaya located under the JR tracks in Ueno, with two branches: the main store and the Ameyoko branch. The interior mainly consists of counter and table seating, accommodating both solo diners and groups. It operates from 12:00 PM to 5:00 AM, making it ideal for daytime drinks and late-night visits.
The menu focuses on yakitori, along with tempura skewers and classic fried dishes. Yakitori includes chicken thigh, negima (chicken & green onion), and liver, priced around 200 yen per skewer. Tempura skewers feature shrimp, squid, and vegetables fried in a light batter to enhance the natural flavors with a crispy texture. The Showa-era retro interior lets you enjoy the lively atmosphere under the JR tracks while eating and drinking casually.
Location & Access
Main Branch: 6-12 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, under JR tracks Access: ~4 min walk from JR Ueno Station
Review The yakitori platter is perfectly grilled over charcoal, juicy, and flavorful; negima with sweet and savory sauce is exquisite; liver is rich and creamy. Tempura skewers of shrimp and squid are lightly fried to retain the natural sweetness and texture. Fried chicken has a crispy exterior and juicy interior, pairing perfectly with beer. Even during the day, the lively counter seating provides a casual and convenient way to enjoy yakitori and fried dishes.
Goenmon Ueno
“Goenmon Ueno” is a seafood-focused izakaya just a 1-minute walk from Ueno-Okachimachi Station. It features counter seats, tables, private rooms, and sunken kotatsu seating, accommodating solo diners to large parties.
The menu centers on robatayaki, with seasonal seafood grilled over charcoal. Signature dishes include jumbo shrimp, kinmedai (splendid alfonsino), scallops, and salmon, along with sashimi and seasonal side dishes. Rice cooked in a clay pot absorbs the flavor of seafood and dashi, and the restaurant offers over 30 types of sake, available in 90ml or 120ml tasting portions. Open from daytime to night, it is perfect for daytime drinks or group parties.
Review The jumbo shrimp is plump and sweet, with the crispy skin from charcoal grilling enhancing the flavor. Kinmedai is crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, pairing wonderfully with sake. The clay-pot rice is infused with dashi, giving each grain a fragrant, plump texture. Sashimi is fresh, with salmon and sea bream standing out for their natural sweetness and texture. The calm, modern Japanese-style interior allows you to leisurely enjoy food and sake tasting.
Robatayaki Fukuwarai (Ueno-Okachimachi)
“Robatayaki Fukuwarai” is a robatayaki-style izakaya located 2 minutes from Ueno-Okachimachi Station. It has counter seating, tables, semi-private rooms, and sunken kotatsu seating, accommodating solo diners and groups.
The menu highlights robatayaki dishes, with fresh seafood delivered directly from Toyosu Market. Their specialty, “Genshi-yaki,” is grilled over high heat for a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior. The restaurant also offers flavorful Ago-dashi oden, including daikon radish, kelp, fish balls, and beef tendon. With a wide selection of sake from across Japan, it operates from early afternoon to night. All-you-can-drink party courses are also available.
Review Genshi-yaki is crispy on the outside, juicy inside. Fatty mackerel and horse mackerel are perfectly balanced with crispy skin and tender meat. Sashimi is thickly sliced and fresh, releasing sweetness with each bite. Ago-dashi oden is rich in dashi flavor, pairing excellently with sake. Beef tendon is tender and flavorful, harmonizing with the broth. In this calm modern Japanese-style interior, diners can enjoy watching the chefs at work while savoring their meal.
Uokusa (Ameyoko) – Standing Bar Edition
Special standing-bar edition in Ameyoko “Uokusa” is a standing-style seafood izakaya located under the elevated tracks in Ameyoko Plaza, Ueno. Fresh seafood, sourced directly from Sanriku and other regions, is offered as sashimi, raw oysters, and delicacies at standing-bar prices. There are approximately 10 standing seats, and waiting in line is often required during peak hours. Orders are cash-on-delivery, and English menus are posted inside for international visitors. This spot is perfect for quick bites of fresh seafood while exploring Ameyoko Market.
Location & Access Address: 6-10-7 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Ameyoko Plaza Access: ~3 min walk from Keisei Ueno Station Hours: 12:00–19:30 (subject to change) URL: https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13164551/
Review The sashimi platter includes a balanced variety of fresh fish, with each bite showcasing excellent freshness and flavor. Tuna, white fish, and bluefish have ideal fat content and texture, pairing perfectly with sake or beer. Raw oysters are large, creamy, and bursting with ocean flavor. Standing seating accommodates small groups, and while waiting is often necessary during peak hours, the freshness and selection make it worthwhile. English menus on the wall help visitors enjoy fresh seafood casually.
Summary
Ueno offers a wide variety of izakaya that can be enjoyed from daytime to late night. “Nonchan” provides casual yakitori and fried dishes, “Goenmon” offers charcoal-grilled seafood and sake tasting, “Fukuwarai” specializes in robatayaki and dashi-infused oden, and “Uokusa” serves fresh seafood at a standing bar. All locations are easily accessible, making them perfect stops while sightseeing or shopping in Ueno.
