Izakayas are translated as sake bars but they're each unique in their own way because they're so much more about the atmosphere than just being a place to drink.
I found a great one in Kyoto named Yorumu just two blocks from the hotel I was staying at. As usual in Japan, locating a place from its address is difficult and walking around at night on one of the back streets of an old city like Kyoto even worse. During the day the place is a noodle shop but at night Yorum, the expat proprietor takes over.
Yorum has been in Japan for over 20 years and selects unique sakes from local breweries that never make it out of Japan. In addition he makes a great selection of vegetarian food which made it impossible for me to pass up his place. There are only about 6 or 7 seats in the establishment so go on a weeknight if you want to sit down.
Posts
