Akagakiya (赤垣屋)

Akagakiya is one of Kyoto’s most storied izakaya, tracing its roots to 1934 and still drawing lines of regulars before opening. Set in a traditional wooden building near the Kamo River in Sakyo-ku, it’s best known for its simmering oden pot and slow-cooked dote-yaki, served alongside classic Japanese sake in a smoky, lived-in room of counter and tatami seating.

Its repeated Tabelog Hyakumeiten selections over multiple years reflect its enduring status as a benchmark old-school Kyoto sake bar, frequently cited in food media as among the city’s defining izakaya. Note: in addition to its regular Sunday closure, the restaurant is also closed on any Monday that falls on a national holiday.