Ueno Santyoku Bar Street Guide 2024: Complex of 4 Izakaya in Ueno
Ueno is a vibrant district featuring numerous attractions including a zoo, art museums, and lush parks. Under its elevated railway tracks, you'll find rows of izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) where you can enjoy drinks and food. With its excellent accessibility from central Tokyo, many tourists visit Ueno along with the nearby famous tourist area of Asakusa.
Ueno is known for its "shitamachi" (downtown) retro atmosphere in Tokyo and is particularly famous for coming alive at night. The Ameyoko shopping street and the areas around Ueno Station are lined with numerous izakaya that are bustling with activity every day. These establishments include not only independent restaurants but also chain stores and venues serving regional Japanese cuisine.
Today, we'll introduce you to the Ueno Santyoku Bar Street, a concentrated area of izakaya serving local specialties from across Japan using fresh ingredients.
Ueno Santyoku Bar Street: A Dining Complex Offering Regional Cuisine and Drinks
Ueno Santyoku Bar Street is a dining complex featuring four izakaya, each specializing in fish, beef, pork, and shellfish. Located just a one-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, it offers exceptional accessibility. Each establishment provides fresh ingredients directly sourced from producers nationwide, along with various types of alcoholic beverages.
The four establishments in Ueno Santyoku Bar Street have no walls separating them, giving it a food court-like atmosphere. One of its attractive points is the lively and welcoming atmosphere that exemplifies Japanese izakaya culture.
Four Culinary Specialists Forming a 188-Seat Izakaya Complex
Source: Tabelog
Ueno Santyoku Bar Street consists of four establishments specializing in fish, beef, pork, and shellfish dishes, creating a combined izakaya space with 188 seats. Each establishment prides itself on using fresh ingredients delivered directly from fishing ports and farms across Japan.
One of the highlights of Ueno Santyoku Bar Street is the ability to enjoy dishes from multiple establishments simultaneously. For example, when visiting with two or more people, one person can order meat dishes while another orders shellfish dishes to share.
Furthermore, being open 24 hours adds to its appeal, allowing guests to enjoy food and drinks without worrying about closing times.
Introduction to 4 Restaurants in Ueno Sanshoku Bar Street and Their Unique Appeal
Gyumaru Honten (Beef Restaurant)
Source: Tabelog
Gyumaru Honten is an izakaya (Japanese pub) specializing in Hokkaido regional cuisine, primarily featuring beef directly sourced from farms in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost region. They serve Onuma beef, a premium brand known for its rich marbling. The restaurant offers Japanese-style Western dishes such as hamburger steaks and menchi-katsu (deep-fried ground meat cutlets).
My recommendation from their menu is the "Seared Onuma Beef Carpaccio." It has a melt-in-your-mouth texture that allows you to fully appreciate the natural umami of the beef.
The restaurant has a lively atmosphere, perfect for those who want to enjoy food and drinks while having fun conversations.
Address: Fandes Ueno 1F, 7-2 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5828-7067
Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/gyumaru/
Uomaru Honten (Seafood Restaurant)
Source: Tabelog
Located in the heart of the Ueno Sanshoku Bar Street, Uomaru Honten is an izakaya serving fresh seafood directly delivered from fishing ports nationwide. They specialize in seasonal fish recommended by local fishermen, including Hokkaido crab and Hiroshima oysters. Sometimes, you can even try rare fish species or unique cuts. One visit to Uomaru Honten feels like taking a culinary tour of Japan. Their sashimi (sliced raw fish) is particularly exceptional.
The restaurant is popular for its reasonable prices on seafood and drinks. With about 50 varieties of beverages including beer, wine, and sours, you're sure to find something you like. This place is perfect for those who want to try various seafood dishes in small portions.
Address: Fandes Ueno 1F, 7-2 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5828-7066
Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/uomaru_honten/
Tohoku Mutsumi (Pork Restaurant)
Source: Tabelog
Tohoku Mutsumi is an izakaya specializing in pork dishes and drinks. They serve "Sasuke" brand pork, directly sourced from farms in Iwate Prefecture. This premium pork is known for its lack of gamey smell and outstanding fat flavor, resulting in juicy dishes.
The menu features a wide variety of pork dishes, including tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) and yakiton (grilled pork skewers).
The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of sake and shochu (distilled spirits made from various ingredients like rice or barley) that pairs perfectly with their pork dishes. This is the perfect spot for those wanting to experience premium pork dishes.
Address: Fandes Ueno 1F, 7-2 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5828-7068
Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/touhokumutsumi/
Robata Kai-maru
Source: Tabelog
Robata Kai-maru is an izakaya where you can enjoy seafood dishes featuring shellfish directly sourced from fishing regions, paired with various alcoholic beverages. Located in the vibrant Ueno Santyoku Bar Street area, the restaurant offers a wide variety of shellfish, from Japanese classics like turban shells, scallops, and oysters to unique options such as whelks and geoduck clams. With reasonable prices, it's a great opportunity to try and compare different types of shellfish.
My recommended dish is the "Oyster's Kankanyaki," where oysters are steamed in a can over direct heat. This exquisite dish allows you to fully appreciate the natural umami of the oysters.
Robata Kai-maru also offers an extensive drink menu including sake and wine. Try to find your perfect pairing with the shellfish dishes. As there aren't many izakayas focusing exclusively on shellfish, Robata Kai-maru is highly recommended for shellfish enthusiasts or those wanting to try unique varieties.
Address: 1F Fandes Ueno, 7-2 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5828-7069
Official Website: https://www.hamakura-style.com/works/kaimaru/
Access to Ueno Santyoku Bar Street
2-minute walk from Exit 9 of Ueno Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
3-minute walk from the Asakusa Exit of JR Ueno Station
After enjoying Ueno Santyoku Bar Street, We recommend bar hopping at Ameyoko, Ueno's symbolic shopping street!
Daitoryo
Source: Tabelog
Daitoryo is a historic izakaya that has been serving the same authentic flavors for over 70 years since its establishment in 1950. Located near the Ueno Santyoku Bar Street, it's open from 10 AM to 11:30 PM, consistently bustling with locals and tourists alike.
The recommended dishes at Daitoryo are "motsu-yaki" (grilled offal) and "motsu-nikomi" (stewed offal), featuring beef, pork, and horse organ meats. In Japan, it's popular to enjoy motsu with alcohol. The grilled offal releases more umami with each bite, while the horse offal stew has a light, clean taste that keeps you coming back for more.
They also offer a wide selection of Japanese alcohol, including sake and shochu. For those seeking an authentic Japanese izakaya experience, Daitoryo is highly recommended.
Address: 6-10-14 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-00:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3832-5622
Tachinomi Kadokura
Source: Official website
"Tachinomi Kadokura" is a standing-style izakaya located in the vibrant Ueno Santyoku Bar Street area. Like the previously mentioned Daitoryou, Kadokura is open from lunchtime. While it's primarily a standing bar, there are table seats at the back where you can relax and take your time.
Kadokura is known for its reasonable prices for both drinks and food. My recommendation is the Millefeuille Ham Cutlet, which consists of thinly layered ham coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. The crispy texture and rich flavoring pair perfectly with alcoholic beverages.
Kadokura is ideal for tourists who want to enjoy quick drinks and meals between sightseeing activities.
Address: Forum Aji Building 1F, 6-13-1 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: [Weekdays] 11:00-22:00 (Last order 21:30) [Fri, Sat & Days before holidays] 11:00-23:00 (Last order 22:30)
Closed: [Mon-Thu, Sun & Holidays] 11:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:30) [Fri, Sat & Days before holidays] 11:00 - 23:00 (L.O. 22:30)
Phone: 03-3832-5335
Official Website: https://taishoen.co.jp/kadokura/
Jizakanayatai Hama-chan Ueno Branch
Source: Tabelog
Jizakanayatai Hama-chan Ueno Branch, situated near the bustling Ueno Santyoku Bar Street and Ameyoko Shopping Street, is an izakaya famous for its fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant maintains a lively atmosphere due to its prime location.
Their specialty is tempura, a representative Japanese dish of battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables. Hama-chan offers tempura made with various types of fresh seafood. The generous serving of grated daikon radish served alongside perfectly complements the taste and texture of the tempura. They also serve sushi and seafood bowls featuring raw fish on rice.
Hama-chan is perfect for those who want to enjoy seafood dishes and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Address: FIT'S Building 1F, 6-9-13 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30 - 23:00 (Last order 22:00)
Closed: Open daily
Phone: 03-5807-8413
Official Website: http://www.window-co.jp/shop/hamachan-ueno/
Bar Hopping Tours with Locals Let You Discover Hidden Izakayas
As Ueno is one of Tokyo's areas with numerous izakayas, you might find it challenging to choose where to go. Bar hopping tours with locals who know Ueno, its cuisine, and drinking culture inside out allow you to experience local-favorite izakayas that aren't found in guidebooks. Here, we'll introduce two recommended bar hopping tours.
Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour
Source: Viator
Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour is an exclusive guided experience through Ueno's hidden gems, including local izakayas and ramen shops that only residents know about.
The tour begins in the vibrant Ueno Santyoku Bar Street area, where you'll visit popular standing bars to savor authentic Japanese cuisine, local favorites, and sake while engaging with friendly locals.
After visiting two or three izakayas, the tour continues to a ramen shop. In Japan, there's a cultural practice called "shime" (finishing meal) where people enjoy a final meal after drinking. Ramen is the quintessential shime dish. Experience this unique cultural tradition alongside locals.
This tour is perfect for those interested in exploring standing bars and enjoying a late-night ramen as your shime.
Meeting point: Starbucks Coffee - atré Ueno
Address: Japan, 〒110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 7-chōme−1−1 atré Ueno 1F
Tour area: Ueno
Start time: 15:00 or 19:00
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno is a curated bar-hopping experience featuring carefully selected izakayas where you can enjoy unlimited drinks and food.
The tour's highlight is visiting establishments offering "nomihoudai" (all-you-can-drink) systems within a set time frame. Since drinks are included in the tour price, you can either focus on your favorite beverage or sample various types. The knowledgeable guides, well-versed in food and drinks, will recommend the best menu items.
Beyond drinks, the tour offers a remarkable culinary journey. As you explore Tokyo's backstreets, including the famous Ueno Santyoku Bar Street, you'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Japanese street food.
The tour concludes at either a standing bar or a ramen shop. Whether you choose one or both, you'll be guided to the perfect spot to end your Ueno gourmet experience.
This tour is ideal for those who want to fully indulge in both drinks and local cuisine to their heart's content.
Meeting point: In front of Ueno Object, Hirokoji Exit, Ueno Station
Tour area: Ueno
Start time: 17:00 or 18:00
