Aomori Prefecture offers an incredible izakaya culture that combines fresh seafood from three different seas, unique regional dishes, and the warm hospitality of northern Japan. This article introduces 15 recommended izakaya in the three major cities of Aomori City, Hirosaki City, and Hachinohe City. Please use this as a reference for your Aomori trip.
What Makes Aomori Izakaya Special
Aomori’s izakaya stand out for their exceptional seafood, sourced from the Tsugaru Strait, Pacific Ocean, and Sea of Japan. Local specialties like honmaguro (bluefin tuna), Mutsu Bay scallops, and unique preparations like “kaiyaki-miso” (scallops grilled in their shell with miso) define the regional cuisine. The prefecture’s sake culture is equally impressive, with over 24 local breweries producing acclaimed brands like Dassai, Mutsu Hassen, and Toyobai.
Aomori City
1. Nebuta-no-Kuni Taka-kyu (ねぶたの國 たか久)
This unique establishment combines dining with cultural entertainment, featuring nightly performances of Tsugaru shamisen and Nebuta festival music from 7 PM. The 150-seat venue is decorated with colorful Nebuta float paintings, creating a mini-festival atmosphere year-round. Reservations are required.
Address: 5-6-11 Honcho, Aomori City (5 minutes by taxi from JR Aomori Station)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Live performances around 7:00 PM daily), closed Sundays
Price Range: ¥4,000-5,000 per person
2. Shukō-shun Mitsuishi (酒肴旬 三ツ石)
Located near Utō Shrine close to the port, this refined izakaya showcases seafood from Aomori’s “three seas.” The establishment features sake from all 24 breweries in the prefecture and specializes in creative kaiseki-style preparations.
Address: 2-7-33 Yasukata, Aomori City
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Food L.O. 9:00 PM, Drink L.O. 9:30 PM), closed Sundays and 1st/3rd Mondays
Price Range: ¥4,000-5,000 per person
3. Idobata (井戸端)
A legendary establishment since 1964, this atmospheric tavern near JR Aomori Station serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike. Known for their signature motsu-nikomi (stewed offal) in red miso and affordable yakitori.
Address: 1-3-24 Yasukata, Aomori City (2-minute walk from JR Aomori Station)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM), closed Sundays and holidays
Price Range: ¥2,000-3,000 per person
4. Icchoku (一直)
This specialized motsu (offal) restaurant near Aomori Bay Bridge is famous for their overnight-aged black miso motsu stew. The lively counter seating offers entertainment watching the master work the grill.
Address: 2-3-17 Yasukata, Aomori City
Hours: 5:00 PM - midnight, closed Sundays and holidays
Price Range: ¥3,500-4,000 per person
5. Ninosuke (魚・肉・地酒 弐乃助)
A restaurant specializing in local cuisine that showcases the mountain and sea bounty of the region. Features English menus for international guests and an extensive selection of Aomori local sake, including seasonal limited releases that can only be enjoyed at certain times of the year.
Address: 1-9-19 Shinmachi, Aomori City
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM - midnight (L.O. 11:30 PM), closed Sundays and 2 Mondays per month
Price Range: ¥3,000-4,000 per person
Hirosaki City
6. Domon (土紋)
This intimate establishment is Hirosaki’s premier Hohai sake specialist, carrying over 20 varieties of this local brand, including limited releases and fresh-pressed seasonal selections. The husband-and-wife team attracts loyal local regulars.
Address: 99 Daikan-cho, Hirosaki City
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:00 PM), closed Sundays and holidays
Price Range: ¥3,000-5,000 per person
7. Shikitei (四季亭)
This cozy establishment, centered around counter seating, offers Tsugaru-style creative cuisine using fresh seafood caught in the Sea of Japan. Be sure to try their specialty ikamenchi.
Address: 43 Oyakata-cho, Hirosaki City
Hours: 6:00 PM onwards (closing time varies), closed Sundays
Price Range: ¥3,000-4,000 per person
8. Tsugaru Shamisen Izakaya Aiya (津軽三味線居酒屋 あいや)
This lively “live music izakaya” features professional Tsugaru shamisen performances nightly around 7 PM. The venue offers sake from all 18 Aomori breweries alongside regional set menus that showcase local specialties.
Address: 2-7-3 Tomita, Hirosaki City
Hours: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Food L.O. 10:00 PM, Drink L.O. 10:30 PM), irregular holidays
Price Range: ¥4,400-6,600 per person
9. Torikan (鳥かん)
A long-established yakitori restaurant in Kajimachi Yokocho. From classics like skin, tsukune, and kashira to spare ribs, you can enjoy authentic yakitori at reasonable prices.
Address: 44-1 Okeya-machi, Hirosaki City
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM, closed Sundays
Price Range: ¥3,000-4,000 per person
10. Sushi Sakaba Shimoyama (寿司酒場しもやま)
This innovative “sushi izakaya” serves nigiri until midnight - rare for a sushi establishment. The daily sashimi platters and whole conger eel nigiri are exceptional values.
Address: 65 Shin-Kajimachi, 65 Building 1F, Hirosaki City
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 PM - midnight (L.O. 11:00 PM), closed Sundays
Price Range: ¥3,000-4,000 per person
Hachinohe City
11. Banya (ばんや)
A hidden gem selected for Tabelog’s ‘Izakaya Top 100 2024’. With only 20 seats, you can enjoy obanzai home cooking, fresh seafood, and rare Japanese sake. They don’t accept reservations, so you’ll need to wait in line.
Address: 4 Sakujitsu-cho, Hachinohe City (near Miroku Yokocho)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM, closed Sundays and holidays
Price Range: ¥4,000-5,000 per person
12. Yamaki (山き)
This long-established izakaya located in Nagayoko-machi Rensa-gai is proud of its obanzai (home-style dishes) lined up on the counter and abundant selection of Japanese sake. You can also enjoy conversations with the friendly proprietress and regular customers.
Address: 18 Nagayoko-machi, Hachinohe City (Nagayoko-machi Rensa-gai alley)
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM, closed Sundays, Mondays, and holidays
Price Range: ¥2,000-3,000 per person
13. Natsukashiya (懐かし屋) (Miroku Yokocho)
A Showa retro-style stall in Hachinohe’s famous yokocho. While focused on fresh local seafood, their hormone-yaki (grilled offal) is particularly popular. With limited seating, it offers a casual atmosphere perfect for solo diners and serves as an ideal starting point for yokocho hopping.
Address: Miroku Yokocho, Mikka-machi, Hachinohe City
Hours: Monday-Saturday 4:45 PM - 3:00 AM, closed Sundays
Price Range: ¥3,000-4,000 per person
14. Umi-no-Sachi Umai (海の幸 美味) (Miroku Yokocho)
Run by a former fisherman, this 8-seat counter establishment specializes in local rare fish. You can enjoy seasonal seafood and local sake, and hot pot dishes are also available in winter.
Address: Stall 1-8, Miroku Yokocho, Hachinohe City
Hours: 5:30 PM - 2:00 AM daily, closed 2 Sundays per month
Price Range: ¥2,500-3,500 per person
15. Okagesan (おかげさん)
A homey izakaya where you can enjoy everything from beloved traditional flavors to arranged dishes. You can taste the local people’s beloved home-style dish “senbeijiru” (rice cracker soup) and fresh Aomori seafood. Friendly conversations with the staff are also one of the restaurant’s highlights.
Address: 1 Takasho-koji, Hachinohe City
Hours: 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (L.O. 10:30 PM), closed Sundays and holiday Mondays
Price Range: ¥3,000-4,000 per person
Planning Your Izakaya Experience
Best Times to Visit
- Weekdays: Less crowded, better chance for counter seats and conversation with staff
- Festival Seasons: Nebuta (August in Aomori), Neputa (August in Hirosaki), and Enburi (February in Hachinohe) bring special atmosphere but require reservations
- Winter: Best for hot pot dishes and seasonal seafood like monkfish and cod
Etiquette Tips
- Otoshi: Most izakaya serve a small appetizer (¥300-500) automatically with your first drink
- Ordering: Start with drinks and 2-3 dishes, then order more as you go
- Payment: Cash only at most traditional establishments; cards accepted at newer venues
- Language: English menus are rare; pointing at other diners’ dishes or using translation apps helps
Transportation
- Aomori City: Most izakaya cluster around JR Aomori Station and the port area
- Hirosaki: Concentrated in the station area and historic castle town
- Hachinohe: Miroku Yokocho and Harmonika Yokocho are must-visit bar alleys near Hon-Hachinohe Station
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May): Fresh sakura shrimp, mountain vegetables, hanami (cherry blossom viewing) atmosphere
Summer (June-August): Live scallops, uni (sea urchin), festival excitement
Autumn (September-November): Returning salmon, mushrooms, new sake releases
Winter (December-February): Cod, monkfish, warming hot pot dishes
Whether you’re seeking refined kaiseki-influenced cuisine, boisterous yokocho atmosphere, or home-style regional cooking, Aomori’s izakaya scene offers authentic experiences that go far beyond ordinary dining. These 15 establishments represent the best of northern Japanese hospitality, where fresh ingredients, local pride, and warm welcomes create unforgettable evenings.
