Bar-Hopping & Seafood in Akashi City

Situated along Japan’s famous ‘Golden Travel Route’ and adjacent to the Seto Inland Sea, the city of Akashi remains largely undiscovered by international tourists. It is, however, a popular destination among Japanese gastronomy enthusiasts due to its fresh, delicious, and affordable seafood.

THE SERI

The waters off of Akashi are renowned for their swift currents and nutrient-rich environment, producing seafood of exceptional quality. More than 100 varieties are up for auction at the Akashi fish market throughout the year. During this live auction, known as the Seri, the quality of the fish is improved by the technique of ikegoshi, where fishmongers bid on the catch and then let them sit in a tank overnight before shipping. This softens the flesh of the fish, which hardens slightly from the stress of being handled. Another traditional technique called Akashiura-jime is used to induce instant brain death, preserving flavor and freshness. The unique auction process and live-kill method are unique to Akashi, and its seafood is highly prized. Note: Permission is required to tour the facility (currently only in Japanese). https://expo2025-hyogo-fieldpavilion.jp/program/175

UONOTANA SHOTENGAI

Visitors can enjoy the market’s bounty within Uonotana Shotengai, a historic covered arcade teeming with eateries and shops selling local specialties located just minutes on foot from Akashi Station.

AKASHIYAKI

Akashi’s most iconic dish is Akashiyaki, which dates back over 140 years. Considered the predecessor of the more widely known Takoyaki, Akashiyaki is made from a mixture of flour, top quality eggs, and dashi broth. Bite-sized pieces of delicious locally caught octopus are added to the batter and it is cooked on a copper pan into round ‘balls’. Unlike Takoyaki, Akashiyaki is dipped in a flavorful clear broth rather than being topped with sauce.

BAR-HOPPING EVENT

In an effort to showcase Akashi’s sophisticated culinary offerings and foster connections with locals, six independently owned establishments are participating in a special ‘Bar-Hopping’ promotion on November 16 and 17 and January 25 and 26, with more dates to be added in the future. Each venue has curated unique food and drink sets priced at 2,000 and 5,000 yen. Simply refer to the location map, visit the chosen venue, and request the ‘Bar-Hopping’ special set. The following photos primarily represent the 2,000 yen set. If you are looking for an even more memorable dining experience, be sure to try the 5,000 yen one!

AKASHI TAKO

If you arrive earlier in the day, consider starting your journey at Akashi Tako prominently located at a prime corner spot in the heart of the arcade. Open from 11am to 4pm on weekdays, and until 6pm on weekends, the shop is famous for its Akashiyaki. However, their Bar-Hopping Set includes a bottle of locally brewed Tako Beer paired with Tai-ochazuke, a flavorful dish made with fresh sea bream marinated overnight then served over rice, garnished with mitsuba, and accompanied by condiments like freshly ground sesame and wasabi. To enhance the dish, hot tea or Akashiyaki broth can be poured around the edges of the bowl, offering a unique taste experience. The shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating, all of which is non-smoking. For an additional 900 yen, sample their renowned Akashiyaki. Non-beer drinkers can opt for a soft drink and will receive a small souvenir to offset the price difference. Please note that credit cards are not accepted.

TANAKA-YA

Tanaka-ya has been in business within the arcade for nearly 100 years. The third generation owner and his wife share a passion for traveling across Japan and discovering local specialties. Their shop offers an exceptional selection of sake and organic culinary delights, which can also be sampled at a hidden standing bar tucked away down a narrow hallway next door. The warm and welcoming atmosphere at Tanaka-ya has attracted many of the staff, who originally came as customers to enjoy their delicious obanzai (homemade side dishes). The bar offers around 15 seasonal obanzai daily, and the Bar-Hopping Set includes your choice of two, paired with a glass of atsukan (warm sake). Ask the staff for a recommended pairing! Alternatively, you can enjoy a local draft beer or a soft drink made with homemade fruit liquor and soda. Tanaka-ya is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and hours vary, so please check their website for details. Some English is spoken, smoking is not permitted, and both cash and card payment are accepted.

JAKUCHU

Just outside the arcade is Jakuchu, a newly opened yakitori bar featuring a stylish interior and a youthful, energetic staff. Through a large glass window, watch as five delectable chicken skewers are grilled for your Bar-Hopping Set. The yakitori are served with a highball and a seasonal side dish, with the option to substitute other drinks. Reservations are recommended, but if the bar is filled with locals, there is often standing space available outside. Jakuchu is a popular spot for after-work gatherings, including those who work evening shifts, as it is open from 5pm to 3am most nights. The open, inviting atmosphere is particularly welcoming to female patrons. Jakuchu is closed on Wednesdays, smoking is allowed, and payment can be made by cash or card. Please note that there is no English menu, so using Google Translate may be helpful if you want to order more than the Bar-Hopping Set.

GOHAN

The owner-chef of Gohan, a Ko-Ryori (‘small dishes’) restaurant, visits the local fish market every morning to handpick the freshest seafood, which he then crafts into a delectable course menu. Nestled behind a large wooden storehouse door, Gohan offers an intimate and stylish setting with seating for just 15 guests. With a discreet Japanese exterior sign and no menu, this is a quintessential local dining experience. Arrive early as the chef tries to reserve a few seats for bar-hoppers eager to sample his finest sashimi, paired with a glass of local sake from one of the world’s first draft sake taps. Alternatively, you can opt for an Akashi beer or soft drink. Gohan is only open in the evenings and is closed on Sundays. Payment is accepted by cash or card, and smoking is only permitted outside.

EBISUI

Ebisui is a slightly larger local bar and restaurant that also specializes in fresh seafood, sourced daily by the owner who is committed to offering top-quality fish at reasonable prices. Bar-hoppers can choose a drink and enjoy one to two seasonal side dishes along with a main dish, like grilled fish or tempura, all chosen by the chef. The rustic interior features a long counter ideal for solo diners, as well as two side rooms with floor seating and footwells. Ebisui is open daily from 6pm to around 11:30pm, and smoking is permitted. In addition to seafood, the menu includes beef and various charcoal-grilled items. As the menu is handwritten in Japanese, inform the chef of your budget and let them select dishes for you. Payment is accepted by cash or card.

CANTINA

For something a little different, head to Cantina Enotria, located in a quieter section of the arcade. In Italian, a cantina typically refers to a wine cellar or producer, but the term has evolved to encompass places where people gather to enjoy wine with small dishes. Mauricio, a native of Naples, welcomes wine lovers with friendly conversation in Italian, Japanese or English. Bar-hoppers can choose between a glass of red or white wine, served with a small plate of handmade seasonal appetizers—sometimes featuring octopus, which is also a popular dish in Naples. The cozy space includes two tables and a long counter, all with bar stool seating. Cantina Enotria is open from 5:30pm to 10:00pm, is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and is non-smoking. Payment is by cash only.

ACCESS

Akashi is an easy day trip from most places in Kansai. It is only 12 minutes from Kobe, 40 minutes from Osaka, and 70 minutes from Kyoto. It can also be a stop along the Golden Route as it sits between the cities listed above and Hiroshima.

MAP

If you are interested in joining the bar-hopping event, please complete this Google Form. After doing so, you will receive a map of the establishments in advance so you can start planning your culinary adventure! The Google Form also gives organizers a rough estimate of how many people are interested in attending the event. Please note that the Google Form does not handle payments. Payments will be handled at the event itself. Once in Akashi, look for flags that designate participating locations.