Izakaya Tanuki Takasaki is an evening dining establishment in the Tenjincho district of Takasaki, Gunma, operating in the classic Japanese izakaya format: a convivial drinking-and-small-plates venue designed for groups to order multiple dishes over an extended period, accompanied by beer, sake, shochu, or highball. The Tanuki kitchen focuses on locally sourced small plates built around Gunma's agricultural output — yakitori skewers using locally raised Gunma chicken (jidori), karaage fried chicken seasoned with soy and ginger, edamame and pickled local vegetables as opening plates, and a selection of Gunma prefecture sake. The sake flight — a curated set of three Gunma nihonshu presented in small cups with tasting notes — is one of the venue's distinguishing features in a city where generic national brands dominate izakaya sake lists. Gunma's sake-brewing tradition produces a range of styles from the light, dry sake of the Agatsuma breweries to the fuller, slightly sweet sake of the Tone valley. The Tanuki interior is warm and visibly aged: wooden beams, paper lanterns, and a low-lit counter alongside booth seating for groups. The noise level rises progressively through the evening as tables fill; peak hours from 7:00 to 9:00 PM are the loudest and most energetic. The venue is closed Sunday, making it a Monday-through-Saturday destination; last orders are typically 11:00 PM. Reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Signature dishes
- Edamame and pickled vegetables
- Yakitori skewers
- Karaage fried chicken
- Gunma sake flight
Good to know
- Known for
- Traditional izakaya with Gunma sake selection and local-sourced small plates
- Hours
- 5:00PM–11:30PM; closed Sunday
- Reservations
- Recommended on weekends
Location
1-8-5 Tenjincho, Takasaki, Gunma 370-0044
36.3263, 139.0114 View on map
Highlights
- Gunma sake flight — a curated local nihonshu selection rarely found on standard izakaya menus
- Yakitori skewers from locally raised Gunma jidori chicken
- Karaage fried chicken with soy-ginger seasoning — a reliable crowd-pleaser
- Warm, aged interior: paper lanterns, wooden beams, convivial atmosphere
- Evening-only (5:00 PM onwards) — purely a dinner and drinking destination
Tips for visiting
- Reserve on Friday or Saturday evenings (+81 27-326-0044); weeknights are generally walk-in friendly
- Order the sake flight early in the evening to appreciate the subtleties before palate fatigue sets in
- The edamame and pickled vegetables arrive quickly and are designed as order-while-you-settle starters
- Peak noise is between 7:00–9:00 PM; arrive at 5:30 PM for a quieter, more conversational table
- Closed Sundays — make alternative plans for weekend-Sunday evenings in Takasaki
When to visit
Weekday evenings (Tuesday through Thursday) for a more relaxed atmosphere; Friday and Saturday for the full energy of a busy Takasaki izakaya.
Accessibility
The entrance involves a slight step up from street level. Interior seating is at table and booth height — standard Japanese izakaya layout. The environment becomes crowded at peak hours; wheelchair access may be limited in the booth areas.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is an izakaya?
An izakaya is a Japanese pub-restaurant where food and drinks are ordered simultaneously throughout the evening in a relaxed, social atmosphere. It is closer in format to a Spanish tapas bar or a British gastropub than a formal restaurant.
Is the sake flight included in a cover charge?
The sake flight is a separate ordered item (typically ¥800–1,200). An otoshi (small automatic starter snack) of approximately ¥300–500 per person is standard at most izakaya, including Tanuki.
Are there non-alcoholic options for non-drinkers?
Most izakaya stock oolong tea, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beer. Tanuki's focus is on drinking culture but the food menu stands entirely on its own merits.
What is the best size group for Izakaya Tanuki?
Groups of two to six work best. The booth seating comfortably accommodates four to six; larger groups should reserve ahead and request the correct table configuration.