Gentaro Shoten

Tucked into an alleyway just off the west exit of Hankyu Katsura Station, Gentaro Shoten is an izakaya that caters to hearty drinkers with dependable fresh seafood and fragrant grilled dishes. The seafood sashimi platter makes an ideal starting point, served in satisfying thick slices that showcase seasonal catches such as sea bream, tuna, and amberjack. Among the grilled items, the salt-grilled fatty mackerel has earned a loyal following, delivering crisp, aromatic skin wrapped around rich, juicy flesh that pairs effortlessly with a cold draft beer.

Tajima Chicken Tataki and Crispy Fried Specialties

Alongside the seafood, dishes highlighting Tajima branded chicken are a major draw. The three-cut tataki platter brings together thigh, breast, and tenderloin, offering a pleasing textural contrast between tender snap and succulence, backed by generous portions. The deep-fried selection is equally broad, ranging from chicken breast tempura and crisp karaage to a mixed kakiage fritter of shrimp and scallops, making it easy to graze through a succession of small plates.

Curated Regional Sake and Relaxed Counter Seating

The drinks list spans regional sake such as Kyoto's Sawaya Matsumoto, Toyama's Haneya, and the bone-dry Hakushika Cho-Karakuchi—well suited to serving warm—alongside wine and an assortment of highballs. Inside, guests can settle into sunken kotatsu-style counter seating or tables, with 2F seating also available for groups. Operating from 18:00 in the evening until 24:00 late at night every day except Wednesday, the izakaya suits everything from a casual drink after work to a lingering evening banquet.