Muraya　（Japanese Izakaya pub）

If you want to try a local izakaya in Kyoto, I recommend Muraya.
Muraya is in Sakyo-ku of Kyoto city, near Kyoto university.

-Interior
Muraya is filled with mysterious junk.
There are colorful light bulbs, broken tires, old flyers, tattered toys, strange masks…
It is this collection that create the one-of-a-kind atmosphere of Muraya.

-Menu
In Muraya, you can try many kinds of food and drink.

–Alchohol
・Shochu
Muraya serves many kinds of Shochu.
In addition to Sweet potato Shochu, Barley Shochu, which are served at many other izakaya, Muraya serves some rare kinds of Shochu, such as Maron Shochu, Shiso Shochu, Awamori （Okinawa Shochu）, Baked Sweet potato Shochu.
I recommend “Mitora“. It is made in Kagoshima prefecture, using baked sweet potato. The Shochu has not only a sweet potato like flavor, but also a fragrant burnt aroma, so you find it interesting when drinking.
・Sake
Of course you can try Sake. You can choose from about 10~20 kinds of Sake.
Each kinds of Sake has its own distinct flavor: dry, sweet, and fruity.
You can ask the staff for recommendation.

–Food
・Marutai-Bo-Ramen
Marutai-Bo-Ramen is sold at supermarket, but it is especially delicious when eaten at Muraya at end of your dinner.
・Shuto-Cream cheese
Shuto is Japanese traditional snack. It is made from salted innards of tuna or bonito. Shuto and cream cheese go well together.

-Mood
Muraya is full of conversation everyday.
When I went to Muraya with my friend last month, a coupe of DJs talked to us. After we chatted over sake, we even exchanged our food each other. Like this, it is common for strangers to communicate with each other, and sometimes the staffs join in conversation with customers.
Of course, there are also some foreign visitors in Muraya. Regardless where they from, everyone enjoys chatting over drink and cigarettes.
So if you are looking to connecting with Japanese or foreign people at izakaya, I highly recommend this izakaya.

-Rest room
Muraya’s restroom is quite unusual.
It features a well-like water tap, a fortune-telling-paper, and a creepy doll staring at you. The room is lit strangely, with music playing that sounds like Buddhist chants.

-Google Map　（Muraya）
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vb5gTLxPQeae4fYy5