To To Seven Kyoto Station

Restaurant Details

“Aged fish meets entertainment” is not a term often (if ever) heard from an eatery.

But that’s exactly the premise of To To Seven, a contemporary izakaya recently opened near Kyoto Station. What was once a nondescript space has been transformed into a laid-back bar, where blonde wood tones and industrial bulbs create an ambiance more reminiscent of a cafe than a tucked-away watering hole.

Helmed by a cheerful store manager, To To Seven’s menu blends classic dishes with boundary-pushing fusions, encouraging both fun and discovery.

Among these unexpected riffs, the true draw (and the reason it continues to capture media attention) is its sashimi selection. The kitchen team secures its seasonal fish directly from Hasegawa Fisheries in Miyazaki Prefecture, which are then processed using the Tsumoto-style method. This technique, typically reserved for high-end omakase chefs, methodically injects water into the fish’s blood vessels to remove most of the blood, which results in a cleaner taste.

Adding to the excitement, the izakaya hosts unique events like the Totoseven Lottery, where guests can try their luck scoring the preserved seafood. In another corner of the menu, epicureans can dig into Western-inspired dishes like roast beef and daily pasta rotation. A bottomless selection of fruit-forward drinks rounds out the feast.

Even the store’s name, a tribute to the Seven Lucky Gods, promises a trio of exceptional food, good fortune, and great times. With plenty of seating arrangements like sofa seating and counter, a window overlooking Kyoto Tower and warm service, To To Seven has quickly become one of Kyoto’s most exciting late-night gathering spots.