Kakashi Ya

Book Kakashi Ya if you want a late-night izakaya that can accommodate groups of five or more on Sunday evenings (otherwise it's closed), and if you're after a Tabelog 100–recognized seafood-focused tavern that charges JPY 6,000–JPY 7,999 per head, competitive for the category in Morioka. The 50-seat setup includes counter and tatami options, making it a solid choice for celebrations that need more space than the typical 15-seat counter bar. The selection earned a 2025 Tabelog 100 – Izakaya – EAST slot, which puts it among the top-scoring taverns in eastern Japan, the focus on fish and sake makes sense for Iwate's coastal supply lines.

Late-Night Service and Occasion Fit

Kakashi Ya opens at 5:30 PM and runs until 11 PM Monday through Saturday, making it one of the few places in central Morioka where you can book a full dinner after 9 PM without scrambling. Most izakaya in the neighborhood close by 10 PM or stop seating around 9 PM, so the later window matters if you're arriving on an evening Shinkansen or want a second stop after an early meal. The Sunday closure is firm unless you have a party of five or more, in which case reservations are possible, useful for family gatherings or business groups that need a private-ish setting. The tatami room seats larger parties more comfortably than counter-only spots, the 50-seat total means you're less likely to be turned away on a weeknight.

The fish sourcing anchors the menu, Iwate's position on the Pacific means access to Sanriku catches, mackerel, squid, seasonal shellfish, at a quality level that supports the Tabelog score (3.63 at time of listing). Sake selection is another pillar: the venue emphasizes nihonshu, the pairing options run deeper than what you'll find at a general-purpose tavern. For a special occasion dinner, the combination of later hours, group capacity, seafood focus makes this a better call than the smaller, more casual izakaya clustered around Morioka Station.

Price Positioning and Peer Context

At JPY 6,000–JPY 7,999 per person, Kakashi Ya sits in the mid-to-upper tier for Morioka izakaya. Aji no Mise Iwashi charges JPY 4,000–JPY 4,999 and offers a similar seafood slant but in a smaller, more casual room. Golot, another Tabelog 100 selection, runs JPY 6,000–JPY 7,999 at dinner (JPY 2,000–JPY 2,999 at lunch) and skews French-leaning with local ingredients, so the choice depends on whether you want a sake-focused tavern or a bistro format. The bar Sato is a cocktail bar at JPY 4,000–JPY 4,999, better for drinks than a full meal, closes earlier. If you're planning a group dinner after 9 PM, Kakashi Ya is the most practical option in the Tabelog 100 set, most of the other high-scoring spots in Morioka shut down by 10 PM or don't take parties larger than four.

The basement location in the Banbell Building keeps the space insulated from street noise, the counter seating works for solo diners or pairs who want to watch prep work. The tatami room is the move for four or more, easier to relax, the service pacing is better suited to a longer, sake-driven meal. Credit cards are accepted (JCB, AMEX), and QR code payments work, though electronic money (Suica, Pasmo) is not accepted. No private rooms, so if you need full separation for a business dinner, look elsewhere. Smoking is allowed, which is a deal-breaker for some and a plus for others; the ventilation in a basement setup can be variable, so factor that in if you're sensitive to smoke.

For a broader look at Morioka's dining options, see our full Morioka restaurants guide. If you're planning a full itinerary, check our full Morioka hotels guide, our full Morioka bars guide, our full Morioka experiences guide for context on the city's food and drink landscape.

Quick reference: Open 5:30–11 PM Mon–Sat (Sunday by group reservation only); 50 seats; counter and tatami; reservations available; JPY 6,000–JPY 7,999; smoking allowed; one-minute walk from Kawatoku, basement level of Banbell Building.