Robata Jin (Beppu Seafood Robatayaki Izakaya)
Beppu's most popular izakaya, notoriously difficult to get reservations. Serves fresh seafood from Bungo Channel, Beppu Bay, and Seki, along with Oita mountain and sea delicacies. Seki-aji/saba sashimi, ryukyu, and charcoal-grilled dishes are popular. 50 types of shochu, 15 nihonshu, craft beer, Kyushu wine. Reservations essential - fills up even on weekdays. 6 min walk from Beppu Station.
Tabelog 3.49/444 reviews. Yahoo Maps 4.06. Reputation for being 'the only place to drink in Beppu' and 'impossible to get reservations.' Strong local businessperson and regular customer base, not just tourists. No PR deals. No sakura concerns.