Discover Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore: Authentic Japanese Dining with Kyoto's Timeless Charm in the Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is a bustling hub where major department stores, commercial facilities, and specialty shops converge, bringing together domestic and international specialties. From world-famous luxury brands to everyday items, Shinjuku stands as one of Japan's premier shopping destinations.
Known as Tokyo's largest entertainment district, Shinjuku hosts not only nationwide chain stores but also hidden gems known to discerning locals. The dining scene features various establishments, from traditional Japanese izakayas to high-end sushi restaurants and casual eateries, making the process of choosing a restaurant an adventure in itself. Today, we'll introduce "Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore" , an izakaya that's particularly popular among international tourists for its authentic Japanese atmosphere.
Experience Authentic Japanese Atmosphere at an Izakaya in Shinjuku
Shinjuku offers numerous izakayas with compelling concepts, allowing visitors to choose based on their mood and purpose. Some venues offer spectacular night views, while others specialize in fresh seafood. Among these, international tourists particularly favor establishments that provide an authentic Japanese experience.
These venues feature zashiki ( traditional tatami-floored rooms) for seating, staff dressed in kimono ( traditional Japanese clothing historically worn by women), and dishes served on traditional Japanese tableware, creating an atmosphere that guests find wonderfully immersive.
What is a Kyoto-style Izakaya?
Among Japanese-style izakayas, Kyoto-style establishments like Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore are particularly well-regarded. These establishments are characterized by their traditional seating arrangements, including zashiki and chabudai (low tables where guests sit directly on the floor), dishes prepared with Kyoto vegetables, home-style Kyoto obanzai (traditional Kyoto home cooking), and local sake from Kyoto.
The interior design reflects Kyoto's refined elegance, creating a serene atmosphere that appeals to guests of all ages. Without traveling to Kyoto itself, visitors can experience the essence of Kyoto's dining culture!
Why is Kyoto-style Izakaya Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore Popular Among Foreign Visitors?
Let's explore why Kyoto-style Izakaya Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore is popular among foreign visitors.
Enjoy an Authentic Japanese Atmosphere Like Kyoto While in Tokyo
Source: Google Maps
At the Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore, you can immerse yourself in a Japanese atmosphere reminiscent of Kyoto while in Tokyo. The interior features Kyoto-style decorations and furnishings, with colorful traditional wagasa (umbrellas made from bamboo, wood, and Japanese paper) adorning the ceiling, creating a space filled with Kyoto's distinctive charm.
Stepping inside transports you to an elegant Kyoto-like atmosphere, offering an escape from Shinjuku's bustle. The tatami seating areas where guests remove their shoes provide a relaxing environment, perfect for foreign tourists to rest from their travels.
Savor Seasonal Specials and Traditional Kyoto Cuisine
Source: Tabelog
The menu features seasonal specialties and traditional Kyoto dishes. They source ingredients from famous Kyoto specialists, including tofu from Kamo Tofu Kinki in Kiyamachi, nama-fu (wheat gluten mixed with rice flour and boiled or steamed) from Hanbee-fu, and tea from Kane-shichi Hatakeyama Tea. Their seasonal dishes and Kyoto obanzai using carefully selected ingredients are exquisite!
Kyoto obanzai dishes often incorporate healthy ingredients like nama-fu, Kyoto vegetables, and yuba (soy milk skin), making them a guilt-free option. Why not enjoy these delicious dishes with some sake to your heart's content?
English-friendly Environment for Comfortable Dining
The Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore offers an English-friendly environment where guests can dine without worry. Despite being located in Kabukicho, one of Tokyo's top entertainment districts, it attracts many foreign visitors with its accessible Japanese atmosphere.
The staff is friendly and ready to assist with any concerns, creating a casual atmosphere that makes the restaurant approachable. During my recent visit, I was surprised to see many foreign tourists dining there! Every group was smoothly ordering food and drinks, enjoying their meals. Don't worry about not speaking Japanese – feel free to visit!
Recommended Menu Items by an Izakaya Expert
Here are the recommended menu items at Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore, as explained by an izakaya expert.
Signature Ponto-yaki (Special Okonomiyaki-style Takoyaki) with Kujo Green Onions
Source: Tabelog
The must-try menu item is their signature Ponto-yaki with Kujo green onions. This dish is a mix between okonomiyaki and takoyaki, filled with octopus, konnyaku (food made from konjac plant), beni-shoga (pickled ginger), dried shrimp, tempura crumbs, and egg. The variety of flavors and textures creates an exciting dining experience.
The sauce is Kyoto's famous Tsubame Sauce brand with mayonnaise, topped with plenty of Kujo negi (a famous brand of green onions). The rich flavoring pairs perfectly with alcohol – I personally recommend combining it with a refreshing beer.
Kyoto-style Fluffy Egg Sandwich
Source: Tabelog
For bread lovers, how about trying our Kyoto-style fluffy egg sandwich?
This popular sandwich features a Japanese rolled omelet made with "Chanotsuki" eggs from the Kyoto Poultry Production Association, generously sandwiched between bread slices. It contains a secret ingredient of mustard mayonnaise, which adds an exciting accent to the fluffy texture of the eggs and the gentle dashi flavor.
Though simple in preparation, it's absolutely delicious as you can directly taste the quality of the ingredients! While it's a sandwich, the dashi flavor pairs excellently with sake, and I personally enjoy eating it with Japanese sake.
Crispy Fried Mountain Yam
Source: Tabelog
Perfect as a sake appetizer, the crispy fried mountain yam is deep-fried in generous oil and seasoned with salt, pepper, and butter, topped with chopped perilla leaves and nori seaweed.
The fried mountain yam becomes addictive with its contrasting textures - crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside! The refreshing perilla leaves and the umami of nori spread throughout your mouth, creating an irresistible flavor.
I too found myself saying "one more!" and before I knew it, I had finished the entire plate.
Four Varieties of Grilled Kyoto Fresh Wheat Gluten with Miso
Source: Tabelog
If you want to try traditional Japanese ingredients, we recommend the four varieties of dengaku (ingredients grilled with miso) made with Kyoto fresh wheat gluten. They're particular about sourcing their wheat gluten products from Kyoto's Hanbei-fu.
The fresh wheat gluten is grilled until slightly charred and coated with dengaku miso and yuzu miso, offering four different flavors to enjoy. Fresh wheat gluten has a mochi-like elasticity and subtle sweetness, making it particularly popular among women. I too became addicted to the unique texture that can only be experienced with fresh wheat gluten and ended up ordering more.
The wheat gluten comes on skewers, making it convenient to eat with one hand. The rich miso flavor makes you crave sake, making additional drink orders inevitable!
Seared Marinated Mackerel
Source: Tabelog
If you're feeling adventurous, try ordering the seared marinated mackerel (aburi shimesaba). This dish is prepared by searing shimesaba with a torch.
Shimesaba is mackerel that's first salt-cured (shiozuke: preserving in salt) and then vinegar-cured (sujime: firming up salt-cured fish in vinegar). When seared, the umami becomes concentrated, making even a single slice satisfying, which is why I often order it.
The fatty mackerel combines with the saltiness from curing and the refreshing acidity from vinegar, making it rich but easy to eat. Since it's seared, it's also approachable for those who are hesitant about raw fish.
Access to Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore (Kyoto-style Izakaya)
Address: 2-9-18 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Access: 3-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station
Business Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 18:00-3:00, Sunday 18:00-0:00
Closed: Monday
Phone: 03-3208-7271
Website: https://pontochou.owst.jp/
3 Recommended Spots to Enjoy Traditional Japanese Izakaya in Shinjuku
Here are 3 recommended spots where you can experience authentic Japanese izakaya (traditional Japanese pub) culture in Shinjuku.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Shinjuku Golden Gai (新宿ゴールデン街) is a drinking district featuring nearly 200 small bars with a retro atmosphere. Similar to the historic Pontocho Shinjuku Mainstore area, it has been frequented by famous cultural figures and artists, giving it a rich historical ambiance.
The maze-like arrangement of characterful establishments and the distinctive scenery of neon lights illuminating the night streets are famous for being photogenic. Beyond its unique atmosphere, the area has become increasingly popular among foreign tourists for its delicious and reasonably priced food.
Note that pricing systems vary by establishment. It's recommended to check the signboards before entering.
Address: 1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
Business Hours: Varies by establishment
Closed Days: Varies by establishment
Phone Number: Varies by establishment
Website: http://goldengai.jp/
Omoide Yokocho
Source: Tabelog
Omoide Yokocho (おもいで横丁) is a retro-style drinking district located under the railway tracks at Shinjuku Station's West Exit. The narrow alleyways are lined with about 60 small izakayas and yakitori shops (serving grilled chicken skewers). The area features many distinctive long-established famous restaurants, making it difficult to choose where to dine.
Popular among both locals and foreign tourists, the area offers a chance to enjoy food and drink hopping at reasonable prices while experiencing the traditional Tokyo atmosphere.
Address: 1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
Business Hours: Varies by establishment
Closed Days: Varies by establishment
Phone Number: Varies by establishment
Website: https://shinjuku-omoide.com/
Kabukicho Red Noren Street
Source: Official website
Kabukicho Red Noren Street (歌舞伎町レッドのれん街) is a renovated facility of pre-war nagaya (traditional Japanese tenement houses) located behind the Shinjuku Ward Office. With a total area of approximately 220 square meters, it houses 5 establishments on the first floor and 2 on the second floor. The first floor features casual drinking establishments, while the second floor hosts bars and mix show bars, offering different atmospheres on each level.
The key point is its modern space where you can enjoy drinking safely while preserving the traditional nagaya characteristics and nostalgic atmosphere.
Address: 1-3-7 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Access: 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station
Business Hours: Varies by establishment
Closed Days: Varies by establishment
Phone Number: Varies by establishment
Website: https://www.kabukicho-red-norengai.com/
Want to Fully Experience Shinjuku's Deep Night Scene? A Local-Guided Tour is Recommended!
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
If you want to fully experience Shinjuku's deep night scene, a tour with locals is highly recommended.
The Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku, reminiscent of the atmosphere found in Pontocho, allows you to explore hidden bars in Shinjuku that tourists rarely discover, accompanied by a local guide.
After meeting at the Uniqlo Shinjuku West Exit Store, you'll first head to Omoide Yokocho. While exploring the lively food stall street, you'll taste yakitori, fried tofu, gyoza, local beer, and sake at a historic small izakaya.
Next, you'll move to the Kabukicho and Shinjuku San-chome area to enjoy two bars. These establishments, including the Shinjuku Mainstore locations, are popular spots always crowded with locals. If you're unsure about menu selections, don't hesitate to consult with your friendly guide! They'll recommend items perfectly suited to your taste. Vegetarians and those with allergies can participate with peace of mind, as the guide will accommodate their needs.
Why not experience Tokyo's nightlife with a guide who knows Shinjuku inside and out?
Click here for more details: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
〈Meeting point〉
・Tour area: Shinjuku
・Start time: Tours run every 30 minutes from 17:00-19:00
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
At the Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku, you can enjoy "must-eat Tokyo delicacies" - sushi and wagyu (specially selected Japanese beef) yakiniku in Shinjuku.
After meeting at the Uniqlo Shinjuku West Exit Store, you'll first head to a sushi restaurant. Here, you can enjoy the chef's omakase course. The array of creative dishes using seasonal ingredients, centered around freshly-made sushi, is exquisite and will surely bring a smile to your face. You can watch the sushi chef prepare sushi right before your eyes, adding to the live experience.
Next, you'll move to a wagyu yakiniku restaurant. You can enjoy a casual BBQ style experience by grilling thinly sliced raw meat to your preferred level of doneness on the grill installed at your table. The freshly grilled meat with sauce is exceptional!
Finally, you'll head to an establishment where you can enjoy sweets and drinks. The uniquely Japanese sweets offer a new sensation and are worth trying even if you're full.
With visits to three distinctly different establishments, you'll spend an enriching three and a half hours!
Click here for more details: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
〈Meeting point〉
・Tour area: Shinjuku
・Start time: 17:00, 18:00, 19:00
