The Ultimate Guide to Shinjuku Yakitori: Top Spots, Local Tips, and Must-Try Skewers
Shinjuku, known as Tokyo's gateway, has gained worldwide attention as one of Japan's largest entertainment districts. It's a vibrant area where office buildings, commercial facilities, and entertainment venues converge, bustling with both foreign tourists and locals alike.
One of Shinjuku's most notable nighttime attractions is its extensive dining district. Hundreds of izakayas (Japanese pubs) line the streets around the station's East and West exits and Kabukicho area, drawing crowds from office workers to tourists.
Among Shinjuku's izakayas, yakitori is particularly popular with foreign tourists. These chicken skewers, carefully grilled over charcoal, represent a traditional Japanese izakaya menu item.
In this guide, we'll introduce you to establishments where you can enjoy authentic Shinjuku yakitori. We invite you to experience this traditional Japanese culinary culture in the heart of Shinjuku.
Why Yakitori is a Must-Try Japanese Traditional Dish in Shinjuku
Yakitori stands out as one of the essential dishes to try at Shinjuku's izakayas. The meat's umami, brought out through the skilled grilling over high-quality binchotan charcoal by experienced chefs, is absolutely exquisite.
These skewered chicken pieces are carefully grilled over charcoal and seasoned with either tare (sauce) or salt, making them perfect companions for alcoholic beverages.
Shinjuku's yakitori scene features various establishments, from traditional shops with over 50 years of history to modern newcomers. It's an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture while enjoying delicious yakitori among Shinjuku's residents.
What is Yakitori?
Yakitori is a traditional skewered dish that epitomizes Japanese izakaya culture. It utilizes various chicken parts, from common cuts like thigh and breast meat to unique portions such as liver, skin, and even cartilage, embodying the Japanese philosophy of minimal waste.
The seasonings primarily come in two varieties: tare (a sweet and savory soy sauce-based glaze) and salt. The tare offers a sweet and savory flavor, while the salt option highlights the natural taste of the ingredients.
Each skewer is carefully prepared by hand and grilled over binchotan charcoal, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
Author with extensive knowledge of Shinjuku introduces 7 recommended yakitori restaurants in Shinjuku.
I have selected yakitori restaurants in Shinjuku, ranging from the best to the obscure, that I can confidently recommend based on my own experience of eating my way around the city.
Kuriya
Source: Tabelog
Located in the bustling Kabukicho district, "Kuriya" is an izakaya that charms visitors with its serene atmosphere. In this Shinjuku yakitori establishment, each skewer is masterfully grilled to perfection by skilled artisans, achieving a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
My recommendation here is the "tsukune" (chicken meatballs). This traditional Japanese chicken dish consists of minced chicken mixed with egg and seasonings, shaped around skewers, and grilled. One bite of this tender and juicy delicacy will amaze you. It pairs excellently with Nihonshu (Japanese sake).
Beyond yakitori, they offer an extensive menu of dishes perfect for accompanying drinks, including sashimi (sliced raw fish) and stewed beef tongue. Each dish is both delicious and substantial, sure to enhance your drinking experience. Spend an enjoyable evening savoring excellent food and drinks. Your time at Kuriya is bound to become a special memory.
Address: Maruo Building B1F, 1-15-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: 17:00-0:00
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 03-6302-1567
Official Website: https://akr7032297486.owst.jp/
Shinjuku Imaiya Honten
Source: Tabelog
"Shinjuku Imaiya Honten" specializes in premium Hinai Jidori chicken from Akita Prefecture. Their skilled chefs carefully monitor the grilling process to serve each skewer at its peak of flavor.
The must-try item here is the "white liver skewer." Thanks to the chef's expert selection and precise grilling, it offers a foie gras-like smooth texture and rich umami flavor.
Being a rare delicacy from Hinai chicken, the white liver skewer is limited to one per customer and often sells out. Many visitors come specifically for this item, so arriving right when they open is recommended if you want to try it.
Their impressive sake collection features about 50 varieties from across Japan. Different yakitori pairs well with different sake, so don't hesitate to ask staff for pairing recommendations.
Address: Shinjuku Moliere Building B1F, 3-33-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: Lunch (Sat/Sun/Holidays) 11:30-14:30
Dinner 17:00-23:00
Closed: None
Phone: 03-5363-1155
Official Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/imaiyahonten/shinjyuku
Torikizoku
Source: Official website
"Torikizoku" is a popular chain known for authentic Shinjuku yakitori at casual prices and late-night hours. Despite their uniform price of ¥370 (tax included) for all menu items, they maintain high quality using domestic ingredients.
When visiting Torikizoku, I always order their signature "Momo Kizokuyaki" (Noble Thigh Yakitori). This large skewer alternates domestic chicken thigh meat with green onions, offering a juicy texture and rich meat flavor. You can choose from three seasonings: traditional "Tare" sauce, light "salt," or "spice." I recommend the Tare for an authentic yakitori experience.
Come enjoy casual Japanese yakitori here!
Torikizoku Shinjuku South Exit Branch
Address: 9F, 4-1-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon-Fri 16:00-4:00
Sat-Sun 15:00-4:00
Closed: None
Phone: 050-3647-3549
Official Website: https://map.torikizoku.co.jp/detail/288/
Torikizoku Shinjuku Kabukicho
Address: 6F, 1-17-12 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: Monday-Friday 16:00-4:00
Saturday and Sunday 15:00 - 4:00
Closed: No holidays
Phone number: 050-3647-3726
Official website: https://map.torikizoku.co.jp/detail/299/
Yakitori Mikado
Source: Tabelog
"Yakitori Mikado" is a new-style Shinjuku yakitori establishment where you can enjoy the marriage of sommelier-selected wines with expertly grilled yakitori. The wine selection ranges from reasonably priced options to premium varieties, allowing you to choose according to your occasion.
The yakitori is meticulously grilled one skewer at a time by skilled craftsmen to maximize the meat's umami. Even chicken liver skewers, known to be challenging to prepare, are cooked to perfection – crispy and aromatic on the outside while maintaining a moist texture inside.
At Yakitori Mikado, we recommend sitting at the counter. Watching the owner's careful work and engaging in conversation with them will deepen your understanding of Japanese food culture.
The pairing of premium yakitori and wine in this comfortable space will surely become a special memory.
Address: 9F Daishin No.2 Building, 3-31-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Lunch 12:00-15:00
Dinner 17:00-23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5315-0947
Official Website: https://geuj110.gorp.jp/
Torishige
Source: Tabelog
While "yakitori" is generally known as grilled chicken skewers, it can sometimes refer to grilled beef, pork, or organ meats. "Torishige" is particularly famous for its pork skewers (yakiton).
Their signature menu features grilled pork organ meat skewers. These are prepared without any gamey taste, grilled to tenderness, and pair perfectly with their special sauce.
At first, I was hesitant about "pork organ meat," but my perspective completely changed after trying it. The unique rich flavor and texture amazed me, and now it's one of my favorites.
At Torishige, please try the yakiton and experience its incredible taste for yourself.
The restaurant is lively, with counter and table seats placed close together, naturally encouraging conversation with neighboring diners. You can fully enjoy Japanese izakaya culture here.
Address: 2-6-5 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 17:00-1:00 (next day)
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 050-5493-3137
Official Website: https://ge7j300.gorp.jp/
Motsu-yaki Ucchan
Source: Tabelog
Motsu-yaki Ucchan is a small grilled organ meat restaurant located in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho. Motsu-yaki is a popular Japanese dish of grilled chicken, pork, or beef organ meats on skewers.
My recommendation is their signature "Negi Liver" (Green Onion Liver). Fresh chicken liver is grilled to perfection and served with plenty of green onions and yuzu kosho, a uniquely Japanese spice. There's no organ meat smell, and the refreshing flavors of yuzu kosho and green onions create a perfect combination that pairs wonderfully with alcohol.
Their "Dango Tsukune" (meatball skewers) are simply seasoned with salt, highlighting the meat's natural umami.
The small shop has customers sitting shoulder to shoulder, naturally fostering conversations with neighbors. It's a perfect place to experience the atmosphere of a Japanese casual pub.
Enjoying delicious motsu-yaki while mingling with regular customers will surely become an unforgettable Japanese memory.
Address: Honami Building, 1-2-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 16:00-23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5909-5890
Official Website: https://kiwa-group.co.jp/uttyan_shinjuku/
Yakitori Shin
Source: Tabelog
Located in the bustling Shinjuku yakitori scene, "Yakitori Shin" is a premium yakitori restaurant that proudly serves the highest-grade "Kumanojidori" chicken, a prestigious brand from Mie Prefecture. Their signature "tsukune" (chicken meatball) is a luxurious dish served with fresh egg yolk, creating a perfect harmony between the rich meat flavor and the smooth, creamy egg.
The restaurant's finale dish, "tamago kake gohan" (raw egg on rice), is a highly anticipated delicacy among regular customers. While this dish is a common household staple in Japan, consisting of raw egg over steamed rice, the version served here is exceptional. The perfectly cooked fluffy rice combined with fresh, rich egg creates a simple yet profound taste experience.
Complete your yakitori dining experience with this special egg on rice dish, allowing the lingering flavors of the grilled chicken to harmonize with this final course.
Monday: 17:30-23:00
Tuesday-Friday: 11:30-14:00 / 17:30-23:00
Saturday & Holidays: 17:00-23:00
Closed: None
Phone: 050-5597-7823
Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/yakitorishin_shinjuku/
Three Outstanding Yakitori Restaurants in Tokyo
Here's a curated selection of Tokyo's finest yakitori establishments, from Michelin-starred venues to traditional restaurants that preserve the authentic yakitori culture.
Torishiki (Meguro)
Source: Tabelog
Located about 15 minutes by train from Shinjuku and 2 minutes walk from Meguro Station, "Torishiki" is a Michelin-starred yakitori restaurant. The chef's intense focus while grilling each skewer demonstrates true craftsmanship.
Their chicken neck skin is crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside. The liver offers an unexpectedly smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The heart (hatsu) is thick yet tender, achieving a perfect balance between the meat's umami and the charcoal-grilled aroma.
Don't miss the seasonal vegetable skewers served between meat courses. The vegetables are grilled with the same precision as the meat, bringing out their natural sweetness and providing a memorable experience with each bite.
Each skewer is carefully grilled with dedication, making them true culinary artworks. Visit Torishiki for an ultimate yakitori experience.
Address: 2-14-12 Kamiosaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 17:00-22:00
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Sunday
Phone: 03-3440-7656
Official Website: https://torishiki-ichimon.jp/
Ebisu Imaiya Honten (Ebisu)
Source: Official Website
"Ebisu Imaiya Honten" is a yakitori restaurant located just a 10-minute train ride from Shinjuku yakitori district and a 1-minute walk from Ebisu Station.
The restaurant is dedicated to using only female Hinai chicken, a premium brand chicken from Akita Prefecture, maximizing its rich umami flavors. Their signature yakitori is grilled to perfection – crispy and aromatic on the outside while remaining juicy inside. One bite releases an intense umami flavor that pairs excellently with drinks.
Another popular dish is the Mizutaki hot pot, which concentrates the Hinai chicken's flavors. This dish features a cloudy white soup made by slowly simmering chicken bones, served with vegetables and meat. The rich umami of the Hinai chicken infuses into the broth, creating a deeply satisfying taste.
The restaurant offers an extensive selection of sake from various regions across Japan. Enjoy authentic chicken dishes paired with carefully selected sake.
Address: 1-7-11 Ebisu-nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 17:00-23:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5456-0255
Official Website: https://www.dd-holdings.jp/shops/imaiyahonten/ebisu#/?utm_source=mybusiness&utm_medium=google
Torisho Ishii Hina (Minamiazabu)
Source: Tabelog
"Torisho Ishii Hina" is a high-end yakitori restaurant in the quiet residential area of Minamiazabu, serving as the Tokyo branch of the Michelin-starred "Torisho Ishii." The intimate space features just 12 counter seats, offering a luxurious dining experience.
The restaurant uses premium Kishu Binchotan charcoal and carefully selects three different types of free-range chicken for specific cuts. Combined with the master chef's exceptional skills, each skewer is grilled to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior, highlighting the natural umami of the chicken.
While many yakitori restaurants use spices or sweet sauces, this establishment pursues a refined yet profound taste, serving their yakitori with traditional Japanese condiments like sansho pepper and wild wasabi.
Experience this sophisticated take on yakitori that's worlds apart from casual izakaya fare.
Address: B1F, 1-27-7 Minamiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: From 17:15 / From 20:15
Closed: Sundays and Mondays
Phone: 03-6722-0034
Official Website: https://omakase.in/ja/r/fe370231
