Shibuya is one of Japan's most vibrant and bustling neighborhoods, known not only for its shopping and nightlife but also for its diverse culinary scene.
Among the many must-try dishes in Shibuya is yakitori, a quintessential part of Japan's izakaya culture.
Simple yet deeply flavorful, yakitori consists of fresh chicken skewered and grilled over charcoal that’s loved by both locals and tourists alike.
In this article, we’ll introduce five yakitori spots in Shibuya that are perfect for foreign travelers who love good food.
Each restaurant has its own unique charm, taking you on a delightful culinary journey through Japan’s yakitori culture.
The Appeal of Yakitori and the Shibuya Area
Shibuya is a meeting place of modern trends and traditional Japanese culture, and that’s reflected in its dining scene.
Yakitori, a simple dish of chicken skewered and grilled over charcoal, may seem straightforward, but each restaurant adds its own twist to the recipe, creating a rich variety of flavors.
At Shibuya’s yakitori spots, you’ll find everything from healthy vegetable skewers to creative and luxurious dishes featuring premium ingredients like local jidori (free-range chicken).
Now, let’s dive into five must-visit yakitori restaurants in Shibuya.
1. SAGOEMON Matsudai
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“SAGOEMON Matsudai” is a modern izakaya with a laid-back vibe where you can enjoy both classic yakitori and creative skewers.
Among their standout dishes are “Jumbo Negima” (chicken and leek skewer) and the unique “Mitarashi Dango Wrapped in Pork Belly”.
The healthy vegetable skewers are particularly popular with female diners.
The restaurant offers counter seating for solo diners or pairs on casual dates, as well as tables for larger groups.
Private rooms are also available, making it an ideal choice for more intimate dining experiences.
Their party courses include all-you-can-drink options, featuring a variety of yakitori, skewers, meat sushi, and yukhoe (Korean-style raw meat).
2. Honkaku Yakitori Shibuya Tamaya
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Located in Shibuya’s bustling Center-gai, “Honkaku Yakitori Shibuya Tamaya” is a yakitori specialist using premium “Beni Fuji” chicken.
Each skewer is slowly grilled using far-infrared heat, resulting in juicy and flavorful bites.
In addition to yakitori, the restaurant offers other popular dishes like motsu nabe (offal hot pot) and sashimi, with their low-temperature-cooked beef tongue yukhoe being a standout item.
With 75 seats, the restaurant’s spacious interior is perfect for large groups, while its traditional Japanese design creates a relaxed atmosphere.
They also offer single-item all-you-can-drink plans starting at 1,090 yen, making it great value for money whether you’re out with friends or on a casual date.
3. Kushiyaki Sagoemon Bekkan
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“Kushiyaki Sagoemon Bekkan” is a hidden gem for adults, offering top-notch skewers grilled by master chefs.
Using premium chicken, their skewers range from classics like “Jumbo Negima” to more inventive combinations like “Lettuce Wrapped Skewers”.
The menu also includes a variety of a la carte dishes such as meat sushi, ajillo, and yukhoe.
The modern, refined atmosphere makes it a great spot for special occasions, whether you’re seated at the counter watching the chefs in action or enjoying your meal at a cozy table.
Their banquet courses, which include appetizers, skewers, and hearty main dishes, are perfect for girls’ nights out, group get-togethers, or even casual business meetups.
4. Yakitori Tsukimi
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“Yakitori Tsukimi ” is a cozy izakaya famous for dishes featuring the rare “Yame Tansou Chicken”.
Whether served as sashimi or grilled over charcoal, the freshness of the chicken shines through in every bite.
Their soft tsukune (chicken meatballs) and Iberico pork carpaccio are also crowd favorites.
They offer an all-you-can-drink course at very reasonable prices, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious diners.
The casual yet sophisticated interior is perfect for date nights, women’s get-togethers, or casual drinks with friends.
The restaurant also accommodates small groups with table or counter seating, while larger parties can book space for private events or birthday celebrations.
5. Torigenji
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“Torigenji” is an upscale yakitori restaurant in Shibuya, specializing in charcoal-grilled skewers made with premium “Daisen Chicken” from Tottori Prefecture.
The sophisticated atmosphere is enhanced by the availability of semi-private booths and counter seating, ideal for intimate dinners, dates, or business meals.
The private dining spaces offer a secluded experience for those seeking a more personal setting.
Each skewer is expertly grilled to highlight the unique flavors of each chicken cut, including rare parts that are hard to find elsewhere.
The juicy Daisen chicken skewers and delicately cooked white liver sashimi are must-tries.
Their all-you-can-drink courses are also a hit, making Torigenji a popular choice for both formal dinners and casual gatherings.
Conclusion
Shibuya is home to a wide variety of yakitori restaurants, each offering something special for those who love grilled chicken.
Whether it’s the quality of the ingredients, the creativity of the dishes, or the atmosphere, each of the five restaurants we’ve highlighted offers a unique experience that showcases the depth of Japan’s yakitori culture.
Be sure to visit these spots during your time in Shibuya and enjoy the rich, flavorful world of yakitori.
It’s a dining experience that will add another layer of enjoyment to your trip to Japan!