Hello to everyone planning a trip to Japan!
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to five incredible yakitori spots in the Harajuku area, a meeting place of the latest trends and time-honored traditions.
Yakitori, or grilled chicken skewers, is one of the most beloved dishes in Japan’s culinary culture, celebrated for its simplicity and exquisite flavors.
This article will highlight the best places to enjoy yakitori as a foreign visitor to Tokyo.
Are you ready to explore Japanese food culture through the delicious world of yakitori?
The Charm of Yakitori and Harajuku
When people think of Harajuku, they often imagine a trendsetting fashion and youth culture.
However, Harajuku is also home to many prime dining spots.
Yakitori, in particular, is a traditional dish adored by both locals and visitors alike.
The simple preparation of skewering pieces of chicken and grilling them over charcoal brings out the natural flavors of the meat, with freshness and cooking technique being essential to quality.
Additionally, one of the best aspects of yakitori is how well it pairs with alcoholic beverages.
Whether it’s a cold beer or a cup of sake, savoring freshly grilled skewers while sipping your drink can be a moment of bliss even in the hustle and bustle of modern Japan.
Let’s now dive into some great places around Harajuku where you can fully enjoy this delightful culinary experience.
1. Omotenashi Toriyoshi Aoyama
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“Omotenashi Toriyoshi Aoyama” is just a one-minute walk from Omotesando Station.
Since its founding in 1984, this restaurant has been offering high-quality chicken dishes, including its signature “tebasaki karaage” (fried chicken wings) and whole chicken hot pot, all prepared with a secret sauce.
The charm of this restaurant lies in its relaxed, traditional Japanese ambiance, making it ideal for business meetings, dates, or larger gatherings.
Their banquet courses start at 3,800 yen, and you can also add a drink-all-you-want option.
The pairing of their famous whole chicken hot pot with sake or shochu is outstanding.
With spacious private rooms that can accommodate large groups, it’s a perfect spot for special occasions.
This restaurant is an excellent place to experience the spirit of Japanese hospitality through expertly crafted dishes.
2. Yakitori Taira
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Hidden away on Omotesando’s Kotto Dori, “Yakitori Taira” is a yakitori specialty restaurant with an intimate, hidden-gem feel.
Here, the chicken is carefully selected, and skilled chefs grill it to perfection over charcoal.
The head chef, who trained at a high-end kaiseki (traditional Japanese) restaurant in Ginza, brings his expertise to each dish from yakitori to wagyu beef and an exceptional “mizutaki” hot pot.
One of the standout features of this restaurant is the use of smokeless grills at the counter, allowing you to enjoy your meal without worrying about smoke or smells.
There are also private rooms and it’s the perfect place for an intimate dinner or date.
The carefully curated wine selection, which pairs beautifully with the yakitori, offers a fresh take on this traditional dining experience.
3. Torikizoku Harajuku Meiji-dori
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If you’re looking for great value, “Torikizoku Harajuku Meiji-dori” is the place for you.
Every item on the menu is a wallet-friendly 370 yen (tax included), and their yakitori, made from fresh, domestic chicken, is grilled to perfection with a special sauce.
The “Kizoku-yaki”, a generously-sized skewer weighing in at 90 grams, is their signature dish and will leave you more than satisfied.
The wooden interior creates a cozy atmosphere, and they offer seating for both small and large groups.
One popular option is the “Toriki Banquet”, a special two-hour all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink plan for just 3,700 yen that’s perfect for families or groups of friends.
It’s an ideal spot to enjoy delicious yakitori without breaking the bank.
4. Higonoya Omotesando
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“Higonoya Omotesando” is known for its fresh, high-quality chicken sourced directly from Iwate Prefecture.
Grilled slowly over high-grade binchotan charcoal, the yakitori here is full of flavor and incredibly juicy.
The casual, relaxed interior can accommodate small groups to large parties of up to 60 people, making it a versatile option for different occasions.
On Tuesdays, they offer a 60-minute all-you-can-drink plan for just 998 yen, which has become a huge hit among customers.
One of their signature dishes, “Bou Bou Yaki”, is a live cooking experience that adds an element of excitement to your meal.
With such a range of fun and affordable options, “Higonoya Omotesando” promises a memorable dining experience every time.
5. Toriyaki Aoyama
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Lastly, we introduce “Toriyaki Aoyama”, which has been featured in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years.
Their specialty is grilled yakitori made from Akita’s renowned Hinai chicken, known for its crispy outside and juicy, tender inside.
The fragrant aroma of binchotan charcoal fills the air as your yakitori is grilled right in front of you.
At the counter, you can watch the chefs grill your skewers to perfection, while their private rooms are perfect for special occasions such as business meetings or anniversaries.
All dishes are served as part of a course and include rare chicken cuts you can’t often find elsewhere.
And, with carefully selected wine and sake pairings, “Toriyaki Aoyama” takes your dining experience to the next level.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to enjoy yakitori in the Harajuku area, each of these restaurants offers something unique.
From upscale dinners to budget-friendly banquet plans, you’re sure to find a place that suits your occasion.
Indulge in the flavors of traditional Japan while chalking up an unforgettable memory.
Why not make yakitori a highlight of your trip to Japan?
You’ll discover a new appreciation for this simple yet deeply satisfying dish.