📍 What is Yakitori?

 

Yakitori literally means “grilled chicken,” and it’s one of Japan’s favorite street foods and izakaya dishes. Small pieces of chicken are skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over smoky charcoal, usually seasoned with either salt (shio) or a sweet-savory soy glaze (tare).

 

Yakitori can be found everywhere—from bustling food alleys and festival stalls to cozy izakaya pubs. In Tokyo, entire streets like Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku or Yurakucho’s yakitori alleys are famous for their smoky, lively atmosphere.

 

 

🍴 Types of Yakitori

 

Yakitori is not just “chicken on a stick”—different cuts are used, each offering unique flavors and textures:

 

• Momo (Thigh) – Juicy, tender, and the most popular cut.

• Negima – Chicken and scallions alternating on the skewer, a classic favorite.

• Tebasaki (Wing) – Crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside.

• Tsukune – Chicken meatballs, often glazed with tare sauce.

• Reba (Liver) – Rich and bold in flavor, loved by locals.

• Kawa (Skin) – Crispy, smoky, and indulgent.

 

Many shops also serve vegetables, mushrooms, or even quail eggs grilled yakitori-style.

 

 

🌟 Did You Know?

 

• Traditional yakitori is grilled over binchōtan charcoal, which burns cleanly and gives the meat a distinctive aroma.

• Yakitori became popular after World War II, when chicken was a cheap protein source, and it has remained a staple ever since.

• The dish is often enjoyed with beer, sake, or shochu in lively, casual settings.

 

 

🍺 More Than Just Food

 

Yakitori is more than a meal—it’s a social experience. Friends and colleagues gather at smoky counters after work, chatting over skewers and drinks. The atmosphere is just as much a part of the charm as the food itself.

 

 

🚶 Discover Yakitori with Us

 

Yakitori alleys can be overwhelming for newcomers: menus are often only in Japanese, and many of the best spots are tiny places you’d walk past without noticing. It’s easy to end up in a touristy shop and miss the authentic experience.

 

On our Tokyo food tours, we’ll guide you into the real yakitori world—where locals eat, where the charcoal smoke fills the air, and where every skewer tells a story.

 

👉 Join us to taste yakitori like a local and discover why these humble skewers are one of Tokyo’s greatest pleasures.