Kushiwakamaru

Tucked away in the vibrant Nakameguro neighborhood, Kushiwakamaru is the kind of izakaya that captures the essence of Tokyo’s late-night dining scene. Walk through the door and you’ll find yourself in a bustling space where the boundaries between strangers blur over shared plates and flowing drinks. The air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of chicken sizzling over charcoal, drawing in hungry passersby like a beacon.

The yakitori here hits all the right notes, from classic preparations to more inventive creations. Don’t miss the cheese-stuffed green peppers wrapped in bacon—a perfect marriage of smoky, salty, and gooey. The tsukune delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a neighborhood joint that takes its craft seriously. But the real sleeper hit is the whole Hokkaido potato, split open and crowned with an almost absurd amount of butter. It becomes the ultimate sidekick to your skewer feast, perfect for mopping up every last delicious bite.

This is the sort of place that thrives in the late hours, with a steady stream of regulars and curious visitors keeping the energy high well past midnight. Reservations are wise if you want to skip the queue, though waiting outside isn’t the worst fate—the smell of grilled chicken makes for excellent company. Kushiwakamaru is ideal for those nights when you want unpretentious food, cold drinks, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto something special.

For anyone exploring Tokyo’s yakitori scene, this Nakameguro gem deserves a spot on your list. It’s affordable, authentic, and delivers exactly the kind of casual, convivial dining experience that makes eating in Japan so memorable.