A near-century-old institution (founded 1928) at the entrance to Inokashira Park, where smoky charcoal skewers cost around 100 yen and the lantern-lit corner building is a Kichijoji landmark. It is a no-frills, often cash-only local favourite rather than a fine-dining venue.
An omakase course built around premium heritage chickens grilled over charcoal
A charcoal-yakitori specialist near Ueno-Hirokoji ranked on Tabelog's Top-100 yakitori list for several years (Yakitori East 2023-2025), serving an omakase course built around premium heritage chickens such as Kagoshima black Satsuma. Reservation-focused and at the higher price tier.
Vegan kara-age (plant-based 'fried chicken') and vegan gyoza
A fully plant-based izakaya in the basement of Shibuya PARCO serving vegan 'fried chicken', gyoza and lemon sours, with no meat, fish, eggs, dairy or honey, so the fish-dashi trap does not apply. It is not gluten-free, as the mock-meat batters and soy sauce contain wheat.
Carefully measured Akita sake (a single brand) paired with classic seasonal izakaya fare
A roughly century-old Yushima tavern (reopened as a bar in 1924) run by the same sake-merchant family for generations, pouring a single Akita sake brand; a selection on Tabelog's Izakaya East 100 and a study in classic izakaya manners.
An extensive course of rare chicken cuts grilled slowly over Kishu binchotan charcoal
A pioneering yakitori counter known for its broad lineup of rare chicken cuts grilled over Kishu binchotan charcoal, and a selection on Tabelog's Yakitori East 100. Best reserved ahead.
Aomori Shamorock chicken skewers over binchotan charcoal
A Nakano counter yakitori specialist grilling heritage Aomori Shamorock chicken over binchotan charcoal, skewer by skewer.
Charcoal skewers of prized Okukuji Shamo chicken; liver pâté
A former Michelin-starred yakitori counter beneath Ginza, grilling rare Okukuji Shamo chicken skewer by skewer.
Rice-flour bagels, baguettes and gluten-free, mostly-vegan baked goods
A dedicated gluten-free, rice-flour bakery and shop in Kichijoji (the name is literally 'genuine gluten free'), whose breads, bagels and cakes are largely vegan and additive-free. It focuses on baked goods and online orders with a physical store; if you need a sit-down meal or strict celiac handling, confirm directly before visiting.
Rasupuru-style omurice
A 1972-founded Kichijoji yoshoku institution tucked in a station-side basement, beloved for its tender house-style omurice.
