Iseya Sohonten
A legendary 1928 izakaya in Kichijoji serving affordable, charcoal-grilled yakitori and offering an authentic, smoky dining experience.
Highlights
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Iseya Sohonten
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary 1928 izakaya in Kichijoji serving affordable, charcoal-grilled yakitori and offering an authentic, smoky dining experience.
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid long queues by visiting during less busy times.
Embrace the smoke
Be prepared to smell like charcoal; it's part of the authentic experience!
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Izakaya, Yakitori
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+81 422-47-1008
Address
1 Chome-2-1 Gotenyama, Musashino, Tokyo 180-0005, Japan
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Izakaya Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in a traditional Japanese izakaya with a smoky ambiance and a lively, no-frills setting.
Affordable Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori
Enjoy a wide variety of delicious, affordable yakitori skewers cooked over fragrant charcoal.
Unique Viscera Skewers
For the adventurous, try unique meat options like tripe, liver, and heart, all grilled to perfection.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid long queues by visiting during less busy times.
Embrace the smoke
Be prepared to smell like charcoal; it's part of the authentic experience!
Try adventurous cuts
Be bold and sample unique skewers like liver, heart, or tripe.
Convenient take-away
Enjoy their well-packaged food at home; it reheats perfectly in the microwave.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
Avoid long queues by visiting during less busy times.
Embrace the smoke
Be prepared to smell like charcoal; it's part of the authentic experience!
Try adventurous cuts
Be bold and sample unique skewers like liver, heart, or tripe.
Convenient take-away
Enjoy their well-packaged food at home; it reheats perfectly in the microwave.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Iseya Sohonten is celebrated for its authentic, no-frills izakaya atmosphere and incredibly affordable, charcoal-grilled yakitori. Diners love the vibrant, smoky ambiance and the wide variety of skewers, including adventurous options. However, some patrons note that the intense smoke can be overwhelming, and service can be brash, characteristic of a traditional craftsman's establishment.
"I love going to Iseya. The staff are friendly, fun, the food is delicious and they take pride in cooking there! I love the tsukune and corn. Extremely affordable as well, cash only.
If you are more adventurous then you can have kidneys, heart, liver and chicken bum! But I stick to mince meat balls. There are two sauces, one is their secret sauce and one is white salt: タレ /塩
You find a lot of retired friendly men here who often make nice chit chat, and they start to drink from 12noon when it opens, it's like a local favorite you go to eat and drink any day of the week and you can start from noon!
If you stand outside, you do end up smelling like charcoal which is part of the fun!"
DancewithDiana
"This place is all about the vibes. They've been around for almost 100 years, and now have three locations around Kichijoji. If you eat here, you will smell like smoke 🤣 The environment here is boisterous and fun, it's a place locals love. There are seats upstairs as well, but make sure you make reservations in advance. I've come here many times, usually you can wait a little bit and be seated downstairs."
Paul You
""🍻 Absolutely loving the vibe at this cozy pub! The smoky aroma from the yakitori grill sets the perfect mood. Delicious food at great prices—everything from stewed motsu to homemade shumai, and of course, the yakitori (liver, shiro, young chicken, tsukune, you name it). Paired it all with a cold draft beer and a refreshing lemon sour. Can’t think of a better way to spend an evening! 😋 #PubVibes #YakitoriHeaven #GoodEats #FoodieFinds""
KIICHIRO KOBORI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Iseya Sohonten is famous for its authentic Japanese izakaya atmosphere, affordable charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers, and unique, adventurous meat options.
It's best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long queues, as the restaurant is a popular local favorite.
While primarily a yakitori restaurant, they do offer some vegetarian options like corn on the cob. A reviewer mentioned vegetarian dishes were available for their friend.
Expect a lively, no-frills izakaya atmosphere with a strong smoky aroma from the charcoal grills. This is part of the authentic experience.
Reservations can be made for groups of 8 or more, often requiring a pre-ordered course meal.
Yes, Iseya Sohonten offers convenient take-away packaging that is designed to maintain the food's flavor and freshness, even after reheating.
While it's a local favorite, the intense smoke and lively atmosphere might be better suited for adults or families with older children who can tolerate the smoke.
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20 of the Best food in Kichijoji | Japan Travel by NAVITIME
The original Iseya opened in Kichijoji way back in 1928 and they quickly became a local favorite for drinks and skewers. Now with three locations that are all within walking distance in Kichijoji, you can choose the atmosphere you want, with time to switch scenery if you feel like it. The main branch offers a more traditional vibe, as it’s based at the original location, while the Koenten or “garden location” is a little more low-key.
A Gourmet Guide to Musashino, West Tokyo
Like a beneficent grandparent, stalwart institution Iseya has fed generations of Japanese cheap beef and chicken skewers since 1928. Even today, they’re just ￥90 per stick but taste better than what a lot of other newer yakitori shops offer. There are two main branches; one on the corner of Kichijoji-dori and the other just before the entrance to Inokashira Park.
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