01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Step along the passage of the Asakusa Underground Mall, steeped in Showa-era atmosphere, and the noren curtain of Torijin comes into view through fragrant wafts of grilling smoke. It is a dedicated yakitori spot that makes an easy, dependable stop whenever the mood strikes for grilled chicken and a drink.
The first items to sample are the fresh skewers. Made with livers from Iwate young chickens, the liver skewers are cut large, staying tender on the inside while grilled aromatic outside; a house sauce crafted with kombu kelp and donko shiitake mushrooms enriches the natural sweetness of the meat. The neck skewer offers springy chew and rich juices, seasoned with a blend of rock and sea salts from Miyako Island, the Seto Inland Sea, and the Andes. Other highlights include the plump, juicy flagship tsukune chicken meatball and refreshing wasabi-topped chicken tenderloin. An omakase set of 5 skewers offers a balanced introduction to the various cuts.
Alongside the skewers, dishes highlighting chicken freshness are equally central. The chicken sashimi platter brings together liver, heart, gizzard, and tenderloin sashimi on a single plate, while lightly seared chicken thigh offers another concentrated taste of the poultry. The supporting menu features thoughtful palate cleansers as well, such as potato salad made with house-smoked bacon and iburigakko smoked radishes, or cucumber served with seasoned chicken miso.
From Shinshu Regional Sake to Shochu and Wine
The drink selection is curated to complement the food. Regional sakes shipped directly from Shinshu, such as Shirakamanishiki Yukidoke Ginjo and Daisekkei Junmai Ginjo, lead a nationwide sake lineup available chilled or warmed. Guests can also choose from authentic Kyushu sweet potato shochu, Tsukushi barley shochu, Amami kokuto brown sugar shochu Ryugu, and bottled wines chosen to pair with chicken.
Seating includes both counter and table spaces, suiting solo diners unwinding with skewers after work as well as small groups sharing drinks. On weekends the doors open from 13:00, making it an appealing option for an unhurried daytime drink while exploring Asakusa.
