The Go-To Spot for Drinks in Japan: Torikizoku

Spot the Bright Yellow Sign All Around Japan

If you’ve ever checked a “best food spots in Japan” list or searched for “Japan’s best deals” for dinner, you’ve probably seen the name Torikizoku (鳥貴族) by now! This national chain is known for their yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and you probably couldn’t find a Japanese local who doesn’t know the place. Torikizoku is a household name in Japan, and although it literally means “Chicken Nobility,” the restaurant is often affectionately referred to by the nickname “Toriki.” But why is Torikizoku so popular? The restaurant is serious about specializing in yakitori, and each skewer is made from fresh, domestically sourced chicken, grilled up and served at an unbeatable price. It’s just 390 yen per plate (two big, juicy skewers), making the chain a fan favorite for both its flavor and great value.

While the main focus is on their specialty grilled chicken skewers, the Torikizoku menu offers a selection of rice dishes, tempura, flavorful vegetable sides, and more. You’ll also find a wide range of drinks, including soft drinks, beer, and cocktails. If you can’t wait to experience Japanese izakaya culture during your trip to Japan, this versatile izakaya works great for drinks and dinner with friends as well as solo dining (super common in Japan)!

The Ideal Izakaya for Travelers

If you’re looking to enjoy a casual drink and some good eats during your trip to Japan, Torikizoku has made the experience easy for foreign travelers. First of all, everything on the menu is the same price: 390 yen! From yakitori skewers to rice bowls, drinks to desserts… you name it. Every single thing is just 390 yen (currently less than 3 USD). This makes it easy to sample a wide variety of Japanese dishes and drinks without worrying about the price – you already know that each item will only be 390 yen! Since you can check pictures and order in English using their multilingual tablet menu, you don’t need to worry about speaking any Japanese, either. Just tap, tap, tap whatever looks good, and wait for it to arrive at the table.

Another reason to relax and enjoy? Foreign travelers who visit Japan’s izakayas for the first time often find themselves frustrated by table charges and “otoshi,” which are appetizers that come whether you want them or not, and will definitely be added to your bill. Torikizoku does away with all that, so you can order whatever you want, with no unwanted extras or fees. Instead, they embrace a different Japanese cultural tradition that’s more fun than frustrating, adding new limited-time offerings to the menu every season. When you come back to Japan for your second or third trip (which you’ll probably start planning the moment you get home), you’ll find new seasonal specialties to enjoy at Torikizoku!

Despite low prices that compete with fast food, Torikizoku still prides itself on its Japanese-style hospitality, so you can expect thoughtfully prepared food, attentive service, and great deals. With branches in cities across Japan (including dozens in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto alone) it’s super convenient for travelers, wherever your trip may take you!

Top Menu Picks: Izakaya Favorites and Popular Torikizoku Orders

Wondering what to order when you finally get to Japan? We’ve asked the experts (all our Japanese friends) for local Torikizoku recommendations, and made a list of popular items that are as tasty as they are cheap!

Start With: Kyabetsu Mori (Cabbage)

Have you ever picked ” cabbage ” off a restaurant menu before? This deceptively simple salad should be your first order as soon as you sit down, as each bowl comes brimming with crisp raw cabbage dressed in Torikizoku’s special savory sauce. The soy-based dressing is packed with umami and a touch of refreshing acidity that will have you coming back for more, and once you add a dash of sesame oil to amp up the flavor, you’ve got a dish that’s addictively good. Plus, this cabbage salad comes with free refills! Order a bowl for the table to enjoy refreshing bites of the flavorful greens throughout your meal.

Torikizoku Must-Eats: Mune & Momo Kizokuyaki (Chicken Breast & Thigh Skewers)

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to order some of Torikizoku’s famous “Kizokuyaki” yakitori skewers. Choose between juicy, tender thigh meat or lean breast meat, then decide how you want each plate seasoned: with salt, their signature sauce, or an original spice blend! There are endless yakitori options, and it’s tempting to order them all.

A Tip From the Locals: Use the tablet on your table to order a set of “yakumi” spices! This (free) selection of extra condiments includes options like ichimi (chili powder) and sansho (Japanese pepper, similar to Sichuan peppercorn). Enjoy the fresh-grilled flavor of your yakitori first, then add a dash of heat to spice things up!

Savory & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Delicious: Funwari Yamaimo no Teppanyaki (Grilled Fluffy Grated Yam)

The unusual ingredients and unique texture make this dish rare outside of Japan, but the fluffy, sticky, mashed Japanese yam combines with Torikizoku’s original soy-based broth to create a truly underrated, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. The texture is soft and delicate, and when mixed with the raw egg yolk and seaweed toppings on the sizzling cast iron, it’s a warm and comforting flavor bomb.

A Tip From the Locals: Mix up the yam and the toppings as soon as the plate arrives on the table, and then let it sit for a few minutes, so they can all meld together in the residual heat. Scraping up all the deliciously crispy bits from the pan is part of the fun!

Despite the rich flavor and steaming heat, this dish feels light and surprisingly refreshing – perfect when you want something to go with the menu’s heavier options.

For Rice Lovers: Tori Kamameshi (Chicken Rice)

Starving after a busy day exploring Japan on foot? Need something hearty and filling to go with your drinks? Torikizoku’s Tori Kamameshi is a steamed chicken rice that’s cooked right in front of your eyes, with all the ingredients arriving fresh, ready to bubble away on the table. The result is a little pot of fluffy rice that stays piping hot to the very last bite, cooked in a rich chicken broth to infuse every grain with flavor. For an extra layer of complexity, you can finish the dish with a dash of sesame oil!

Since the cooking process only begins once the pot reaches your table, it takes about 30 minutes until the rice is ready, so you’ll want to order it as soon as possible. Tori Kamameshi is perfect if you want something satisfying to round out your meal (especially when enjoying the festive izakaya atmosphere with another round of drinks).

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Chocolate Parfait with Churros

This might be an izakaya, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t order dessert! Torkizoku’s Chocolate Parfait with Churros features crispy fried churro bites topped with creamy vanilla ice cream and a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce. When you’re craving something sweet, this will definitely hit the spot.

This little plate of churros makes a fun palate cleanser in between plates of savory yakitori, or the perfect sweet treat to wrap up your night!

Order Like a Local in Japan: Tips to Make Toriki Even Tastier

Rice Bowl Hacks: DIY Donburi

Leave it to Torikizoku’s loyal fanbase to come up with their own “secret menu”! If you want to go beyond the basics, Torikizoku lovers have dreamed up all kinds of combinations to make the most of the chain’s simple menu.

Rice bowls, in particular, are a staple of cheap and cheerful dining in Japan, so “donburi” are some of the most popular Torikizoku menu hacks. Use the Tori Kamameshi rice as a base, top it with your favorite chicken skewers, and toss a marinated egg or two on top for a mouth-watering creation! Since you can use whatever combination of ingredients you feel like ordering, you can really personalize your donburi to your liking.

The Hidden Gem of the Torikizoku Drink Menu

If you’ve been to Osaka, you may have tried the local specialty called “mixed juice” or “mix juice.” This creamy blend of fruit juices and milk is usually only found in Osaka, but if you want to enjoy the concoction elsewhere in Japan, just look for your nearest Torikizoku! The drink is offered at Torikizoku locations nationwide, and the fruity sweetness pairs wonderfully with all the savory snacks and skewers. Of course, like everything else on the menu, the Mixed Juice is just 390 yen, so it’s definitely worth adding it to your order.

Dine Solo, Go With Friends, or Bring the Whole Family!

One more reason Torikizoku is a Japanese favorite: it’s perfect whether you’re with company or on your own. Eating out alone is already much more common in Japan than it is in many other countries, and Torikizoku is very welcoming, so even solo travelers can enjoy Japanese izakaya culture without being nervous. Most Torikizoku locations have counters or small tables made for solo dining, and many locals come alone to enjoy the yakitori, so there’s no need to feel self-conscious.

Of course, it’s also great for groups, with plenty of spacious seating for big groups of friends, couples, and even families. Yes, that’s right, Torikizoku is totally family-friendly! It may be an izakaya, but plenty of families with kids come for dinner, and there’s even a special kids’ soft drink menu (young children get free refills). Everyone’s welcome at Torikizoku!

Enjoy the Authentic Izakaya Experience in Japan

In recent years, Torikizoku has expanded overseas to Korea, Taiwan, China, and even one location to the U.S., but nothing beats a visit in Japan for the full local experience. This may be a chain, but it’s the kind of chain that locals love, and just about every Japanese person has warm memories of visiting Torikizoku with friends or family for cheap, tasty, and reliable food and drinks. Try it for yourself to taste the freshness of locally sourced ingredients, enjoy the attentive service, and soak in the authentic atmosphere that makes Torikizoku such a beloved part of everyday life in Japan. (Not to mention the exclusive seasonal items on the menu in Japan!) Stop in for dinner and drinks during your trip, and you’ll understand why Torikizoku feels like “the izakaya of the people” in Japan.

Add Torikizoku to Your Japanese Travel Itinerary!

With delicious food, affordable prices, local charm, reliable service, and plenty of fun extras, Torikizoku really checks all the boxes. It’s no wonder this izakaya is jokingly referred to as “god-tier” in Japan, and in recent years, has been quietly sneaking onto the itineraries of many travelers visiting Japan. At the end of a long day of sightseeing in Japan, you don’t always need to tire yourself out worrying about where to eat – bring your day to a satisfying close with a trip to Torikizoku!

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