YONESUKE (米助)! Enjoy Japan’s Izakaya Culture at an Affordable Izakaya in Shibuya Tokyo
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CONTENTS
Izakayas in SHIBUYA
居酒屋 (Izakaya)
The Japanese izakaya (居酒屋), a place where you can enjoy a few drinks with delicious meals is a famous Japanese food culture experience that is a must if you come to Japan. JAPANKURU recently went to YONESUKE, a Japanese izakaya in Shibuya that has a nice and comfortable vibe. However, before we get into that, let's go over the Japanese izakaya culture and history a bit!
First things first, what exactly is an izakaya though??
Izakayas are Japanese restaurants and bars that are basically like a tavern or pub. The history of Japanese izakayas goes back to the Edo era (1603～1868). It's said that when people would go to sake stores and buy their liquor, they would stand and drink it right there rather than taking it somewhere. From there the sake stores started also selling snacks to go with the sake, gradually adding stools, eventually turning it into a Japanese pub!
◸Located in the heart of Shibuya, Center-gai (センター街)◹
Night of Shibuya
Yonesuke (米助) is located in the heart of Shibuya, Center-gai (センター街).
Shibuya, Center-gai
After crossing the famous main intersection of Shibuya,
just continue straight.
Yonesuke is right-hand side
You can't miss it because it really is just a few minutes after going through the "entrance" of center-gai.
Yonesuke is on your right-hand side (to the right of the Yahoo store).
◸Different Seating Areas◹
You will usually be given a place but you can choose if the restaurant is not too crowded.
・Private Areas for Groups
Need a larger space for your parties with friends? Here are the private spaces!
It's on the main floor but also in the basement.
◸Izakaya Drinking Culture◹
Japan loves rules, even when it comes to drinking. Here are some useful things to know when at izakayas:
· Store your shoes in lockers
· Limited to 2 hours per table
· All prices are exclusive of tax
· 5% additional taxes after 10pm (⇦most places won't tell you they charge but YONESUKE does!)
In true Japanese drinking custom, you can't even take a sip before everyone has their drink and you scream cheers while clanking glasses. Something fun to do is watch Japanese men take their first drink of beer. It's just like in Japanese movies or anime where they exhale so much it was as if they were drowning in the beer.
Otoshi (お通し), A Japanese Custom
Otoshi (お通し) is a dish brought out at the beginning of the meal,
think of it as a table charge.
It can be anywhere between 500 to 700 yen (roughly between $4~7).
Each otoshi is different depending on the izakaya, but it's normally just small portioned starters.
Something to keep in mind is most izakayas don't tell you they have a table charge. At the izakaya we're going to introduce here in a bit Yonesuke, rather than sneaking it up on you until you notice it on the receipt, they let you know before you order plus other common "izakaya rules".
Japan’s draft beer – “nama biiru” (生ビール)
とりあえず、ビール "I'll start with beer" Izakaya Drinking Culture
Something about beer represents relaxation but at the same time a party starter. Thus odds are you will notice Japanese people starting off with a round of draft beer.
From there they usually move on to the harder stuff. If in a group, from the moment it's time to order drinks, there is even one person in that will ask "who is getting beer?" (nama biiru nomu hito?；生ビール飲む人？） and everyone will raise their hands and that person counts how many beers to order.
◸YONESKE`s Recommendations◹
① Yakitori (焼き鳥)
Yakitori, chicken skewers💖
When you order you can choose between having them flavored with salt or sauce ("tare").
The Assortments are rather a classic in the restaurants of Yakitori. This will allow you to taste the different meats and discover new flavors. You can choose between three different assortments.
💴Mixed Yakitori:
5 skewers → 850 yen + TAX
8 skewers → 1350 yen + TAX
10 skewers → 1650 yen + TAX
Chicken thigh with scallions: 180 (special chicken is also available for 290)
Other yummy foods include:
💴Tsukune: 290
Liver: 180 yen
Pork belly: 480 yen
Beef cutlet (gyuukatsu): 1280 yen +TAX
Steak: 1280 yen +TAX
◸YONESKE`s Recommendations◹
② Meat Volcano Hot Pot (肉火山鍋)
The Niku Kawan Nabe (肉火山鍋), in other words, the fire pot 'volcano' meat is the specialty of the house. Widely supplied with vegetables, this volcano of meat will not fail to make an impression once on the table. It is known for its concentration in collagen, good for the skin.
Servers will prepare it before your eyes so be ready for an eruption of flavors. Are not you eager to discover what's inside?
💴Meat Volcano Hot Pot: 1500 yen +TAX
Beer, of course, is a given, but they also have a nice wide variety of Japanese whiskey, sake, shochu, plum liquor, and even wine something really nice about this restaurant is that if you ask they'll recommend some great drink and food pairings.
*There's also a collagen and veggie hot pot available!
💴Collagen Chiritori Hot Pot: 1300 yen +TAX (per person)
Gotta Love Nightlife in Shibuya
🍺🍹🍶🍷🍸🍺🍹🍶🍷🍸🍺🍹🍶🍷🍸🍺
but they also have a nice wide variety of
Japanese whiskey, sake, shochu, plum liquor, and even wine🍷
Something really nice about this restaurant
is that if you ask they'll recommend some great drink and food pairings.
🍻Yonesuke Shibuya Branch (米助 渋谷店）
🏢 B1~B2 25-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
(東京都渋谷区宇田川町25-6 B1～B2)
Google Maps
🚃JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit – about 3min walk
Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line Shibuya Station (same exit) – 3min walk
⏰Business Hours:
Mon～Thurs: 5pm – midnight (L.O. 11pm)
Fri & Sat: 5pm – 5am (next day) (L.O. 4am)
Sun & National holidays: 4pm – midnight (L.O. 11pm)
☎ 050-3463-3385
Details
NAME:YONESUKE (米助)
MAP
B1~B2 25-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo
ACCESS:Shibuya Station
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KYOTO
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NARA
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OSAKA
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Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.
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CHUGOKU
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The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
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HIROSHIMA
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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