Introduction
Hello, this is GOK from Daily Shinjuku.
For this article, I visited “Yakitori & Yakiton Mizutan”, a newly opened izakaya in Kagurazaka that specializes in Japanese grilled chicken and pork.
Located just a few minutes from Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station, it’s a welcoming restaurant with an open, modernized take on a traditional atmosphere.
A New Yakitori Spot in Kagurazaka
Yakitori & Yakiton Mizutan opened on September 16, 2021 along Okubo-dori, about a 3-minute walk from Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station.
The izakaya focuses on grilled chicken and pork, with homemade stews and dashimaki tamago among its lineup of comforting dishes.
Unlike some of Kagurazaka’s more exclusive spots, this shop feels approachable, with a clear view of the cozy interior from the street.
Inside the Restaurant
The interior, renovated from an old Japanese house, blends nostalgic charm with DIY modern aesthetics.
The first floor features a counter only, while the second floor offers table seating — reserved for a private group when I visited.
On a weekday evening, both floors were lively, drawing a mix of solo locals, coworkers, and couples of various ages.
Menu Highlights
Sample Menu (tax excluded)
- Yakitori (Negima, Bonjiri, Kawa, Sunagimo, Neck, Tsukune, Quail Egg) – ¥210
- Yakiton (Tongue, Heart, Stomach, Cartilage, Intestine, Liver, Rectum, Spleen, Kiku Abura, Fat) – ¥170
- Vegetable Skewers (Shiitake, Shishito, Ginkgo, Green Onion) – ¥180
- Motsu Nikomi – ¥650
- Sakura-hime Fried Chicken – ¥700
- Dashimaki Tamago – ¥600
- Gatsu Sashimi – ¥600
- Nankotsu Sashimi – ¥600
- French Fries – ¥400
- Potato Salad – ¥600
- Morokyu (Cucumber with Miso) – ¥450
- Onigiri (Salmon, Mentaiko) – ¥460
- Pickles Assortment – ¥500
They also serve a selection of shochu, sake, and wine to suit every customer and occasion.
Food & Drinks
The otoshi (appetizer) included squid, chicken, daikon, shrimp, and sweet potato — each cooked differently (boiled, grilled, or fried).
Lightly seasoned, it paired perfectly with a cold draft beer after a long day.
Potato Salad – ¥600
A creative version topped with sauce and a cheese stick.
The chunks of potato kept their texture, offering a homemade feel.
Gatsu Sashimi – ¥600
A limited item featuring chewy pork stomach seasoned with sesame oil. Addictive and ideal with alcohol.
Yakiton Liver – ¥170
All skewers are ordered individually (no set platters).
The seasoning—salt or sauce—is usually chef’s choice, but can be requested otherwise.
Yakitori Negima & Sunagimo – ¥210 each
Using domestic meat, both skewers offered the natural sweetness of chicken fat with simple salt seasoning.
Yakitori Kawa – ¥210
Grilled near the counter, each skewer is freshly served.
The chicken skin (tare) strikes a nice balance between crispness and tenderness.
Tsukune & Yakiton Abura – ¥210 / ¥170
The tsukune (tare) was fluffy and soft, while the abura skewer delivered rich umami with its fatty sweetness.
Summary
Yakitori & Yakiton Mizutan brings a fresh, stylish feel to Kagurazaka’s traditional dining scene.
While prices are slightly higher than average, the approachable atmosphere and attentive service make it a great stop for both solo diners and small groups.
If you prefer a relaxed experience, the second floor is especially comfortable — perfect for slow evening drinks with grilled skewers and sake.
Store Information
- Name: Yakitori & Yakiton Mizutan
- Address: 31-1 Tansumachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0833
- Nearest Station: 3-min walk from Ushigome-Kagurazaka Station (237 m)
- Hours: 16:00 – 22:00
- Closed: Sundays
- Outlets: ✕ Wi-Fi: ✕ Smoking: ✕ (smoking area available)
- Notes: 46 seats / Credit cards OK / E-money OK
- Tabelog Rating: –
Looking for the original article in Japanese?
Click here to view the Japanese version on Daily Shinjuku.
👉 https://daily-shinjuku.tokyo/2021/10/08/kagurazaka-mizutan/
