Yurakucho Yakitori Alley

The best way to find Yurakucho Yakitori Alley is to follow the grill smoke. Tucked away under the train tracks of the JR Yamanote Line, this alley is a place for an open-air dining experience, complete with master yakitori chefs who man small, individual stalls and serve up grilled meats, vegetables and beer. Adventurous eaters can take advantage of menu items that make use of entire animals, with specialties consisting of chicken liver, heart and intestines. The outdoor venue is well known among local businessmen but is a hidden off-the-beaten-path gem for tourists.
Yakitori Alley stretches for nearly half a mile under the train tracks (about 700 meters). The rustic area has seen development in recent years, and with this, more traditional, enclosed restaurants have also opened up alongside the open-air food stalls. The old, gritty atmosphere persists, however. One of the best ways to experience Yakitori Alley is with a group, so you can try as many of the food stalls as possible.

Practical Info

The closest subway exits to Yurakucho Yakitori Alley are A2 at Hibiya Station and C1 at Ginza Station. Look for an open passageway beneath the tracks down to the alley, which is near Yurakucho Station in central Tokyo. Make sure to dress for the weather, as most of the food stalls are uncovered and outdoors. Individual meat skewers cost about $2 USD, and most vendors require a purchase of at least two.