The Ultimate Guide to Torikizoku: Japan’s Favourite Affordable Izakaya – Tips for the Shinjuku East Exit & Nishi-Funabashi Branches, Plus Must-Try Dishes

Whenever I’m heading to Tokyo and a friend asks, "What’s for dinner?", nine times out of ten I’ll fire back with "Torikizoku". For us, this place is basically the definition of an affordable Japanese izakaya. With hundreds of branches across Japan, wherever they open, that yellow sign goes up and the queues are practically endless. A lot of people get a bit overwhelmed on their first visit, not sure what to order or worried they’ll be waiting forever. I’ve been going here for the last ten years, from my student days on a shoestring budget to now bringing my wife and kids. So today, I’m going to tell you everything: how to eat there, how to save time, and how to order like a pro.

Shinjuku East Exit Branch: Always a Busy Spot

Let’s start with the Torikizoku Shinjuku East Exit branch, the one tourists most often come across. This is the beating heart of Tokyo’s nightlife. Come 7 or 8 in the evening, the crowds are so intense that finding a seat is a challenge, and even squeezing into the lift is a battle. My usual trick is to head over around 5:30 pm to "stake my claim". A lot of people might say, "That’s way too early for dinner," but honestly, in Shinjuku, eating early isn't about being hungry – it's about dodging the hellish queues for an hour or two. This branch has plenty of seats, but the turnover isn't as fast as you'd think because once people sit down, they settle in for a good few drinks. My honest advice? If you don’t want to waste precious holiday time standing around outside, do what I do: go a bit earlier, or treat it as a late-night spot and roll in after 10 pm. You’ll usually get seated without a fuss.

At the Shinjuku East Exit branch, my favourite sight is watching the office workers who’ve just finished their shift, ties hanging loose, knocking back a beer with some skewers. The expression on their faces that says, "Finally, I’m free," is the most authentic taste of Japan you can get. The staff here are fast, and you order using the tablet at your table, so there’s no need to worry about a language barrier. Plus, the fact that everything is a flat price is a godsend for someone like me who doesn’t exactly keep a strict eye on the budget when ordering.

Nishi-Funabashi Branch: A Local's Secret Spot

If the Shinjuku East Exit branch is a pilgrimage for tourists, then Torikizoku Nishi-Funabashi is your classic local's go-to. Nishi-Funabashi is a massive transport hub, but not somewhere many tourists specifically visit. This branch has more of a neighbourhood canteen vibe. It’s less of the tourist-area rush and has a more laid-back, everyday feel. Sometimes when I’m on a job in Chiba, I’ll deliberately get off the train at Nishi-Funabashi on the way back just to pop in here for a meal.

The regulars here are often local families or office workers grabbing a bite before heading home. The atmosphere is less about the frantic "turnover is everything" feel you get in Shinjuku, and more "take your time, no rush". If you happen to be staying nearby or are passing through on your way back from Disneyland, it’s definitely worth popping in. The staff here are also incredibly friendly, and sometimes they’ll even have a quick chat with you, asking where you’re from.

So, What Should You Actually Order at Torikizoku? The Insider's Must-Try List

The menu at Torikizoku is simple, but it’s with the simple things that you can really see the skill. Their biggest selling point is that they use domestic Japanese chicken, a specific breed known for its quality. The texture and natural sweetness of the meat is seriously impressive for the price. A lot of people get decision paralysis on their first visit. Here, let me give you my personal go-to list. Stick to this and you can’t go wrong:

• The "Kizoku Yaki" Series: This is the absolute heart and soul of the place. Whether you go for the sauce or salt version, the sauce is the restaurant’s lifeblood – perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. It’s grilled until it’s slightly charred, and when you bite into it, the juices just explode in your mouth. Personally, I’m a fan of the salt version; I think it lets the natural flavour of the chicken shine through better.
• The Chicken Breast: Please, don’t assume chicken breast is going to be dry. The way Torikizoku prepares theirs is unbelievably tender. It usually comes with a bit of yuzu kosho (citrus chili paste) or plum sauce on top, which makes it light, refreshing, and perfect for pairing with your drink.
• The Chicken & Rice Clay Pot: A lot of people get so focused on the skewers that they forget about the main dishes. This clay pot rice is cooked fresh right at your table. The aroma when you lift the lid will make you wonder why you never ordered it before. If you’re here with two people, ordering one to share is perfect.
• The Cabbage: Yes, you read that right. The cabbage at Torikizoku comes with unlimited refills! In izakaya culture, this is what’s called "otoshi", but you don’t have to worry about hidden charges here – the rules are clear. That cabbage, dipped in their special miso sauce, is crunchy, refreshing, and the perfect way to start your meal. I always ask for at least two or three refills.

For drinks, draft beer is the obvious first choice. Your first drink has to be a beer toast – it’s all part of the ritual. If you want to try something else, their "Lemon Sour" and "Kyoho Grape Sour" are classic choices. They’re sweet, sour, and go down a treat for the Irish palate.

A Quick Tip Before You Pay

One last important thing: Torikizoku has become much more international, and many branches now accept electronic payments. Some even offer a takeaway service. If you’ve been walking all day and are too exhausted to move, just grabbing a few skewers to bring back to your hotel, cracking open a beer, and eating them in bed is a different kind of top-tier luxury. Next time you’re in Tokyo, whether you’re heading to the Shinjuku East Exit branch to soak up the energy of the city that never sleeps, or wandering into the Nishi-Funabashi branch to experience a slice of local life, just remember one thing: relax, go at your own pace, and enjoy the simple, delicious experience that is Japan’s affordable yakitori kingdom.