Toriyoshi Minowa
Toriyoshi is a sit-down yakitori izakaya about five minutes' walk from Yoshiwara, serving grilled chicken over charcoal in a traditional Japanese setting. The space seats about 30 people at a mix of counter seats and small tables. The counter offers views of the chef working the charcoal grill, while tables provide more privacy. Chicken skewers range from 180 to 350 JPY each, with popular options including tsukune (chicken meatball), negima (chicken and scallion), and kawa (chicken skin). Set courses start at 2,500 JPY and include an assortment of skewers, a salad, and rice. Draft beer is 500 JPY. The quality is consistent and the portions are fair. The restaurant serves as a practical dinner option for visitors planning an evening in the Yoshiwara area. Staff are friendly and accustomed to the neighborhood's particular traffic patterns. Japanese is the primary language, but a picture menu is available.
Where to stay near Toriyoshi Minowa
Hotels and rentals within walking distance.
What to Expect
A traditional yakitori restaurant with charcoal-grilled chicken, cold beer, and counter seating facing the grill. Solid, satisfying, and moderately priced.
Warm, smoky, and welcoming. Traditional izakaya dining.
None or quiet Japanese pop at background volume
No code. Casual dining.
Anyone wanting a proper dinner before or after visiting Yoshiwara
Cash preferred, some cards accepted
Price Range
Individual skewers 180-350 JPY, set courses from 2,500 JPY, draft beer 500 JPY, sake 400 JPY
Skewers ~$1.20-2.30/~1-2 EUR, set course ~$16/~15 EUR, beer ~$3.30/~3 EUR
Hours
17:00-23:00 daily, closed Thursdays
Insider Tip
The set course is the best value and gives you a proper meal. The chef's special of the day is always worth trying. Reservations aren't necessary on weekdays but help on Fridays.
Full Review
Toriyoshi sits on a quiet street between Minowa Station and the Yoshiwara area, serving as a natural dinner stop for visitors heading in either direction. The entrance is marked by a traditional noren curtain and a display of plastic food models in the window.
Inside, the counter wraps around the charcoal grill, putting you within arm's reach of the chef. The heat from the binchotan charcoal is tangible, and the smell of grilling chicken fills the small room. Behind the counter, six small tables provide an alternative for groups.
I ordered the 2,500 JPY set course, which arrived in stages: a small salad, then individual skewers delivered fresh from the grill. Tsukune came first, the chicken meatball slightly charred outside and juicy inside, brushed with sweet tare sauce. Negima followed, alternating chunks of thigh meat and scallion. Kawa was crispy and rich. Each skewer arrived with the timing of a proper course meal, which elevated the experience beyond simple street-food yakitori.
Draft beer was cold and well-poured. A glass of warm sake (400 JPY) paired beautifully with the grilled chicken. The total for the set course, a beer, and a sake was 3,400 JPY.
The other customers were a mix of middle-aged locals and a couple who were clearly heading to Yoshiwara afterward. The atmosphere was friendly and unpretentious. The chef worked steadily, occasionally exchanging words with regulars at the counter. Service was attentive without being intrusive.
The Neighborhood
Toriyoshi is between Minowa Station and Yoshiwara, on a residential street with a few other small restaurants and shops. The walk to Yoshiwara's main area takes about 5 minutes.
Getting There
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Minowa Station, Exit 3, walk 3 minutes south. The restaurant is on the left side of the street, marked by a noren curtain.
Other Venues in Yoshiwara
Kankan
Small local bar near the Yoshiwara Shrine. Serves as a pre-visit gathering spot for regulars. Japanese-speaking clientele, limited English.
Izakaya Torishin
Traditional Japanese pub a short walk from the Yoshiwara area. Grilled chicken skewers and draft beer. Good for a meal before or after visiting the district.
San'ya Bar Row
Cluster of small, cheap bars in the nearby San'ya area. Working-class atmosphere, beers from 300 JPY. Cash only, minimal English.
Hoppy Street Minowa
Stretch of small bars near Minowa Station serving hoppy (a light beer-like drink) and cheap snacks. Low-key local nightlife option.
Cafe Bach
Coffee shop by day, quiet bar by evening near Minowa Station. Serves wine, beer, and whisky alongside hand-drip coffee. A refined stop before or after visiting the district.
Tachinomi Toyo
Open-air standing bar near Jokamachi shopping street serving fresh sashimi and cheap beer from 300 JPY. Cash only, no frills, and beloved by regulars.