Ask a local where to go for a casual yakitori meal in Tokyo and they would probably point you to Torikizoku. It is arguably one of the biggest yakitori chain in Japan and there are outlets everywhere.

It is almost impossible to not locate a Torikizoku in Central Tokyo; just in Shinjuku alone, there are more than 5 outlets. That they see queues every single night at every outlet speaks of their massive popularity and there is every reason to love Torikizoku.

It is undisputedly the best name to trust when you want a casual, fuss-free, authentic local izakaya experience in Tokyo. And the best part? You won’t have to break the bank for a meal at Torikizoku; everything on the menu—including alcohol—is priced at only ¥298 each. Most of the branches open till 5am daily; you know where to go when you are feeling hungry at night!

Every item on the menu at Torikizoku is priced at an amazingly affordable ¥298. Yes, regardless of which skewer you order, side dishes or drinks, everything is ¥298 each.

Its affordability is probably its primary reason for success. The outlets may be big—each outlet sits averagely 150 to 200 people—but be prepared to wait for a table. Queues are common and you would realise the bulk of its patrons are actually locals—students, young executives and whatnot, all merry-making over yakitori and beer.

The vibrant atmosphere of the izakaya-style restaurant still gives you privacy; the seating area is partitioned into individual “booths” of sorts and big groups are definitely welcome.

On its skewers menu, you have a good range of meats. From chicken meatballs to pork belly and beef slices, the skewers come in an assortment of flavours and marination. Some of our favourites are the chicken meatballs with cheese, pork belly with leek, marinated beef and chicken skin.

Side dishes include seasoned eggs, udon, vegetables and the in-betweens.

You know what’s awesome, too? Alcohol is also priced at ¥298! Delicious yakitori and cheap beer; what more can you ask in life?

Now you know the reason why we visit Torikizoku every single trip to Tokyo?

Torikizoku
1 Chome-17-12 Kabukicho
Tel: +81 3-3200-9332
Daily: 5pm – 5am

Tokyo generally experiences early sunsets all year round. During the summer, daylight lasts until about 7pm in the evening. But during the colder months such as November and December, the country will already be blanketed in darkness once it hits 4pm. This definitely makes the days in Tokyo much shorter, especially when shops would close earlier too.

Step out of your hotel at 8pm, and you will probably have a hard time finding restaurants or stores that are still open. Shinjuku, however, never sleeps.

If you are one for a good late-night drink or if you just need a late night snack, here are 7 Food Places in Shinjuku (Tokyo) that open till late.

#1 ICHIRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen. It is the name you have seen floating all around the internet, and for very good reasons. Their ramen always leaves customers from all over the world very satisfied—rich flavourful broth, well-cooked noodles, fragrant chilli oil… you can customise your own bowl of Ichiran Ramen!

If you ever find yourself craving for a bowl of hot ramen, head down to the outlet at Shinjuku East that is open 24 hours! Giving in to your cravings (especially during the wee hours) has never been easier.

Ichiran Ramen Shinjuku
3 Chome-34-11 Shinjuku
160-0022, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3225-5518
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

#2 SUSHI-ZANMAI HIGASHI

Sushi-Zanmai is a sushi chain in Tokyo that is known for their fresh sushi and reasonable price tags. We don’t know about you but sushi for supper sounds damn legit to us.The variety of sushi will keep your tummies satisfied late into the night. The restaurant could get pretty crowded, so we suggest making a reservation in advance.

The variety of sushi platters will make supper worth the while. The restaurant could get pretty crowded, so we suggest making a reservation in advance.

Sushi-Zanmai Higashi
1-1-13 Okubo, Tokyo
169-0072, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5155-6655
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Seibu Shinjuku

Photo Credit: TimeOut

#3 EDINBURGH

Pulling an all-nighter, or perhaps just more of a nocturnal person? Get your much-needed cup of joe at Edinburgh (also known as Coffee Kizoku), a quiet little coffee shop in the heart of Shinjuku.

The coffee prices might be a little bit on the high side, starting from ¥800 and going up to ¥3,000, but the free Wi-Fi and cosy seats will make up for it.

Edinburgh
2F, Shinjuku M&E Square Building
3-2-4, Shinjuku
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5379-2822
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Shinjuku-sanchome

#4 ROKKASEN

If you have got a hankering for some yakiniku at 2am in the morning, then Rokkasen is the place you should go to. The restaurant closes in the day, and opens at night, so you can pop by once the sun has set for some good grilled meat.

The restaurant is best known for its fatty beef, so be sure to try that!

Rokkasen
6F to 7F, Sunflower Building
1-3-1 Nishishinjuku
160-0023, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3348-8676
Daily: 11am – 5am
Nearest Station: Shinjuku

Photo Credit: A Life Worth Eating

#5 NEW YORK BAR

You will see the streets of Shinjuku come alive after dark, thanks to the pubs and clubs around the area. The New York Bar is one that is not to be missed; have your drinks complemented with an amazing view too!

The New York Bar was in a scene from the movie ‘Lost In Translation’, and sits on the 52nd floor of Park Hyatt, Tokyo. A jazz band plays every night, and you can choose from a selection of cocktails, brandies, and American wines.

New York Bar
52F, Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku
163-1055, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5322-1234
Sun to Wed: 5pm – 12am
Thu to Sat: 5pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Shinsen-Shinjuku

Photo Credit: Miner8

#6 SHINJUKU GOLDEN GAI

Golden Gai is the one-stop destination for an authentic Shinjuku bar experience. The tiny street is crammed with over 200 bars, pubs and eateries.

With that said, you will be able to experience different vibes at different bars—whether you prefer classy cocktails or hard rock, there will be something for you.

Shinjuku Golden Gai
1 Chome Kabukicho
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 195-75-1319
Mon – Sat: 5.30pm – 5am
Sun: 8pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

#7 SHINJUKU KAKEKOMI GYOZA

Up for some midnight gyozas? Kakekomi Gyoza Restaurant is one of the better names to look for when it comes to gyozas; some might even say it is the best in Tokyo.

The restaurant is known for cooking their gyozas four different ways—pan-frying, deep-frying, cooked in Chinese broth, and with seafood broth. Plus, the eatery also offers free Wi-Fi!

Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza
1-2F 58th Tokyo Building
1-12-2 Kabukicho
160-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6233-7099
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

Read: 4D3N Tokyo Itinerary – 24 tips on what to see and what to eat.