Otonari, Yakitori Restaurant

“Otonari” (Next Door, or Neighbor) is our local yakotori restaurant. It is located on Gojo street, near the Kiyomizu-Gojo Train Station (Keihan line), a few minutes away from Gojo Machiya, Kiyomizu Machiya or Gojozaka Machiya.

Yakitori (焼き鳥) or grilled chicken, is a common Japanese type of skewered chicken. You’ll also hear the term “Kushiyaki” which is a more formal term that encompasses both poultry and non-poultry items, skewered and grilled.

Yakitori-ya are traditionally small restaurants or stands that grill yakitori (chicken) to order over charcoal, to be consumed alongside alcoholic beverages (usually beer or shōchū) in the evening. These establishments are known for their informal and convivial atmosphere, and are popular gathering places particularly for young people and office workers on their way home. In some parts of Japan, large numbers of yakitori-ya can sometimes be found clustered together in one street or alley. It is quite similar to satay.

At Otonari, you’ll find an English menu with an interesting selection of different types of chicken skews and a few other dishes, salads, etc. They also have a nice selection of sake and some good wine. We’d recommend to choose the “Omakase” course — chef’s selection. You then just choose the number of skew and let the chef decide. All you’ll have to let hime know is if there is anything you do not like.

Enjoy!