Gifuya at Go Shinjuku
Location: 1 Chome-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Gifuya is a long-standing Chinese diner and izakaya in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, serving noodles and stir-fries from early morning until the small hours.
Gifuya is a long-standing Chinese diner and izakaya in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, serving noodles and stir-fries from early morning until the small hours.
Gifuya is a well-established Chinese diner and izakaya tucked into Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), the narrow alley of tiny bars and eateries beside Shinjuku Station's west exit. Open since the post-war era, Gifuya is one of the alley's most recognisable establishments, with its red lantern and steamy counter drawing hungry passers-by. The restaurant operates from 9:00 daily, which is unusually early for the yokocho, and stays open until 1:00 on weekdays and 2:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, making it one of the few spots in the alley serving proper meals at both ends of the day.The menu spans Chinese-style ramen in miso, soy sauce, salt, and spicy varieties, alongside stir-fried dishes, fried rice, and moyashi soba (bean sprout noodles) that are a house speciality. The kitchen turns out hearty, no-nonsense plates at prices starting from around 700 yen, and the combination of Chinese fare with the izakaya drinking culture of Omoide Yokocho creates a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. The counter and small table seating place diners within conversation range of both the chef and neighbouring customers.
Gifuya is open year-round with no fixed closing days, a rarity in the yokocho where many stalls take irregular holidays. It is a two-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station's west exit and three minutes from Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station. Cash is the primary payment method, consistent with most Omoide Yokocho establishments. The early opening time makes it a popular stop for breakfast noodles after a night out or before a morning commute.
Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 905 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
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Positive Reviews
S W
Perfect for a quick dinner and drinks around Shinjuku. The chahan (fried rice) is delicious.
T M
I had the best ramen there, it was a spicy ramen and I really enjoy spicy food so it was amazing to have it. It's cash only and it's a traditional place, I really liked the fact that they didn't have a menu in english for tourists, since I …
T Y
The taste varies greatly depending on the chef, so if it's not tasty, just give up and consider yourself unlucky. …
E A
Tucked away in the nostalgic alleyways of Omoide Yokocho, Gifuya offers an authentic Chinese street food experience. …
M L
Very unassuming stall in the alley. Don’t expect the staff to greet you, no English menu too. But the chahan (fried rice) was amazing!! Full of wokhei. Mapo ramen was good too. Would come back again!!
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Photo Gallery
Gifuya
GIFUYA Restaurant Exterior
Street-level view of a traditional Japanese restaurant facade with hanging lanterns, yellow crates outside, and visible signage reading 'GIFUYA' in English and Japanese characters.
GIFUYA Restaurant Entrance
Narrow alleyway with red signboard reading '中華料理 岐阜屋 GIFUYA' mounted on building facade. Yellow crates stacked near entrance, lanterns hanging overhead, and wall covered in stickers.
Qifuya Ramen Shop Front
The image shows the exterior of a shop with visible signage, including 'QIFUYA' and Japanese characters on vertical banners. Yellow crates are stacked near the entrance.
Gifu-ya Restaurant Entrance
A narrow alleyway storefront with a red vertical sign reading '岐阜屋' (Gifu-ya) and English text below it. White paper lanterns hang above the entrance, followed by yellow spherical lights lining the walkway. A poster on the left wall shows food items. The building facade is tiled gray brick.
GIFUYA storefront with autumn decorations
The image shows the exterior of a shop named 'GIFUYA' (岐阜屋), featuring traditional Japanese lanterns in white and yellow, along with artificial maple leaves hanging from the awning. The signboard displays both Japanese characters and English text. A narrow alleyway leads into the background, flanked by other shops and buildings under a clear blue sky.
Bowl of Chicken and Vegetable Soup
A close-up photo of a white bowl containing clear chicken soup with shredded chicken, sliced cabbage, green leafy vegetables, black fungus (wood ear mushrooms), and carrot pieces. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests on the rim of the bowl. The bowl has red decorative patterns around its edge. In the background, partially visible items include another bowl with rice and a glass jar.
Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and crispy garnish
A close-up of a plate containing stir-fried noodles mixed with sliced cabbage, carrots, green onions, and pieces of meat or tofu. The dish is glossy with sauce and topped with thin, crispy fried strips around the edge.
Stir-fry Dish with Vegetables and Meat
A plate of stir-fried dish featuring tomatoes, carrots, celery, mushrooms, and chicken pieces in a glossy sauce. A white spoon rests on the edge of the plate. In the background, there are metal shakers (likely salt and pepper), a container of toothpicks, and a glass jar with yellow contents. The setting appears to be a casual dining table.
Stir-fried dish with wood ear mushrooms and eggs
A close-up photo of a bowl containing stir-fried ingredients including black wood ear mushrooms, scrambled eggs, sliced carrots, green vegetables (possibly celery or asparagus), and possibly chicken or tofu pieces in a light brown sauce. A white plastic spoon rests on the rim of the white bowl.
Ramen Bowl with Broth and Toppings
A bowl of ramen featuring a rich brown broth, topped with bean sprouts, sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and nori seaweed. The bowl has blue floral patterns on the rim. In the background, there are two menu boards: one yellow with Japanese text and prices, and another pink board listing items like 'Sushi' and 'Tempura'. A white spoon rests in the bowl.
Kirin Beer Bottle and Glass on Counter
A bottle of Kirin Beer (Ichiban Sori) sits next to a glass filled with beer on a white counter in what appears to be a Japanese restaurant or bar. The background is blurred, showing warm interior lighting and possibly other bottles or decor.
Chicken Salad with Scallions and Mustard
A plate of chicken salad topped with sliced scallions, dressed in a creamy sauce, served on a white textured square plate with a dollop of mustard on the side.
Dumplings with Sauce and Fried Rice
A close-up of a plate containing five steamed dumplings, likely har gow or shrimp dumplings, drizzled with dark sauce. A small dollop of yellow condiment sits on the side. In the background, there is a bowl of fried rice and another white dish partially visible.
Stewed Vegetable Dish with Scallions
A close-up shot of a bowl containing stewed vegetables including carrots, potatoes, and possibly mushrooms or tofu, topped generously with sliced scallions. A glass of beer is visible in the background along with another dish.
Stir-fry with vegetables and egg
A plate of stir-fried food containing scrambled eggs, green onions, mushrooms, and possibly meat or tofu in a glossy sauce. A white spoon rests on the side of the dish. In the background, there is a yellow menu board with Japanese text and prices listed vertically.
Bowl of Noodle Soup with Vegetables
A close-up photo of a bowl of noodle soup topped with bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, and carrots in a brown broth. The bowl has decorative red patterns and Chinese characters around the rim. A spoon is partially visible on the left side.
Fried Rice and Soup Bowl
A plate of fried rice with egg, green onions, and radish, served alongside a bowl of clear soup with sliced scallions. A white spoon rests in the soup bowl. In the background, a sign displays Japanese text mentioning 'Toyama' and 'Yamagata', likely indicating regional ingredients or origin.
Fried Rice and Dumplings Meal
A plate of fried rice with a spoon, a bowl of soup, and a tray of dumplings on a table.
Diner Interior with Counter and Menu Board
Interior of a small diner or restaurant featuring a long counter with stools, stainless steel appliances, and a menu board on the wall displaying various food items.
Stir-fried Egg with Vegetables and Mushrooms
A close-up photo of a white bowl containing a stir-fry dish featuring scrambled eggs, sliced black mushrooms, green leafy vegetables (possibly bok choy), orange carrot strips, and translucent onions. The ingredients are coated in a glossy brown sauce. A white ceramic spoon rests on the right side of the bowl.
Mapo Tofu Dish
A close-up photo of a bowl of Mapo Tofu, featuring cubes of tofu in a spicy red sauce with minced meat and green onions on top. A white spoon rests in the bowl.
Gyoza with Sauce
A plate of pan-fried dumplings (gyoza) with a golden-brown crust and crispy edges, served on a white oval plate alongside a small pool of orange sauce.
Bowl of stew with congee and drink
A close-up shot of a small white bowl containing what appears to be a savory stew or soup, possibly tofu or meat pieces in broth, topped with sliced green onions. In the background, slightly out of focus, is a glass of dark-colored beverage (possibly iced tea or coffee) and a pink menu board with vertical Japanese-style text on it. The setting looks like a casual dining table inside a restaurant.
Stir-fry with wood ear mushrooms and egg
A white bowl containing a stir-fry dish featuring black wood ear mushrooms, scrambled eggs, sliced onions, carrots, and pieces of meat in a glossy sauce. A white spoon rests on the side of the bowl. In the background, there is a glass of beer with condensation visible.
Nagatacho Alleyway Night Scene
A narrow alley at night in Nagatacho, Tokyo, illuminated by hanging lanterns and string lights. On the left is a red storefront with Japanese characters and a large menu board displaying food items. In the center, a vertical sign reads 'GIFUYA' (Chinese cuisine). To the right, stacked beer crates and another shop front are visible. The scene captures the bustling atmosphere of this famous dining district.
Bowl of Soup with Green Onions
A close-up photo of a white bowl filled with clear broth, sliced green onions, and thin noodles or vermicelli. A white spoon rests in the bowl.
Chicken with Scallions and Pepper
A close-up of a dish featuring sliced chicken topped with chopped scallions, black pepper, and possibly garlic slices, served in a white rectangular bowl.
Dumplings on a plate with drink
A white rectangular plate holds five steamed dumplings, likely har gow or shrimp dumplings, arranged neatly. A glass of light-colored beverage sits in the background alongside a container of toothpicks and a yellow box. The setting appears to be a casual dining table.
Gyoza with dipping sauce and drink
A plate of pan-fried gyoza dumplings with a side of dark dipping sauce, accompanied by a glass of water with lemon slice. Chopsticks rest on the plate. Background includes a menu board with Japanese text and a container of chopsticks.
Bean Sprout Stir Fry with Soy Sauce
A plate of stir-fried bean sprouts with carrots and green onions, served in a light sauce. In the background, there is a bottle of soy sauce and a glass of beer on a counter. Posters and signs are visible on the wall behind.
Vegetable Soup Bowl
A bowl of vegetable soup with ingredients like cabbage, cucumber, black fungus, and carrots in a light broth, served on a countertop next to an empty glass.
Kirin Lager and Japanese Dish
A bowl of Japanese stew topped with green onions sits next to a glass of Kirin Lager beer, with a bottle of the same beer beside it. In the background, there is a menu board listing various drinks and prices.
Bowl of spicy noodle soup with ginger ale
A close-up shot of a bowl of spicy noodle soup, likely Korean-style, featuring noodles, vegetables (carrots, green onions, leafy greens), and possibly meat or tofu in a reddish-brown broth. In the background, there is a bottle of Wilkinson's Ginger Ale on a table, along with other bottles and containers.
Sliced Chicken with Scallions and Sauce
A rectangular white dish containing sliced cooked chicken pieces in a light brown sauce, topped with chopped green onions and black pepper. A dollop of yellow mustard is visible on the right side.
Fried Rice and Stir Fry with Soup
A plate of fried rice with egg, pink radish, and green onions sits next to a bowl of stir-fried cabbage, wood ear mushrooms, and sliced meat. A small bowl of clear soup is in the background.
Stir-fried Meat with Vegetables and Sauce
A close-up of a plate containing stir-fried meat, likely pork or chicken, mixed with sliced tomatoes, mushrooms, green onions, and possibly egg, all coated in a glossy brown sauce.
Kirin Beer Bottle and Glass on Counter
A bottle of Kirin Classic beer stands next to a glass filled with light-colored beer, both placed on a white countertop. Behind them is a menu board listing various Japanese beers with prices in yen.
Restaurant Interior View
The image shows the interior of a restaurant, likely in Japan given the Japanese characters on signs and menus. A chef is seen from behind wearing a black shirt with white Japanese text. The kitchen area includes various cooking utensils, ingredients, and equipment. There are posters and advertisements on the walls, including one featuring food items. A menu board is visible at the bottom of the frame listing various dishes with prices.
Japanese Meal with Omelette and Beer
A plate of green vegetable omelette served on a white dish, accompanied by a glass of beer and a bottle of beer. In the background, there are condiment bottles (soy sauce, vinegar) and a yellow menu board with Japanese text listing prices.
Noodle Shop Interior
Interior of a small Japanese noodle shop with a long counter, stools, and menu boards on the wall.
Bowl of Japanese-style soup with vegetables and garnish
A white bowl filled with a clear broth containing sliced root vegetables, possibly daikon or radish, and pieces of meat or offal. The dish is topped with chopped green onions and sprinkled with red chili flakes. A glass of beer is partially visible in the background on the right side.
Two glasses of lemonade with ice and lemon slices
A close-up photo shows two tall clear glass tumblers filled with a light yellow liquid, likely lemonade or iced tea. Each glass contains several large ice cubes and is garnished with a slice of fresh lemon floating near the top. The drink appears carbonated with visible bubbles rising through the liquid. The glasses sit on a light-colored countertop against a neutral beige background.
Stir-fried Pork with Onions and Scallions
A close-up of a plate containing stir-fried pork strips, sliced onions, and chopped scallions, garnished with green onions. A small bowl of soup is visible in the background.
Mapo Tofu Dish
A bowl of Mapo Tofu with tofu cubes, minced meat, and green onions in a spicy sauce, served on a white plate with a spoon.
Gyoza with Soy Sauce
A plate of five pan-fried gyoza dumplings arranged in a row on a white oval plate, accompanied by a small pool of soy sauce. In the background, there is a container of wooden toothpicks and part of a white bowl visible on a light-colored countertop.
Stir-fried bean sprouts with vegetables
A plate of stir-fried bean sprouts mixed with sliced carrots, green onions, and possibly other vegetables in a light sauce.
Ramen Bowls at a Counter
Three bowls of ramen with pork slices, seaweed, and bean sprouts sit on a white counter in what appears to be a casual eatery or food stall. In the background, there are bottles of condiments and cleaning supplies on shelves. A sign reading 'SH ONLY' is visible on the edge of the counter.
Stir-fried vegetables with meat in a white bowl
A close-up photo of a stir-fry dish served in a white, rounded square bowl. The dish contains sliced pork or chicken, bean sprouts, green leafy vegetables (possibly bok choy), and julienned carrots. The ingredients are coated in a glossy brown sauce.
Egg Dish at Japanese Restaurant
A close-up of a bowl of egg dish with broth, likely tamagoyaki or similar, placed on a table in front of a counter. In the background, there is a sign that reads 'NO CREDIT. CASH ONLY' and another poster with Japanese text advertising sake. A small bowl with a spoon and some condiments are also visible.
Stir-fried vegetables with meat
A plate of stir-fried vegetables including bean sprouts, carrots, cabbage, and sliced meat, served in a white bowl.
Egg Omelet with Spinach
A close-up of a golden egg omelet filled with spinach and onions, held by chopsticks above a white plate. A green bottle is visible in the background.
Fried Rice Dish
A bowl of yellow fried rice with visible egg pieces and possibly onions or other vegetables, served in a white square dish on a light-colored table. In the background, there are spice shakers and a metal container, suggesting a casual dining setting.
Dining Table with Menu and Food
A close-up view of a dining table featuring a yellow menu board listing various Japanese dishes like ramen, gyudon, and gyoza. In the foreground, there is a plate of pan-fried gyoza dumplings, a bowl of miso soup with noodles, and another dish partially visible. The background includes a pink signboard with text in Japanese characters.
Scrambled Eggs with Green Onions
A plate of scrambled eggs mixed with green onions, served on a white dish. In the background, there is a glass of beer and a bottle of dark liquid, possibly soy sauce or vinegar. A yellow menu board is visible in the background.
Bowl of Soup with Scallions
A white bowl filled with golden-brown broth, garnished with sliced scallions and green onions. A white spoon rests in the bowl. In the background, a menu board is partially visible with Japanese text.
Rice Bowl and Soup at a Japanese Restaurant
A close-up shot of a meal consisting of a bowl of rice with egg and possibly ham or bacon, alongside a small bowl of clear soup with a spoon resting in it. A glass of beer is visible in the background along with menu boards displaying prices and items.
Dish with sliced ingredients and garnish
A rectangular white plate containing a dish of thinly sliced, light brown food items, possibly bamboo shoots or similar vegetable, topped with chopped green onions and drizzled with a yellow sauce.
Stir-fried Beef with Bean Sprouts and Scallions
A white bowl filled with stir-fried beef slices, bean sprouts, green scallions, and possibly wood ear mushrooms in a savory sauce. The dish is served on a table with other dishes visible in the background.
Iced Lemonade with Menu Board
A tall glass of iced lemonade garnished with a lemon wedge sits on a table, with condensation visible on the glass. In the background, there is a pink menu board listing various drinks in Japanese characters and prices. A bottle of syrup or mixer is also visible next to the glass.
Dumplings on a plate
A close-up photo of five steamed dumplings arranged on a light blue rectangular plate with ridged edges. A small dollop of yellow condiment is visible on the left side. In the background, there is a partially visible white bowl containing remnants of food and a metal bowl to the right.
Stir-fried Noodles with Vegetables and Egg
A bowl of stir-fried noodles with visible ingredients including carrots, onions, tomatoes, green vegetables, and scrambled egg. A white plastic spoon rests in the bowl. In the background, there is a bottle of Kirin beer and part of a menu or sign showing prices like '各820円'. The setting appears to be a casual dining table.
Stir-fried bean sprouts with vegetables
A plate of stir-fried bean sprouts mixed with sliced carrots, green peppers, and black fungus on a white dish. A glass cup is visible in the background along with a yellow menu board displaying multiple items.
Mapo Tofu with Rice Bowl
A close-up shot of a white bowl containing Mapo Tofu, featuring chunks of tofu in a spicy red sauce with minced meat and green onions. A pair of chopsticks rests on the rim of the bowl. In the background, there is a bowl of white rice, another small dish (possibly soup or sauce), and a glass of water. The setting appears to be a casual dining table.
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