Horaiya at Go Shinjuku
Location: 1 Chome-2-5 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Horaiya is a historic yakitori and offal specialist founded in 1947 in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, credited as the alley's first motsuyaki establishment.
Horaiya is a historic yakitori and offal specialist founded in 1947 in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, credited as the alley's first motsuyaki establishment.
Horaiya is a venerable yakitori and motsuyaki restaurant established in 1947, situated in the narrow, lantern-lit lanes of Omoide Yokocho beside the JR tracks at Shinjuku's west exit. Operating as two adjacent stalls, Horaiya I and Horaiya II, the shop holds the distinction of being the first offal grill in this now-famous postwar dining alley, a fact celebrated on its own website and in countless media features over the decades.The speciality is skewered offal and yakitori grilled over high-grade oak charcoal, basted with a secret sauce developed over many years. Diners can also order fresh top-grade offal sashimi, a bolder option that highlights the quality of the ingredients, alongside classic chicken skewers. The cramped, smoky counter seating only adds to the authentic old-Tokyo atmosphere that draws both locals and curious visitors.
Horaiya I operates from late afternoon until 1am, while Horaiya II keeps slightly shorter hours, and neither has scheduled closing days. Cash is generally preferred and queues are common during evening rush, so arriving early or late in the evening helps secure a spot at the counter.
Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 338 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
No negative reviews yet.
Positive Reviews
L P
It’s a great street food vibe! Great yakitori, cold beer and good prices! The service is very good and friendly. …
M F
Food was good, beer was better, but it was expensive due to cover charge and minimum ordering. …
K P
Super good! Great staff! Delicious! Make your own lemon sour!
A H
Short Review We visited a highly-rated yakitori place near Shinjuku station, known as the …
Write a Review
Photo Gallery
Horaiya
炭火串焼 宝来家
A street-level view of a Japanese shopfront with prominent signage reading '炭火串焼' (charcoal-grilled yakitori) and '宝来家'. Blue noren curtains hang at the entrance, displaying similar branding. A vertical banner on the left advertises fresh ingredients. Inside, warm lighting illuminates the interior space.
Japanese Restaurant Entrance
A narrow street-side shop with a wooden entrance and hanging noren curtain displaying Japanese characters. A woman sits at an outdoor table adjusting her hair, while patrons dine inside. Visible signage includes vertical banners, price lists on the wall, and a menu board near the counter.
Sushi restaurant storefront
A traditional Japanese shop front with hanging noren banners displaying large kanji characters and smaller vertical text. A poster on the window shows two men in suits, one holding a bottle. Inside, customers sit at a counter where staff are visible behind the glass display case.
Restaurant Exterior with Signage and Entrance
The image shows the exterior of a restaurant or shop, featuring prominent signage in Japanese characters above the entrance. The building has a traditional aesthetic with wooden elements and hanging lanterns. A person is seated at a table outside, while others are visible inside through the glass doors. There are various signs and notices posted on the walls near the entrance.
Yakitori Shop Front at Night
A nighttime photo of a Japanese yakitori shop's exterior, featuring illuminated signage with Japanese characters and lanterns hanging above the entrance.
Japanese Restaurant Exterior
A street-level view of a Japanese restaurant entrance with illuminated signage reading '宝来家' (Takaraya) and '炭火焼' (charcoal grill). A dark banner hangs above the doorway, displaying similar characters. Inside, patrons are seated at tables; one person stands near the counter. Outside, a small table holds food items like rice balls and condiments. A woman sits on a stool to the right, facing away from the camera. The scene is lit by warm artificial lighting against a dim evening backdrop.
Japanese Restaurant Exterior
A traditional Japanese restaurant storefront featuring hanging noren banners with large kanji characters, including '宝来家' (Takaraiya). The entrance is framed by a poster of two men in suits and includes signage indicating no smoking and second-floor seating availability. Lanterns hang above the entrance against a twilight sky.
Yakitori Shop Exterior at Night
Nighttime photo of a Japanese yakitori shop with illuminated signage, including '宝来家' and lanterns displaying menu items like '定価', '焼肉', and 'たばこ'. A noren curtain hangs above the entrance, and posters are visible on adjacent walls.
Grilled Skewers on Charcoal Grill
A close-up view of various skewered meats and vegetables being grilled over charcoal. The skewers include pieces of meat, possibly chicken or pork, along with what appears to be mushrooms and other ingredients. The grill is made of metal bars, and there is a large pot visible in the background.
Grilled Skewrs and Fish
A table setting featuring grilled skewers including pork, chicken, and green onion segments on a white plate with brown rim. A side dish of fried chicken pieces is served on paper napkins in the background. Another plate holds grilled fish with lemon slices and garnish.
Beverage at a Japanese Izakaya
A glass of amber-colored beverage with ice sits on a wooden table in an izakaya, likely yakitori bar. In the background, there is a window showing blurred city lights and reflections. To the right, skewers are visible on a plate.
Bowl of Soup with Scallions and Meat
A close-up photo of a bowl containing clear broth, sliced meat (possibly pork or beef), chopped green onions, and other vegetables. A white spoon rests in the bowl. The bowl is placed on a wooden table surface.
Grilled Fish with Lemon and Wasabi
A plate of grilled fish served with a lemon wedge, wasabi, and lettuce garnish on a textured tablecloth. A person is holding chopsticks near the dish, with a small bowl of soy sauce and a glass of beer nearby.
Japanese Appetizers
Two rectangular white ceramic plates with brown streaks on a dark wooden table. Left plate holds golden-brown fried tofu cubes (aburaage) garnished with green leaves. Right plate contains sliced green bell peppers and a dollop of reddish-brown paste, likely miso or ginger.
Dining Table with Drink and Food
A close-up of a table setting featuring a glass cup filled with a light-colored beverage, placed on a black and red square coaster. The cup has Japanese characters printed on it. Surrounding the cup are plates of food including what appears to be raw fish slices and skewers. In the background, there is another glass containing a golden liquid, possibly beer or sake, and blurred lights suggesting an indoor dining environment.
Crispy Fried Fish with Cabbage Salad
A plate featuring two golden-brown fried fish cakes and a side of shredded cabbage garnished with parsley, served on a white ceramic dish with brown decorative lines. In the background, there is a glass of beer and a bottle of sauce.
Sashimi and Sake on a Wooden Table
A close-up of a bowl of salmon sashimi garnished with lemon and shiso, next to a bottle of sake labeled 'Mizuchi' (Water God). A menu is partially visible in the background.
Omoide Yokochō Alleyway
A narrow, illuminated alleyway in Japan with a large green sign reading 'Omoide Yokocho' overhead. Shops line both sides of the brick-paved street, some with awnings and hanging plants. A person sits on the right under a blue tarp covering equipment.
Yakitori Shop Interior View
Interior of a yakitori shop with customers seated at the counter, staff behind the bar, and visible menu boards on walls.
Beer and Side Dishes at a Restaurant
A glass of beer with condensation, small bowls of side dishes including pickled vegetables and possibly fried items, chopsticks on stacked plates, and a person's arm in the background.
Grilled Skewers on a Plate
A plate of grilled skewers, including meat and possibly offal, with a dollop of yellow sauce on the side. The plate rests on a table with promotional materials underneath.
Grilled Skewers on a Plate
A plate of grilled skewers, including pork belly and possibly chicken or beef, arranged neatly with some char marks visible. The skewers are placed on a white ceramic plate with a brown rim, set against a textured tablecloth background.
Grilled Fish with Lemon
A plate of grilled fish served on a white rectangular dish with brown stripes, garnished with lemon wedges and green leaves. A glass mug filled with a light-colored beverage is visible in the background.
Nakamura-dori Street, Osaka
A narrow alleyway lined with traditional Japanese shops and restaurants under a clear blue sky. Overhead wires crisscross above the street. On the left, wooden crates are stacked near shop entrances; people sit at small tables outside one establishment. A red pole on the right holds hanging lanterns and greenery. Yellow caution signs and plastic barriers line the sidewalk.
Green Juice at Restaurant Table
A glass of green juice with ice sits on a wooden table in a restaurant setting. The glass has Japanese characters printed on it. In the background, there is a menu stand and part of a plate with food remnants visible.
Bowl of Soup with Spoon
A close-up photo of a small white bowl containing a light-colored broth soup with visible ingredients like shredded vegetables and possibly meat or tofu. A white spoon rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the soup. The bowl is placed on a dark wooden table surface. In the background, parts of other dishes or containers are faintly visible, including what appears to be a stack of small round items (possibly condiment lids) and another dish edge.
Dining Table with Japanese Food and Drink
A close-up view of a dining table featuring various dishes, including a bowl of what appears to be seasoned shrimp or crab meat, a plate with sliced vegetables and garnishes, and a glass of water with ice cubes. Chopsticks are visible in small bowls, suggesting a meal in progress.
Crispy Fried Cutlet with Greens
A plate featuring two golden-brown breaded cutlets served on a bed of shredded cabbage and parsley garnish, presented in a white ceramic bowl with brown decorative lines.
Sashimi Platter with Salmon Slices
A close-up of a white rectangular plate containing neatly arranged slices of salmon sashimi, garnished with a lemon wedge, shiso leaf, and shredded daikon radish. A dollop of green wasabi and a small mound of pickled ginger are placed on the side. In the background, another dish with grilled fish and chopsticks is partially visible.
Food Dish with Crispy Elements and Lettuce
A close-up of a plate featuring crispy, golden-brown fried items, possibly fish or vegetable chips, accompanied by fresh lettuce leaves and a dollop of white sauce.
Japanese Bar Interior
A close-up of a table in a Japanese bar or izakaya, featuring two glasses filled with ice and water, a small bowl of snacks (possibly peanuts), and white napkins. In the background, there is a red and white signboard with Japanese characters, likely indicating menu items or prices. A QR code sign is also visible on the right side.
Yakitori and side dishes at a Japanese restaurant
A table set with skewers of grilled meat (yakitori), green vegetables, cucumber slices, and small bowls of sauce or condiments. A person is holding a skewer, and there are drinks and napkins on the table.
Japanese Meal with Beer
A table setting featuring a glass mug of beer, three bowls containing various Japanese dishes including what appears to be offal and raw meat with lettuce, and a QR code standee in the background.
Japanese Dining Table Setting
A close-up view of a dining table featuring a black bowl filled with chopped raw fish and pickled vegetables, likely part of an omakase or sashimi course. In the background, there is a white rectangular plate holding a piece of raw fish on a wooden block, accompanied by wasabi and soy sauce. The setting suggests a traditional Japanese restaurant interior.
Japanese Appetizers
Two rectangular white plates with brown streaks on a dark wooden table. The top plate holds three pieces of tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and a small mound of grated daikon radish. The bottom plate contains sliced green peppers, lettuce leaves, and a dollop of brown paste.
Beer glasses at a restaurant table
Two tall glasses of beer with foam, placed on a wooden table in a dimly lit interior setting. Small bowls containing condiments or garnishes are visible nearby. The background includes wooden paneling and part of a person wearing a light-colored shirt.
Bowl of Soup with Side Dish
A close-up photo shows a bowl of light-colored soup, likely miso or chicken broth, containing chunks of meat and chopped green onions. To the right is a small side dish with what appears to be pickled shrimp or similar item. In the background, partially visible, are two other bowls—one containing a clear liquid (possibly water) and another with a beige substance (perhaps rice or porridge). The setting suggests an indoor dining environment with dark wooden table surface.
Sliced Green Peppers with Sauce
A plate of sliced green peppers served with a small portion of brown sauce, placed on a wooden table next to a dark bottle and a small bowl.
Grilled Fish with Side Dishes
A plate featuring a grilled fish fillet, accompanied by a wedge of lemon and a small portion of pickled ginger or similar condiment. A piece of lettuce is also present on the side. The dish is served on a speckled white plate with decorative brown lines.
Spicy Beef Tripe with Sesame and Cucumber
A close-up of a plate featuring thinly sliced beef tripe garnished with sesame seeds, translucent noodles, lettuce leaves, cucumber strips, and lemon slices. The dish is served on a white rectangular plate with brown streaks.
Yakitori and Fries with Apporo Beer
A table setting featuring skewers of grilled meat (yakitori), crinkle-cut french fries with ketchup, a bottle of Apporo beer, a glass of beer, chopsticks in a small bowl, and a folded white napkin.
Japanese Restaurant Menu Board
A framed menu board displaying recommended dishes (当店のおすすめ) with photos and descriptions of beef cuts like '子袋刺し' and '長り牛はつ刺し', along with prices in yen. The menu includes sections labeled '刺身' (sashimi) and features images of food items such as 'かつおタタキ' and 'たらサーモン刺し'. Background shows part of a restaurant interior.
Dining Interior with Patrons and Staff
Interior of a Japanese restaurant or izakaya showing patrons seated at tables, staff in aprons serving food, menu boards on walls, and a counter area with drinks and condiments.
Bar Interior with Patrons and Staff
A cozy bar interior featuring a long wooden counter where patrons are seated on stools, enjoying drinks and food. A staff member is serving customers behind the counter. The walls are adorned with wooden panels and decorative elements, including hanging flowers and framed pictures. A television screen displays content in the background, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Japanese Yakitori and Fried Food Spread
A table set with various Japanese dishes including skewers of yakitori, fried cutlets (karaage), and a bottle of Sapporo beer. In the background, there are vertical signs listing menu items like 'Gatsu', 'Kaji', 'Tsubo', etc., along with a promotional flyer.
Night Street Scene with Outdoor Dining
A bustling night street lined with shops and restaurants, featuring illuminated signs in Japanese characters, outdoor seating areas with patrons dining at tables, and decorative lanterns hanging from poles. The scene captures a lively urban atmosphere with people walking and socializing.
Restaurant Menu Board
A close-up of a printed menu board displaying recommended dishes with prices and descriptions in Japanese.
Grilled Skewers on a Plate
A close-up of grilled skewers featuring pieces of meat and vegetables, served on a rustic plate with sauce drizzled around it. In the background, another similar dish is visible along with part of a menu board.
Sapporo Beer and Side Dishes at a Bar Counter
A close-up view of a wooden bar counter featuring a bottle of Sapporo beer, a glass with some beer, a small bowl of pickled vegetables (likely daikon radish), another small bowl containing what appears to be miso soup or broth with chopsticks resting on the side, and a folded white napkin. In the background, there is a shelf holding various containers and items, including what looks like an apple. To the right, there is a framed menu board with Japanese text.
Nearby Shops
Plant More
Plant More is a vegan-friendly cafe on the 6th floor of Lumine Shinjuku 1, servi
View ShopBar Albatross
Bar Albatross is a celebrated drinking establishment in Shinjuku Golden Gai, kno
View ShopMotsuyaki Ucchan
Motsuyaki Ucchan is a lively grilled offal specialist in Shinjuku's famed Omoide
View Shop