Kobayashi Chicken

Set along the Yanaka Ginza shopping street, Kobayashi Chicken is a poultry shop easily spotted by its glass display case filled with fresh chicken cuts and ready-to-eat grilled skewers. The smoky aroma drifting from the charcoal grill draws plenty of passersby to a stop, anchored by the reliable sourcing expected of a dedicated butcher.

A natural starting point is the chicken thigh skewer made with Iwate Iwai chicken. Grilled patiently over binchotan charcoal, the meat remains tender, releasing charred aromatics and rich savor with every bite. The lineup also includes chicken wings with crisp, savory skin and salt-seasoned chicken-and-scallion skewers, letting you compare the nuances of sweet tare glaze against clean salt seasoning.

The offal and intricately assembled skewers deserve equal attention. The popular liver skewer layers tender scallion segments between the pieces and crowns the top with a chicken heart, offering an appealing contrast in rich savor and texture. On certain preparation days, prized kinkan (unlaid eggs) make an appearance, while the inexpensive chicken meatballs known as "balls" remain an everyday classic cherished by longtime regulars.

Skewers can be ordered starting from a single piece (1), making them practical to pack up for reheating at home or your accommodations alongside drinks. Operating days are limited and popular cuts can sell out before late afternoon, so planning a visit earlier in the day while exploring Yanaka is well worth the effort.