A New Chapter for Aoyama-Itchome Tanuki
Yakitori Tanuki, a sister restaurant to the popular neighborhood izakaya Aoyama-Itchome Tanuki, is set to open on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Aoyama-Itchome, Tokyo. Operated by StyLe Co., Ltd., the new venue builds on the success of its predecessor by centering the menu around yakitori skewers while maintaining the approachable spirit of a classic Japanese izakaya.
Since its 2022 opening, Aoyama-Itchome Tanuki has attracted a broad range of customers and received coverage from food media outlets including Monthly Shokudo and the Gurunavi Journal. The original restaurant has also gained attention on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram through posts by food enthusiasts and influencers.
The Concept Behind Yakitori Tanuki
Yakitori Tanuki sets out to combine a yakitori-focused experience with the full, unhurried appeal of a neighborhood drinking establishment. The menu features yakitori as the main draw while also incorporating popular items from the Aoyama-Itchome Tanuki lineup.
The chicken used for skewers is Kinsou Dori, a variety known for its soft, springy texture. Each bird is individually inspected and hand-processed by skilled workers, with the meat threaded onto skewers by hand on the same morning — ensuring freshness from preparation to plate.
Signature Skewers and Rare Cuts
Among the featured skewers are the dakimi (breast meat), negima (chicken and scallion), and house-made tsukune (minced chicken meatballs). These classics are prepared with the restaurant's guiding principle in mind: ordinary dishes, done properly.
Yakitori Tanuki also offers a range of rare cuts from Kinsou Dori chicken, including sunagimo (gizzard), bonjiri (parson's nose), reba (liver), and seseri (neck meat). The restaurant notes that these particular Kinsou Dori cuts are not available elsewhere in Tokyo.
The popular simmered dish (nimono), one of the standout items from the original Aoyama-Itchome Tanuki, also features on the menu.
Doing the Basics Right
Rather than chasing trendy or gimmicky dishes, Yakitori Tanuki focuses on getting the fundamentals right — the kind of cooking that keeps guests coming back. Fresh sashimi and other carefully made classics complement the yakitori, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to straightforward, honest cooking.
Room for Creativity
While the core of the menu is built on familiar favorites, a creative flair keeps things interesting. A yakitori restaurant's take on Peking duck is one of the more unexpected highlights on the menu.
Teri Mayo Pizza — a teriyaki mayo-topped pizza that appeals to all ages — is another crowd-pleaser rounding out the menu.
A Fitting Finish: House-Made Noodles
Reflecting the belief that a great izakaya experience is defined in part by how it ends, Yakitori Tanuki offers a finishing noodle dish made fresh in-house. The noodles are cut and rolled on the day using the restaurant's own noodle machine.
A Neighborhood Destination in Aoyama-Itchome
Yakitori Tanuki aims to be a go-to spot for Aoyama-Itchome residents and workers alike — whether for a post-work drink, a relaxed dinner with friends, or a casual date night. Every item on the menu, from the first bite to the finale, is made by hand.
Restaurant Information
Yakitori Tanuki
- Address: 1-3-6 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 (1F, Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Minami Aoyama 1-chome Apartment)
- Access: 3-minute walk from Aoyama-Itchome Station
- Hours:
- Mon–Fri: 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
- Sat, Sun & Holidays: 4:00 PM–10:30 PM
- Closed: Irregular
- Seating: 48 seats
