In the heart of Tokyo’s Nakameguro neighborhood, a small, unassuming yakitori shop has quietly become one of the city’s most cherished culinary experiences. Toriyoshi Yakitori (鳥よし), particularly its original Honten location, offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the world of traditional Japanese grilling through the skilled hands of a true master. At the center of it all is Yoshito Inomata—affectionately known among regulars as “the Legend”—who, even in his early seventies, continues to captivate diners from behind the counter.
The story gained worldwide attention through a popular YouTube documentary by Paolo fromTOKYO titled “Behind the Counter at a Japanese Yakitori Shop of a 72 year old Master.” Released in 2023, the film (which has surpassed two million views) follows Inomata as he works his magic over glowing binchotan charcoal. Born in 1950, he began his grilling journey at the age of 18 and has since opened multiple locations, yet the Nakameguro shop remains the soul of the operation. Here, premium Date-dori chicken from the Tohoku region is transformed into perfectly charred skewers, each piece meticulously prepared and seasoned with the precision that only decades of experience can bring.
What makes the experience truly special is its simplicity. The shop operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. It opens its doors at 4 PM, and the compact counter seats fill up quickly, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a private kitchen than a restaurant. Diners sit elbow-to-elbow, watching Inomata and his team tend to the flames in real time. The air is filled with the smoky aroma of charcoal and the sizzle of chicken skin crisping to perfection. There are no elaborate menus or flashy presentations—just honest, expertly crafted yakitori that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Toriyoshi’s reputation remains rock-solid today. It consistently earns high marks on Tabelog (around 3.74) and is frequently listed among Tokyo’s top yakitori destinations. The menu features classic skewers alongside signature dishes such as grilled chicken bowls, where tender slices of charred meat rest atop rice with fresh accompaniments. Sides like grilled vegetables, tsukune (chicken meatballs), and seasonal specialties round out the offerings, all prepared with the same care that has defined the shop for decades.
Finding the place is straightforward for anyone visiting Tokyo. The Nakameguro Honten is located at 1F Yajima Building, 2-8-6 Kamimeguro, Meguro-ku—just a three-minute walk from Nakameguro Station. While the shop is part of a small chain, the original location featured in the video is the one that continues to draw both locals and international visitors eager for an authentic slice of old-school Tokyo dining.
For those who cannot make the trip immediately, the YouTube video provides a wonderful virtual visit, capturing the quiet focus, the rhythmic motion of the grill, and the subtle satisfaction on Inomata’s face with each perfectly cooked skewer. The official website also offers details on all locations and the current menu, complete with an English version for international guests.
In an era of fleeting food trends and Instagram-ready dining rooms, Toriyoshi stands as a refreshing reminder of what makes Japanese cuisine enduring: mastery, humility, and the simple joy of watching a craftsman at work. Whether you plan to queue up in person or simply enjoy the documentary from your couch, the story of this 72-year-old master and his beloved yakitori counter is one worth savoring.
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