新宿思い出横丁 きくや

Kikuya is a long-established izakaya founded in 1956 in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, the narrow alleyway of tiny drinking dens near the west exit of Shinjuku Station. Sitting among dozens of other small bars and eateries in this historic post-war district, it embodies the nostalgic atmosphere that has made Omoide Yokocho one of Tokyo's most evocative evening destinations. The shop specialises in motsuyaki, skewers of beef and pork offal grilled over charcoal, alongside motsu-ni stewed offal, with a secret sauce continually replenished since the restaurant's earliest days. House-blended salt and an original shochu highball recipe complement the smoky, savoury skewers, while a range of straight shochu caters to more discerning drinkers looking to savour the full depth of the izakaya experience. Kikuya opens from 15:00 on weekdays, closing at 23:30 Monday to Friday and 23:00 on weekends and holidays, with the alley itself a short two to three-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's west exit. Seats are limited in the tiny premises, so arriving early in the evening is advisable to secure a spot at the counter and watch the veteran chefs work the grill.

1956年創業、思い出横丁の老舗居酒屋「きくや」。名物のもつ焼き串と、自家ブレンドの焼酎ハイボールが自慢。