Dai ichi Horai ya at Go Shinjuku
Location: Japan, 〒160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−2−7 思い出横丁
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Dai-ichi Horai-ya, founded in 1947, is the original yakitori stall of Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, credited as a birthplace of the post-war yakitori trade.
Dai-ichi Horai-ya, founded in 1947, is the original yakitori stall of Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, credited as a birthplace of the post-war yakitori trade.
Dai-ichi Horai-ya, or Horaiya the First, is a historic yakitori and motsuyaki stall in Shinjuku Nishiguchi Omoide Yokocho, the narrow lane of tiny eateries that runs beside the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station. Established in 1947 by Masami Kaneko, the shop is recognised as the first yakitori and broiled-offal restaurant in Omoide Yokocho and is widely credited as a birthplace of the post-war yakitori trade in western Tokyo. The original shop sits in the middle lane of the yokocho, with a sister shop, Dai-ni Horai-ya, on the track-side lane.The menu centres on charcoal-grilled skewers, including chicken yakitori, motsuyaki broiled offal and fresh offal sashimi, all cooked over high-grade oak charcoal and basted with a secret sauce developed over more than seven decades. The shop also serves motsunikomi offal stew, seafood dishes and what it terms "gourmet treats" beyond standard yakitori fare. The tiny counter seating and smoky, lantern-lit interior preserve the atmosphere of post-war Shinjuku, which is a large part of the shop's enduring appeal.
Omoide Yokocho stalls typically open from late afternoon into the night, and Dai-ichi Horai-ya follows a similar pattern, with hours varying by day. The location is a two-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station's west exit and from Seibu Shinjuku Station. Visitors should expect to stand or sit at a small counter alongside other diners, and cash is generally preferred, as is typical for yokocho stalls.
Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 182 Google reviews
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Positive Reviews
R D
Really enjoyed the food and drinks here can’t complain at all.
D C
Great cozy atmosphere quick service and good food. Definitely a recommendation to come here if you are visiting tokyo
M R
We are so glad we were able to find a couple of seats here. The food was so good and so was the service. The steak, ribs & leek and chicken skewers were our favorite.
T L
Intimate dining experience with unique seafood and meat grilled in front of you. Fun drinks available too.
R E
What a great yakitori joint with some of the best traditional food you can get in the traditional food district in Shinjuku (Omoide Yokucho street). The house yaki special is the Umame or omeboshi chicken yakitori - it's a WOW blast in your …
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Photo Gallery
Dai ichi Horai ya
Yakitori Shop Front
A shop front with illuminated signage displaying Japanese characters, lanterns hanging above the entrance, and a noren curtain at the doorway. A person is standing near the entrance.
Restaurant with illuminated lantern
A shop front featuring a large orange paper lantern with Japanese characters, customers waiting in line, and various signs including menu boards and notices on the wall.
Diners at a Japanese Izakaya Bar
Interior shot of a busy Japanese izakaya or yakitori bar. Patrons sit at the counter eating skewered meat and grilled items. Staff are visible behind the pass. Shelves with dishes, cooking equipment, and posters (including one advertising shrimp) line the walls. A small fan sits near the food warmer.
Stir-fried Beef Bowl
A close-up of a dark bowl containing glossy, marinated beef strips mixed with sliced onions and garlic cloves. A piece of lettuce is visible at the top edge. The dish appears to be served in a casual dining setting.
Japanese Fried Fish with Lemon and Sauce
A plate of golden-brown fried fish served on a blue patterned dish, garnished with lemon slices and lettuce leaves. Accompanying the main dish are small bowls containing pickled ginger and dark soy sauce. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese text listing various items.
Interior of a Japanese Izakaya Bar
A photo taken from the customer's perspective inside a traditional Japanese izakaya or bar. The view is focused on the wooden counter and the kitchen area behind it. On the left, a yellow bag with 'SoftBank' branding hangs near the ceiling. A large metal beer tap system stands prominently in the foreground. To the right, a menu board is propped up against the counter, displaying text in Japanese characters. Above the counter, several small signs list prices for drinks like '¥440', '¥690'. In the background, staff members are visible working at the bar, and shelves hold various bottles and equipment. A plush toy resembling Snoopy sits on the counter.
Grilled Beef Skewer with Lettuce and Sauce
A close-up of a plate featuring grilled beef skewers served on lettuce leaves, topped with shredded onions and drizzled with sauce. A small dollop of green sauce is placed to the side. In the background, there is a metallic cup and part of a menu board visible.
Grilled Skewers on Black Plate
Three skewers of grilled meat, possibly beef or pork, arranged diagonally on a black rectangular plate. The top skewer appears to be twisted or spiral-shaped with char marks. The middle and bottom skewers show glossy, caramelized surfaces with visible grill lines. Small droplets of oil or sauce are scattered around the food on the plate.
Japanese Restaurant Interior
A close-up view of a restaurant interior showing a metal cup filled with water in the foreground, resting on a wooden table. Behind it is a menu board displaying two recommended dishes: 'Motsu Abenami' (¥420) and 'Hatsu Saji' (¥640). The menu features images of the dishes and includes Japanese text describing them.
Okonomiyaki with toppings
A plate of golden-brown okonomiyaki topped with shredded nori, green onions, and drizzled with sauce and mayonnaise. In the background, a bowl of lettuce is visible on a wooden table.
Yakitori and Drink at Japanese Restaurant
A close-up of a plate with grilled meat skewers (yakitori) topped with shredded scallions, served on a white rectangular dish alongside a small dollop of green wasabi or similar condiment. A metal cup sits behind the plate, and another skewer is held above it. In the background, a menu board displays Japanese text listing various items like 'green tea cut' and 'meat cut'. The setting appears to be an indoor wooden table in a casual dining establishment.
Grilled Skewers and Side Dishes at a Japanese Restaurant
A close-up view of a wooden table with two skewers of grilled meat, one wrapped in bacon, and two small bowls of pickled vegetables. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese text.
Japanese Restaurant Table Setting
Close-up of two stainless steel cups filled with white foam, likely beer or sake, placed on a wooden table alongside small ceramic bowls containing pickled vegetables and seaweed salad. In the background, a menu board displays Japanese text listing various dishes.
Bowl of Japanese-style soup with noodles and meat
A close-up photo of a white bowl containing a light-colored broth with shredded cabbage, thin noodles, and pieces of cooked meat or tofu. Chopsticks are lifting some of the food from the bowl. The bowl rests on a dark wooden table surface.
Okonomiyaki and Yakitori on a Wooden Table
A plate of okonomiyaki topped with mayonnaise, bonito flakes, and green onions sits in the foreground. Behind it is a black rectangular dish holding skewers of yakitori. A smartphone displaying a menu or list is visible to the left.
Bowl of raw beef with lettuce and onions
A close-up photo of a small black bowl containing thinly sliced raw red meat, likely beef or pork, topped with chopped white onions and green onions. A piece of light green lettuce is placed on the side. The bowl sits on a wooden table surface. In the background, slightly out of focus, there appears to be a menu board with text in Japanese characters.
Japanese Restaurant Interior
A wooden counter in a Japanese restaurant with bowls of food, chopsticks, and menus on the wall. A staff member is visible in the background.
Night Street Scene with People and Signage
A nighttime street scene featuring people walking under a green sign with yellow Japanese characters. The area is illuminated by warm lights from hanging lanterns and shop signs, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Grilled Skewers and Side Dishes
A close-up of a meal featuring grilled skewers on a black plate, a bowl of mixed vegetables with leeks and possibly pork or chicken pieces, and another dish in the background containing dark-colored ingredients like mushrooms or seaweed.
Grilled Meat Skewers with Onions and Sauce
A plate of grilled meat skewers topped with chopped onions, served on a bed of lettuce leaves with a side of green sauce.
Grilled Skewers on Wooden Table
A close-up view of two black rectangular plates containing grilled skewers on a wooden table. The top plate holds four skewers with glazed, charred meat pieces and one skewer with a darkened cylindrical item. The bottom plate contains six green chili peppers (shishito) that are lightly charred, arranged in rows on wooden skewers. A portion of a menu is visible in the upper right corner.
Fried Fish Meal
A table setting featuring a plate of fried fish with lemon and lettuce, accompanied by soy sauce in a ceramic cup, a small bowl of dark liquid (possibly miso soup or dipping sauce), a white ceramic bottle with blue floral patterns, and crumpled white napkins on a wooden surface.
Omoide Yokochō Street View
A narrow alleyway lined with shops, featuring a prominent green sign reading 'Omoide Yokocho' (Nostalgia Street). Below it is a yellow menu board listing various items in Japanese and English. To the left, a ramen shop with a red awning displays food posters. On the right, jewelry stores and other retail outlets are visible.
Grilled Skewers with Cheese and Nori
A close-up of skewered grilled food items, likely pork or chicken, topped with melted cheese and garnished with crispy nori strips on a dark plate.
Ramen Bowl with Water
A bowl of ramen with sliced meat and shredded vegetables, accompanied by a glass of water on a wooden table. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese text.
Japanese Food Interior
A close-up of a meal on a wooden table, featuring skewers of grilled meat and fish cakes, a small bowl of salad, and a dollop of mustard. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese text listing various drinks like beer, sake, and cocktails.
Fried Pork Trotters with Lettuce
A plate of golden-brown fried pork trotters served on a white rectangular dish, accompanied by fresh lettuce leaves and small bowls of dipping sauces in the background.
Bowl of Rice with Tofu and Scallions
A black bowl filled with white rice topped with chopped scallions, yellow egg pieces, and pink tofu cubes. Wooden chopsticks rest on the side of the bowl.
Food Counter Interior
A food counter with a glass display case covered in stickers, including one labeled 'KOSUZAKI'. Behind the counter, shelves hold various items and calendars. A person is visible working behind the counter.
Decorated Alleyway with Autumn Theme
A narrow alley lined with shops, decorated with autumn leaves and lanterns. People are walking along the path, and a person stands near the entrance of one shop.
Bowl of Marinated Meat with Onions and Greens
A close-up shot of a dark ceramic bowl containing thinly sliced marinated meat, likely beef or pork, mixed with chopped onions and green leafy vegetables. The dish appears glossy, suggesting a sauce or marinade.
Japanese Restaurant Table Setting
A close-up of a wooden table in a Japanese restaurant featuring a plate of fried fish with lemon and lettuce, a small dish of pickled ginger, a cup of soy sauce, and a menu board in the background.
Japanese Bar Interior with Food and Drink
A cozy Japanese bar interior featuring a wooden counter with grilled meat on a rectangular plate, a lemon wedge, chopsticks in a small bowl, two golden cups, alcohol dispenser, soy sauce bottle, and a menu board with Japanese text listing various drinks like beer and cocktails.
Skewer on a Plate
A close-up of a skewer with grilled meat, possibly beef or pork, resting on a dark gray oval plate. The skewer is placed on a wooden table, and there's a bottle of Coca-Cola in the background. A hand holding chopsticks is visible in the upper right corner.
Grilled Skewers and Dumplings Display
A close-up of two black trays on a wooden table, each holding skewered grilled items. The left tray contains three types of meat skewers with a small dollop of sauce. The right tray has three types of seafood or vegetable skewers, including what appears to be squid rings. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese text and prices, along with a sign advertising boiled dumplings for ¥600.
Yakitori Platter
A close-up of skewered grilled meats on black plates, including pork belly and chicken with green garnish, alongside a small bowl of sauce.
Grilled Skewts at a Street Food Stall
A close-up view of skewted meat and tomatoes being grilled on an open flame grill, with aluminum foil lining the bottom. In the background, there are signs indicating smoking is allowed in multiple languages (Chinese, English, Korean). A small bowl sits to the left side.
Yakitori and side dish on a wooden table
A close-up of grilled skewers (yakitori) served on a black rectangular plate, garnished with green herbs and sesame seeds. A small bowl of pickled vegetables sits beside it. In the background, vertical menu boards with Japanese text are visible.
Grilled Skewts at a Street Food Stall
A close-up view of skewted meat and tofu being grilled on a charcoal grill in what appears to be a street food stall or small restaurant kitchen. A person's hand is visible near the grill, possibly seasoning or adjusting the food. Various cooking utensils and ingredients are visible in the background.
Bar Interior with Bottles and Stools
A cozy bar interior featuring a wooden counter lined with various liquor bottles, including whiskey and vodka. A 'Welcome' sign indicates an English menu is available. The space includes stools, a glass display case, and shelves stocked with supplies. Posters and notices adorn the walls.
Japanese Yakitori and Dumplings Display
A wooden counter displays skewers of grilled meat, mushrooms, and vegetables alongside a bowl of pickled items. A menu board lists various yakitori options with prices in yen. Two metal cups hold beverages.
Snoopy and Friends Figurines Display with Japanese Menu Board
A display case featuring Snoopy and other Peanuts characters figurines, including Woodstock, Lucy, Charlie Brown, and Linus. Below the figurines is a red-framed menu board listing various Japanese alcoholic beverages such as beer, sake, and shochu, along with their prices in yen.
Grilled Skewers on Black Plate
Two skewers of grilled meat, possibly pork or chicken, with charred ends, served on a rectangular black plate. The plate rests on a light wooden table surface. In the background, parts of a white appliance and a metallic container are visible. A blue and white patterned dish edge appears at the bottom left corner.
Grilled Skewers on Black Plate
A black rectangular plate holds several skewers of grilled meat, including beef and possibly chicken or pork, arranged diagonally. The table is wooden with visible grain. In the background, a menu board with Japanese text and prices is partially visible. Chopsticks rest in a white bowl to the left.
Grilled Skewers on a Black Plate
A close-up of grilled skewers, including meat and possibly chicken or fish, arranged on a black rectangular plate. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese text, small bowls, and additional skewers on another plate.
Bowl of Soup with Meat and Vegetables
A close-up photo of a bowl of soup containing chunks of meat, mushrooms, and chopped leeks or onions in a light broth. The bowl is black with a beige base, placed on a wooden table. In the background, there is a container holding chopsticks and part of a menu board visible.
Japanese Restaurant Menu Display
A close-up of a printed menu featuring three main dishes with photos, descriptions in Japanese, and prices. The top item is 'Motsu Nigiri' (¥380), the middle is 'Hatsuri' (¥580), and the bottom is 'Kobori' (¥580). Each dish includes an image, brief description, price, and tax note. Blue circular badges highlight freshness or new items.
Grilled Skewers on Wooden Counter
A close-up shot of two skewers of grilled meat, likely yakitori or similar Japanese-style skewer, served on a black rectangular plate placed on a wooden counter. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese and English text listing various food items.
Crowded Alleyway with Lanterns
A busy narrow alley lined with shops, illuminated by hanging yellow and red lanterns. People are walking through the crowd, some looking at menus or signs. Visible signage includes Japanese characters on shop fronts.
Yakitori and Menu Board
A close-up shot of skewered grilled meat (yakitori) on a black plate, with another dish in a small bowl to the left. In the background, there is a menu board displaying various items in Japanese and English.
Bowl of Dishes with Condiments
A close-up shot shows a small white bowl containing what appears to be dumplings or similar food items, garnished with shredded carrots and possibly other ingredients. In the background, there is a brown container holding wooden chopsticks, a dark-colored thermos or bottle, and another red container partially visible. The setting suggests an indoor dining environment, likely at a restaurant or café.
Yakitori Shop Interior
A cozy Japanese yakitori shop interior with a counter displaying skewered meats and vegetables. A customer is eating while the staff prepares food behind a glass display case covered in stickers. A plush toy sits on the counter, adding to the warm atmosphere.
Interior of a Japanese restaurant or shop
The image shows the interior of a small, traditional-style shop or restaurant. A person wearing a white shirt with Japanese characters is standing near the counter. On the left, there is a plush toy resembling a dog. The background includes shelves stocked with various items such as bottles and containers. Hanging from the ceiling are decorative elements including a shimenawa rope with paper charms (shide) and other ornaments. Price tags on the wall display prices like ¥650, ¥640, and ¥680. There is also a chalkboard menu listing items like 'Miso Soup' and 'Ramen'.
Grilled Skewrs Meal
A table setting with skewers of grilled meat and vegetables, a small bowl of sauce, chopsticks, and a glass of water.
Plush toys and condiments display
A wooden shelf displays plush toys including Winnie the Pooh, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and a white dog figure. Below them are small figurines in a glass case. In front is a tray with chopsticks, soy sauce bottles, and stacked red lids. A menu board to the right lists Japanese dishes like 'Sushi' and 'Ramen'. The setting appears to be inside a restaurant or shop.
Bowl of stir-fried squid with leeks and peppers
A close-up shot of a black ceramic bowl filled with cooked squid pieces, sliced green onions (leeks), yellow bell pepper strips, and possibly ginger or garlic. The dish appears to be seasoned with oil or sauce, glistening under warm lighting. In the background, there is a wooden table surface, part of another small white bowl with chopsticks, and blurred objects including what looks like a menu stand or sign in the upper left corner.
Snokey Shop Interior
Interior of a shop featuring hanging Snoopy plush toys and menu boards listing yakitori items with prices in yen.
Eggplant Dish with Sauce and Ginger
A plate of grilled eggplant slices topped with bonito flakes, served in a dark sauce on a blue patterned plate. A small piece of ginger is placed beside the dish. The background shows a menu board with Japanese text.
Japanese Restaurant Interior
A close-up view of a wooden table in a Japanese restaurant, featuring a metal cup with lemon garnish, a small bowl of shredded food (possibly fish or vegetable salad), and chopsticks wrapped in paper. In the background, there is a menu board listing various items in Japanese characters, along with decorative figurines on a shelf above.
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