Nogataya at Go Shinjuku
Location: 1 Chome-2-12 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane
Nogataya is a yakitori and motsuyaki izakaya in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, the historic narrow-lane dining alley beside the station's west exit.
Nogataya is a yakitori and motsuyaki izakaya in Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho, the historic narrow-lane dining alley beside the station's west exit.
Nogataya is a yakitori and motsuyaki izakaya situated in Omoide Yokocho, the historic narrow-lane dining alley that runs beside Shinjuku Station's north-west exit. The alley, whose name translates to Memory Lane, dates back to the postwar period and houses around 60 tiny eateries and bars in an area of roughly 200 square metres, creating one of Tokyo's most atmospheric dining districts.Nogataya specialises in yakitori chicken skewers and motsuyaki grilled offal, with a signature dish of miso-glazed pork skewers that is unique among the alley's establishments. The menu also includes motsunikomi offal stew, potato salad and other classic izakaya fare, with vegetarian skewer options available including peppers, onion, leek and garlic alongside grilled rice balls for non-meat eaters.
The restaurant operates as a traditional tachinomi standing bar, with limited counter seating that places diners shoulder to shoulder with locals and international visitors alike. Omoide Yokocho is particularly busy in the evenings, and the alley comes alive after sunset with smoke from charcoal grills and the chatter of after-work drinkers, so arriving before 18:00 on weekdays offers the best chance of securing a spot at the counter.
Operating Hours
Overall Rating
Based on 121 Google reviews
Negative Reviews
No negative reviews yet.
Positive Reviews
L.W.
So good! Chicken meatballs are the best! We had beef skewers, pork belly, and 5 skewers of the chicken meatballs. A must try!
J.S.
Good food and one of the most enjoyable dinners I had. Amazingly funny owner who offers himself and drinks whiskey with us.
A.D.
Okay English speakers. Let me tell you, the vibe is immaculate. The food is great. The hornet shochu is scary but you can’t taste the hornets (whatever that means).
e.m.
Fantastic experience at this little yakitori joint. You have to order one drink and at least two skewers per person, and there is a table charge of 350 yen which includes an appetiser. The owner is very upfront about this and was not an
D.D.
I had an extremely positive experience at this lovely joint run by an older couple. Nice jazz coming from an old AM stereo on the wall, cold draught beer and good food. I tried several of the skewers and the a la carte menu for seared
Write a Review
Photo Gallery
Nogataya
Soba Udon Kaya Shop Front
A narrow Japanese shop with customers seated at a counter, facing the kitchen area where staff are preparing food. The storefront features illuminated signage in Japanese characters above the entrance and menu boards inside.
Japanese Izakaya Shopfront at Night
A cozy, dimly lit Japanese izakaya with a wooden facade and hanging lanterns. The entrance features a signboard with Japanese characters and an illuminated neon sign reading 'Izakaya'. Inside, staff are preparing food while customers dine at the counter. Decorative white paper leaves hang on the left side of the frame.
Nighttime storefront with illuminated lanterns and signage
A cozy, dimly lit shop entrance at night featuring a wooden signboard with Japanese characters above the door. Two glowing paper lanterns hang from the ceiling—one yellow near the top center and one red-orange on the right side. The facade includes corrugated metal roofing elements and exposed pipes. Inside, patrons are seated at tables, and staff members appear to be working behind the counter. Posters and notices adorn the walls inside, contributing to a bustling, traditional atmosphere.
Street-side food stall with customers dining outside
A small, narrow street-side eatery in Japan features a worker preparing food behind a counter while two men sit at a low table on the sidewalk enjoying their meal. Orange lanterns hang above and along the alleyway, adding to the traditional atmosphere.
Sashimi Platter with Onions and Wasabi
A close-up of a rectangular black plate containing slices of raw red meat, likely beef or tuna sashimi, arranged on top of thinly sliced white onions and green shiso leaves. A dollop of wasabi and a small amount of soy sauce are placed to the side. The dish is set on a wooden table with a glass container and napkin in the background.
Interior of a Japanese bar or izakaya
The image shows the interior of a small, dimly lit establishment with wooden walls and ceiling. There is a counter on the right side with red stools in front of it. Various posters and signs are visible on the walls, including one that says 'SINCE 1937' and another advertising 'CONTINUOUS WHISKY & BEER'. An air conditioning unit is mounted high on the wall near the entrance door. The overall atmosphere suggests a cozy, traditional Japanese drinking venue.
Grilled Food Preparation
A chef grilling meat on a charcoal grill in a small shop with tiled walls and wooden accents. Skewers of green vegetables are prepared nearby, and plates are stacked ready for service.
Grilled Skewers on Wooden Table
A wooden table displays several plates of grilled skewers, including bacon-wrapped items and various meat and vegetable skewers. A glass of beer with a lemon slice sits nearby, along with chopsticks in a small bowl and condiment bottles.
Japanese Bar Interior Shelf
A wooden shelf in a Japanese bar displays various bottles of alcohol, including sake and whiskey, alongside small decorative items like figurines and a radio. Below the shelf is a handwritten menu board listing drinks with prices.
Grilled Skewts at Street Stall
A chef wearing a blue and white bandana and red shirt is grilling skewets on an open flame grill in a small food stall. The scene includes visible menu boards with Japanese text, posters of dishes, and cooking equipment.
Group at a Japanese Izakaya Bar
A group of six people are gathered around the counter inside a cozy, wood-paneled izakaya or bar in Japan. The interior is warm and dimly lit with hanging lights. Posters and signs adorn the walls, including one that says 'OPEN' and another with Japanese characters. A sign above reads '1 Drink 2 Food'. There are red stools visible near the counter.
Bar Interior with Staff and Patrons
A narrow, dimly lit bar interior featuring a wooden counter where patrons sit on stools. A staff member in black is preparing food or drinks behind the counter. Visible items include a beer glass labeled 'SAPPORO', a red box, menus, and various kitchen equipment. The walls are adorned with posters and signs.
Hornet Shochu Display
A glass jar containing a preserved hornet and liquid, labeled 'Hornet shochu ¥980' with Japanese text below. A glass of water with ice is in the foreground. Background includes partial views of other bottles and menus.
Water Glass on Table
A clear glass of water sits on a white saucer atop a wooden table. In the background, there is a crumpled white cloth, a small bowl with food, and several bottles with red caps in a basket.
Suntory Whisky drink in a glass mug
A close-up photo of a Suntory Whisky drink served in a clear glass mug with ice and lemon garnish, placed on a wooden table. In the background, there is a handwritten sign with prices visible.
Sake Bottle and Man in Shop Interior
A green sake bottle labeled 'Kousumi' sits on a white cloth next to a man with gray hair making an intense face. Background shows shelves with bowls, bottles, and handwritten signs.
Fried Rice Balls with Pickles
A close-up of two golden-brown fried rice balls on a black plate, accompanied by pickled ginger and a small metal ashtray in the background.
Fried Rice Balls with Pickles
A close-up of two golden-brown fried rice balls on a speckled white plate, accompanied by yellow pickled radish slices. Chopsticks rest nearby, and a small bowl of dipping sauce is visible in the background.
Hornet Shochu Bottle
A jar of hornet shochu with a label featuring an illustration of a hornet and Japanese text, priced at ¥980. A glass with ice is in the foreground.
Grilled Skewers on a Wooden Table
A close-up view of various grilled skewers arranged on a dark rectangular plate, placed on a wooden table. The skewers include different types of meat and possibly vegetables, with visible grill marks. In the background, there are additional dishes and utensils, including chopsticks and small bowls. A person's hand holding chopsticks is partially visible on the right side.
Japanese shop interior display
A close-up view of a wooden wall in what appears to be a Japanese shop or restaurant. Visible items include a red circular sign with white Japanese characters, a yellow poster with vertical and horizontal Japanese text, several bottles (likely sake), a spray bottle on a shelf, and a small handwritten note attached to the bottles.
Drink Menu and Appetizer
A close-up of a printed drink menu on a wooden table, featuring categories like Beer, Shochu cocktails, Soft drinks, Liqueur, Highball, Nihonshu, and Shochu. A small bowl of creamy appetizer with visible chunks sits in the foreground.
Bar Interior with Fans and Drinks
A close-up view of a bar counter featuring multiple black fans, several glasses filled with amber-colored drinks, and a person holding a bottle in the background. The setting includes shelves stocked with bottles and signs indicating free Wi-Fi.
Yakitori Grill Station
A close-up view of a yakitori grill station in a Japanese restaurant. A chef is grilling skewers over an open flame, while customers wait nearby. The scene includes various cooking utensils, plates, and ingredients on the counter.
Sapporo Beer Store Interior Wall Display
A wooden wall inside a shop featuring vintage-style posters and signs. Prominent items include a Sapporo Lager poster on the door, an old paper notice with Japanese text, two framed advertisements for 'Tomsu Kan' (likely a beer brand), and a red circular sign reading 'Nobori'. A small shelf holds additional memorabilia.
Japanese Bar Interior Signage
A close-up view of a Japanese bar's interior, featuring shelves with bottles and stacked metal cups above handwritten menus on paper. Below are posters advertising local beer and other items.
Yakitori Platter
A plate of grilled skewers on a dark rectangular ceramic dish, placed on a wooden table. The skewers include glazed pork belly (kushikatsu-style), bacon-wrapped chicken or pork pieces with char marks, and shishito peppers. A small portion of white sauce is visible near the peppers.
Night Street Scene with Neon Signs and Lanterns
A vibrant night scene of a bustling street lined with illuminated signs, lanterns, and shops. The atmosphere is lively, with people walking along the sidewalk. Various signs in Japanese characters add to the cultural ambiance.
Grilled Beef Slices with Wasabi
A plate of grilled beef slices seasoned with black pepper and sesame seeds, accompanied by a dollop of green wasabi on the side.
Hornet Shochu Display
A close-up of a glass jar labeled 'Hornet shochu' with Japanese text and price ¥980, placed on a shelf next to stacked black plates and white spoons. In the foreground, a glass mug filled with ice and yellow liquid sits near a menu board partially visible in the background.
Bacon-wrapped food skewers on a dark plate
A close-up photo of three pieces of bacon-wrapped food, possibly chicken or pork, served on a black textured plate. The food appears grilled with visible char marks and seasoning. In the background, there is a wooden table surface, a small glass container, and part of a menu board with Japanese characters.
Japanese Restaurant Interior Wall Display
Interior shot of a Japanese restaurant showing walls covered with various menu boards and posters. Visible items include a 'BALT-GRILLED SHRIMP' poster, yellow price lists for dishes like 'Sapporo Beer', 'Potato Salad', 'Thick Cut Fried Rice', 'Cold Soba', 'Plum Sauce Udon', and 'Shiso Udon'. A green sign advertises 'Japanese Wine (2 bottles) ¥990'. On the right, a white refrigerator displays additional drink options like 'Ochazuki', 'Kobori', and 'Mentaiko'. A wooden table is partially visible in the foreground.
Restaurant Interior with Customers and Staff
A cozy restaurant interior featuring wooden walls adorned with various posters and signs. A counter separates customers from the kitchen area where a chef is working. The scene includes condiments, an ashtray, and framed pictures on the counter.
Grilled Skewers Platter
A black rectangular plate holds six skewers of grilled food arranged in two rows. The top row contains four round, golden-brown meatballs with char marks. The bottom row has three long skewers: the first is a dark brown beef-like cutlet, the second appears to be pork belly or similar fatty meat, and the third shows darker, possibly liver or organ meat slices.
Beer and Appetizer at Japanese Restaurant
A glass mug of beer with foam sits next to a small bowl of appetizer, likely gyoza or similar dumplings, on a wooden table in a warmly lit restaurant interior.
Handwritten Japanese Signboard
A white framed sign with handwritten Japanese text, likely a notice or menu item restriction at a small eatery.
Grilled Chicken Skewers at a Japanese Restaurant
A close-up of grilled chicken skewers held in hand, with a wooden table and various dishes visible in the background.
Sake and Grilled Food at a Japanese Bar
A bottle of sake with autumn-themed label sits on the counter next to a small glass. In the background, a man in a black shirt gestures enthusiastically while standing behind a grill where skewers are cooking. Steam rises from the food, and various items like fans and bottles are visible in the cluttered shop interior.
Potato Salad with Drink and Chopsticks
A bowl of creamy potato salad garnished with red pepper flakes sits on a wooden table, accompanied by a glass mug of water with condensation, a small black dish, and red chopsticks. A menu board is visible in the background.
Grilled Skewts Cooking
A close-up view of skewted meat cooking on a charcoal grill, with steam rising and smoke visible in the background. A hand is holding a small container above the grill, possibly adding seasoning or oil. The setting appears to be an indoor kitchen or food preparation area.
Confirmation items from the tavern
A sign with multilingual text in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese explaining rules for ordering food and drinks at a tavern. It mentions a charge of 400 yen per person when crowded and an estimated wait time of 90 minutes.
Dish with Tofu and Egg in Broth
A bowl of soup featuring a white egg, rolled tofu, seaweed, and other ingredients in a dark broth, served on a wooden table.
Sapporo Beer and Menu at Japanese Restaurant
A wooden counter displays a glass of Sapporo beer, a small bowl of salad, and a white towel. Behind them is a menu board with Japanese text listing various dishes and prices. The scene suggests an interior setting of a casual dining establishment.
Hornet Shochu Display
A large glass jar filled with a dark liquid, labeled '大スズメバチ焼酎' (Hornet Shochu) priced at ¥980. The jar is placed on a counter next to stacked black plates and kitchen utensils in the background.
Dining Table with Drinks and Menu
A wooden table set in a restaurant featuring a glass of iced tea, a mug of beer, small bowls of side dishes, and a menu board listing food items like omakase gohan, beef, chicken, and appetizers.
Grilled Skewers on Charcoal Grill
Close-up of skewered meats and vegetables grilling over glowing charcoal. Visible items include three round meatballs, glazed pork belly slices, raw beef strips, and skewers with alternating chunks of meat and green onions. The grill is lined with aluminum foil, and the background shows tiled walls and a wooden window frame.
Table Charge Sign
A close-up of two handwritten signs on a wooden surface. The left sign is in Japanese, mentioning 'one item or more' and '2 skewers'. The right sign reads 'Table CHARGE 350 Yen', with the price underlined.
Drink and Menu at Japanese Restaurant
A glass mug with a 'Torys' logo filled with water and lemon slices sits on a wooden table. In the background, there is a menu board with Japanese text and prices. To the left, red chopsticks rest in a black dish, and a white napkin lies nearby.
Japanese Izakaya Bar Interior
Interior view of a traditional Japanese izakaya or bar, featuring a wooden counter with condiments and stacked plates. A menu board is visible on the wall, listing items like 'Oden' at ¥500. Outside, a street scene shows a closed shuttered storefront and hanging lanterns.
Grilled Skewts Display
A close-up view of skewted meat being grilled on a metal rack inside a glass display case. The background shows white tiled walls with handwritten price lists in Japanese characters and numbers, indicating prices like 200 yen and 650 yen.
Nearby Shops
Plant More
Plant More is a vegan-friendly cafe on the 6th floor of Lumine Shinjuku 1, servi
View ShopBar Albatross
Bar Albatross is a celebrated drinking establishment in Shinjuku Golden Gai, kno
View ShopMotsuyaki Ucchan
Motsuyaki Ucchan is a lively grilled offal specialist in Shinjuku's famed Omoide
View Shop