Why is Nagato Yakitori so delicious? A Guide to Famous Restaurants and Nighttime Fun for Sightseers

Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is known as a tourist destination blessed with natural attractions such as the sea and hot springs, but there are also a variety of dining options, and many people are at a loss as to what to eat. For such people, we recommend Nagato yakitori, a local delicacy that has long been popular among the locals. Please be sure to try Nagato Yakitori culture, which has taken root as an extension of daily life, when you visit Nagato.

This article introduces the yakitori culture of Nagato, known as "Nagato, the City of Yakitori," as well as recommended yakitori restaurants and ways to enjoy them for different occasions. If you are wondering how to spend an evening sightseeing in Nagato, please refer to this article.

→Click here for a list of yakitori restaurants in Nagato

Why is yakitori popular in Nagato City?

Yakitori in Nagato City is more than just a local delicacy; it is a part of the food culture that has taken root in local life. Here, we will explain why yakitori has become a familiar part of the local life, not only from the characteristics of Nagato yakitori, but also from various perspectives such as the history of the region and its industries.

The sea and the mountains and the mountains The unique yakitori culture

The roots of Nagato City's yakitori culture can be found, not surprisingly, in the "sea. Nagato City, which has long flourished as a port town with the Senzaki fishing port, had a thriving fishing industry as well as a seafood processing industry, including kamaboko (fish cake). In addition, the large amount of fish ara, which is produced in the process of fish processing, was used as high-protein feed, leading to the development of the poultry industry.

(Photo: From "Discover Japan_TRAVEL 'Yamaguchi: Between Travel and Daily Life'")

As more and more yakitori restaurants opened in the city, using the fresh and inexpensive chicken that had become more readily available, they became very popular, especially among local fishermen. Yakitori became increasingly popular as an easy-to-eat "meat dish" and encouraged many new restaurants to open.

This is the story behind the birth of "Yakitori no Machi: Nagato," born from the intersection of the bounties of the sea and the mountains.

The secret of deliciousness lies in "freshness" and "producers

△Fukagawa Chicken Processing Plant

The main reason for the overwhelming popularity of Nagato's yakitori is its "high quality = delicious chicken meat itself. This food culture is supported by the Fukagawa Ch icken Farmers Cooperative Association (a.k.a. Fukagawa Chicken Farmers), an agricultural cooperative specializing in poultry farming, which is rare in Japan.

Fukagawa Chicken Farm produces "Choshu Dori" chicken, which is healthily raised on herb-containing feed, and "Choshu Kuro Kashiwa," a premium brand of local chicken that Yamaguchi Prefecture is proud of, and sends them all over Japan. The greatest privilege of eating yakitori in Nagato, the production center of such high quality chicken, is its freshness.

△Changzhou chicken

Supermarkets and restaurants in the city carry chicken that has been freshly slaughtered that morning (=moribiki) and never frozen, so people in the city can easily enjoy its strong elasticity and delicious flavor.

Choshu Black Kashiwa

The environment in which this "asabiki" fresh taste can be enjoyed on a daily basis is the essence of Nagato yakitori, and the reason why so many people love it.

Nagato Style" for salty taste and flavor variations

For the best taste of the freshest chicken, it is a standard practice at yakitori restaurants in Nagato to order it with "salt flavor. The more you bite into the chicken, the more you will enjoy the rich flavor of the chicken.

Another unique way to enjoy Nagato is to "change the flavor" by using seasonings. Many restaurants have "garlic powder" and "ippiki/shichimi" chili peppers on the tables, which are sprinkled to add a punch of flavor and zest to the dish in the Nagato style. Some local connoisseurs mix garlic powder and chili peppers on the plate to create their own unique blend. Please give it a try!

Furthermore, as we mentioned earlier, we recommend the "salt flavor" first, but each restaurant also produces its own unique "tare" flavor, so please be sure to try it after the "salt flavor.

Some restaurants serve "Yuzukichi Sour" made from Nagato Yuzukichi, a specialty citrus fruit of Nagato. This refreshing sour is not too sour, but slightly sweet, and goes perfectly with yakitori. Please enjoy it together!

Recommended Scenes to Enjoy Yakitori in Nagato City Sightseeing

Here we will introduce various situations in which you can enjoy yakitori during sightseeing.

Road Stations and hot spring resorts! Free style of travel to enjoy with take-out!

If you want to feel more familiar with Nagato's yakitori, it is smart to take advantage of "take-out". Especially in the following two areas, you can enjoy the authentic taste while traveling or taking a break.

1. View of the sea at Senza Kitchen View of the sea at Senza Kitchen, a station on the road 

Yakitoriya Chikuzen Senza Kitchen Branch, which specializes in takeout, is located at "Roadside Station Senza Kitchen," a base for sightseeing in Nagato.
On a fine day, it is recommended to take out freshly grilled skewers and enjoy them while gazing at the blue sea of Senzaki Bay stretching out before you. Enjoying them in the car as an accompaniment to a road trip is another luxurious gourmet experience unique to Nagato.

2. While "strolling" in Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Nagato Yumoto Onsen has recently undergone a complete makeover. Yakitori (grilled chicken) is an indispensable accompaniment to a "stroll" through the hot spring resort area.

→Sakura Shokudo, a yakitori restaurant in Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Sitting on a terrace or bench along the Otosoregawa River and listening to the murmuring of the river while enjoying a hot skewer is a blissful experience that can only be had in a hot spring resort. Another way to spend a day in the town of yakitori is to take the skewers back to your hotel and enjoy them with a glass of locally brewed sake after taking a bath.

Having a drink at the restaurant while watching the owner's grilling techniques is one of the best parts of the experience, but it can also be enjoyed casually while feeling the sea breeze or cooling off in a yukata (light cotton kimono).
Such "casualness" as an extension of everyday life is the reason why Nagato Yakitori is loved by travelers.

Easy to enter for solo travelers and business travelers.

Many yakitori restaurants are built around counter seating, creating an atmosphere that is easy to use even for a single person. In fact, it is not unusual to see local customers visiting alone, and even tourists are not overly conspicuous.

It is also suitable for solo travelers or business travelers who want to have a quiet meal during their stay.

The fact that it is easy to blend in naturally with the atmosphere of the restaurant, making it easy to settle down in a new place, is a great advantage.

For those who want to enjoy the local atmosphere

Since many of Nagato's yakitori restaurants are frequented by locals, you can sense the "daily life of the community" through casual conversation and the atmosphere of the restaurant.

In addition to yakitori, local fish and local dishes are often served, so it is interesting to ask the locals next to you for their recommendations.

Introduction of Yakitori restaurants to stop by in Nagato City

In Nagato City, there are a wide variety of yakitori restaurants, from regulars who are locals, to restaurants near train stations that are easy for tourists to enter, to restaurants where you can enjoy a la carte dishes other than yakitori. Let's take a look at the characteristics of each restaurant and the best places to eat it.

A long-time favorite of local customers.

Chikuzen Sohonten

One of the most popular restaurants representing Nagato's yakitori culture. With a wide variety of skewers, it is easy to enter for families and first-time visitors. In addition to carefully prepared yakitori, the restaurant is also known for its various menus that make use of local ingredients and local cuisine, and is recommended for those who want to experience Nagato's food culture in a casual setting.

Address: 892-1 Ekimae, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Google Map )
・Opening hours: 17:00-22:00
・Closed: Sunday
・Tel: 0837-22-0735
・ Official Instagram

umbrella

A long-established yakitori restaurant loved for many years in Nagato City. The charcoal-grilled yakitori, which preserves the techniques that have been used since the establishment of the restaurant, has a taste that is "unique to Komori" while bringing out the best of the chicken. The uniqueness of the restaurant has made it a favorite among local customers. In addition to its regular menu, the restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with mainly counter seating, and is easily accessible within walking distance from Nagato City Station.

Address: 911-58, Higashifukagawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Google Map )
・Opening hours: 14:00 - 21:00 (order stop at 20:45)
・Closed: Tuesdays (with occasional holidays)
・Tel: 0837-22-0617
・ Official Instagram

A tourist-friendly location and atmosphere.

This yakitori restaurant is easily accessible from the station and inn, making it a convenient stopover for sightseeing.

Yakitori Sakura Shokudo

Yakitori restaurant located in Nagato Yumoto Onsen. The restaurant serves mainly set menus during the day and taverns at night, where you can enjoy yakitori. Take-out is also available during lunchtime, so you can stop by during a stroll in the hot spring resort area and enjoy the view with a plate of yakitori, which is a unique Nagato experience. In addition to yakitori, the restaurant offers a wide variety of local dishes from Nagato and Yamaguchi, making it a great place for families and groups of travelers.

Location: 1272-6 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Google Map )
・Opening hours:
〔Lunch〕 11:00 - 14:30 (LO 14:00)
〔Night〕 17:00 - 22:00 (LO 21:30)
・Closed: Listed on official Instagram
・Tel: 0837- 25-3660
・ Official Instagram

Nagato Honjin

In addition to yakitori, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes, all made with locally produced products. You can enjoy unique dishes such as "Torisuki-nabe (chicken sukiyaki)," which contains various parts of the chicken.

Address: 960-2 Higashifukagawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Google Map )
・Opening hours:
〔Lunch〕11:30～14:00 (LO13:30)
〔Night〕17:30～22:00 (LO21:30)
・Closed: Sunday *Open only on weekdays for lunch
・TEL：0837-22-3372
・ Official Instagram

Tomarigi

This restaurant, which mainly serves yakitori at the counter, is popular among local customers for its hideaway atmosphere. Located near the train station, the restaurant's appeal lies in the balance between the ease of stopping by during sightseeing and its "local atmosphere.

・Address: 946-14 Higashifukagawa, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Google Map )
・Opening hours: 18:00-23:00
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Tel: 0837-22-7174

A unique restaurant where you can enjoy Yakitori + α

We have collected restaurants that offer not only yakitori but also other dishes and drinks to enjoy. You can choose whether you mainly want to eat or drink.

Yakitori Ohizamotoko

A restaurant with an extensive lineup of a la carte dishes and alcoholic beverages based on yakitori. It is suitable for those who want to enjoy not only yakitori but also other menu items and those who want to spend their time mainly for drinking.

・Address: 1860-1 Higashifukagawa Shomeiichi, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Google Map )
・Opening hours: 17:00-22:00
・Closed: Mondays *Temporary closing:
・TEL: 0837-27-0566

Tanaka family

This yakitori restaurant is located near the south exit of Nagato City Station. Although it is relatively new in Nagato City, it is a popular restaurant that is crowded with local customers every day. Please enjoy not only the salted yakitori, which is unique to Nagato, but also the restaurant's signature sauce. The secret of its popularity is its wide selection of alcoholic beverages.

・Address: 864-1 Higashifukagawa Shoakei, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Google Map )
・Opening hours: 17:15-22:00 (food LO 21:00)
・Closed: Wednesday
・Tel: 0837-27-0505
・ Official Instagram

→Click here for a list of yakitori restaurants in Nagato

Points to Enjoy Yakitori in Nagato City More

Before visiting a yakitori restaurant in Nagato, here are some points you should know.

Crowded times and notes

Yakitori restaurants in Nagato City tend to be crowded during the hours when local customers gather after work. Especially on weekday evenings, it is not unusual for the seats to fill up in a short period of time.

If you have a large number of people, or if you know for sure which restaurant you want to enter, it is a good idea to make reservations in advance.

On the other hand, in some cases, one or two people can get in relatively smoothly by going slightly off peak. Simply adjusting the time according to your sightseeing schedule will make it easier to reduce waiting time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Yakitori in Nagato City

When asked about yakitori in Nagato City, some people ask, "Is it safe for a tourist?" "Can I go in alone?" and "Can I go in alone? Here, we have compiled a list of questions that first-time visitors are likely to wonder about.

Is it easy to enter Yakitori in Nagato City alone?

Yes, there are many restaurants that are easy to enter even for a single person.
Many yakitori restaurants mainly offer counter seating, and it is not uncommon to see local customers using these restaurants alone. Even if you are a tourist, you will not be overly conspicuous, and you can easily enjoy your meal in a relaxed atmosphere.

Are there any yakitori restaurants for tourists?

We recommend restaurants located near train stations and easily accessible from lodging facilities, as well as restaurants with extensive menus and a variety of local menus, which are easy for tourists to use.

Is it available with children?

Although it varies from restaurant to restaurant, there are yakitori restaurants that are accessible to customers with children.
Restaurants with table seating and those that offer a full menu of meals are relatively easy to use. However, many restaurants have a quiet atmosphere with a focus on counter seating, so it is best to check the atmosphere beforehand.

Are you open late at night?

Most yakitori restaurants in Nagato City tend to be open mainly in the early evening rather than late at night.
If you wish to visit late in the evening, it is recommended that you check the opening hours in advance. It is also a good idea to check social networking sites in advance, as opening hours may change depending on the tourist season and the day of the week.

Once a year! Yakitori Festival, a gourmet festival held in Nagato

There are many unique yakitori restaurants in Nagato, and once a year a "yakitori" gourmet festival is held! 

Every September, the "West Japan Yakitori Festival" brings together famous local yakitori restaurants from all over western Japan, attracting tens of thousands of yakitori fans over a two-day period.

Every four years, an expanded version of the "West Japan Yakitori Festival" is held as the "Yakitorinpic," where the range of yakitori restaurants is expanded to include all of Japan.

Please check "Nanavi" for information on the event from time to time since it is announced around May every year.

→Click here for the "West Japan Yakitori Festival" information page.

Summary｜"From the Night of the Nagato Yakitori"

Local people who love Nagato yakitori are fond of saying, "Nagato's night starts with yakitori," and it is a soul food that has taken root in the food culture of the city. It is easy to enter a restaurant even if you are traveling alone or on a business trip, and some restaurants are family-friendly, so you can dine with the locals, which is one of the charms of Nagato Yakitori.

When you are in doubt about how to spend a night of sightseeing in Nagato, please remember the "yakitori" option. In doing so, you will have a more satisfying time by choosing based on "whether it fits your travel style and purpose," as indicated in this article.

→Click here for a list of yakitori restaurants in Nagato

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