Yamato

The inviting aroma of charcoal grilling greets diners at Yamato, a Japanese-style izakaya nestled beneath the JR elevated train tracks in Akihabara. A cornerstone of the kitchen is yakitori prepared with the branded chicken Oku no Miyako, grilled slowly over charcoal until fragrant and lightly charred. Classic skewers—including tender chicken pieces, skin, bonjiri tail, wings, gizzard, and tsukune meatballs—can be ordered from 1 skewer, while those looking to sample several cuts can opt for the 5-skewer chicken assortment to compare different textures and depths of flavour.

The kitchen looks to the sea as well, turning out seasonal seafood throughout the year. Three- and five-piece sashimi platters, along with fatty tuna toro and seared shime saba mackerel, bring vibrant colour to the table. Another draw is the domestic beef motsunabe, available from single-serving portions in either a soy sauce or spicy chigae broth; diners can enjoy the melting sweetness of plump offal in hot soup before finishing off with champon noodles.

An expansive sake selection complements the food. Regional labels such as Hakkaisan, Kubota Senju, Karatanba, Otokoyama, and Ginban feature on the menu, served either in a single-go wooden masu cup or in an atmospheric two-go bamboo tokkuri flask. The bar is rounded out with draught beer, various Kakubin highballs, shochu, and fruit liqueurs, making it easy to settle in with your drink of choice.

At lunchtime, generous set meals take centre stage, featuring pork loin ginger fry, chicken karaage, tub-presented sashimi assortments, and combination sets pairing rice bowls with soba noodles. Inside, counter seats welcome solo visitors for a quick bite or drink, while larger private dining rooms cater comfortably to group gatherings. Positioned conveniently by the station, it functions equally well for an after-work tipple, a relaxed weekend meal, or a larger get-together.