Tried and Tested: Izakaya & Yakitori spot “Torihei” near Nishinasuno Station to casually stop by after work
After work, I was craving some yakitori (Japanese grilled chicken skewers), so I searched around the area and found “Torihei,” an izakaya (a Japanese-style pub) just a 2-minute walk from Nishinasuno Station.
I actually went there to check out the menu and get a feel for the atmosphere!
- Basic info about the izakaya
- Menu and prices at Torihei
- What the inside of the shop looks like
- My impressions of the yakitori
Basic infomation on the izakaya
- Name：Izakaya & Yakitori Torihei
- Category：Izakaya (a Japanese-style bar)
- Address：2-8 Ogicho, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken
- Access：2-minute walk from the west exit of Station Nishinasuno
- Business Hours
- (Tue.~Sat.) 18:00 ~ 23:00
- (Sun.) 18:00 ~ 22:00
- Regular Holiday: Mondays
- Phone Number: 0287-36-3578
- Official Website/SNS：None
Review of my actual experience visiting
Torihei offered not only skewered grilled items but also a wide variety of sashimi and fried foods.
I only have the Japanese version, but the menu looks like this.
Ordered Menu and Price
- Otoshi* (¥300)
- Draft beer (medium-sized mug, ¥700)
- Yakitori**
Negima (chicken and scallion skewer, ¥130)
Tongue (beef tongue skewer, ¥130)
Liver (chicken liver skewer, ¥130)
Hatsu (chicken heart skewer, ¥130) - Shiitake mushroom skewer（¥120)
- Asparagus skewer (¥130)
*Otoshi is a small appetizer that automatically comes with your table at an izakaya. It’s like a cover charge that comes with food.
**Yakitori can be seasoned in two main ways: with just salt (shio) or with a special sweet-savory soy-based sauce (tare). People often have a preference — some always go for salt to enjoy the pure taste of the meat, while others are devoted to the sauce. It’s almost like a friendly rivalry between “salt people” and “sauce people.”
About taste
The draft beer was Sapporo, a classic Japanese brand.
The otoshi was simmered kelp and carrots, with a sweet-and-salty flavor.
About 15 minutes after ordering, six skewers arrived, grilled over charcoal until perfectly golden and fragrant.
I asked for all of them with shio (just salt seasoning).
The highlight was the negima (chicken and scallion skewer) — the sweetness of the scallion matched so well with the juicy chicken.
It was also my first time trying a grilled shiitake mushroom at a yakitori place, and it turned out to be way juicier and tastier than I expected!
Atmosphere & Vibe
The outside has that nostalgic look with glowing red paper lanterns (akachōchin), the kind you often see in old-school Japanese pubs, and it instantly draws you in.
Inside, there’s a counter, two small tables, and a raised tatami-seating area (koagari), giving it the retro feel of a Showa-era izakaya (Japanese-style pub).
Behind the counter, two people were working — the owner and possibly his father — with the owner himself manning the grill.
At checkout, the okami-san (the hostess, often the wife or mother figure of the house) handled the bill, carefully writing it up by hand — something that really added to the nostalgic charm.
Features & Usability of Torihei
Here’s a quick look at the dining scenes and facilities at Torihei.
Recommended for different occasions
Though the place seemed to have many regulars, Torihei was very welcoming to me as a first-time visitor, so it felt comfortable even for newcomers.
Prices are very reasonable overall.
It’s the perfect kind of place to casually stop by after work for “just one drink.”
With both table and tatami seating available, it’s also a good spot to come with friends, coworkers, or family.
Facilities
- Wi-Fi & Power supply：None
- Smoking：Smoke-free izakaya
- Payment method: Cash only
Access & map
Exit Nishinasuno Station from the west exit, then turn left.
Walk straight until you see the stairs.
Go down the stairs and turn right.
Go down another set of stairs.
Walk straight along the sidewalk, then cross the crosswalk and turn left.
Keep walking straight.
After about 1 minutes, you’ll see Torihei on your left.
Summary｜Who I recommend Torihei for
- Anyone craving charcoal-grilled yakitori
- Anyone looking to grab a quick drink after work
👉 If you’re around Nishinasuno Station and in the mood for yakitori or a casual drink, definitely check out Torihei!
