A 9-minute walk from Kuroiso Station’s West Exit, dinner at “Torimasa,” a yakitori restaurant famous for its amazing complimentary otoshi! I had the “Tuna Natto” and “Yakitori.”
About a 9-minute walk from the west exit of Kuroiso Station is the yakitori restaurant “Torimasa.”
This izakaya is famous for its sashimi otoshi,* renowned for its impressive volume and quality.
This time, I visited for dinner and enjoyed the most popular otoshi: “Tuna Natto” and “Yakitori.”
*Otoshi is an appetizer that automatically comes with your table at a traditional izakaya in Japan. It’s like a cover charge that comes with food.
- Basic info about the izakaya
- What the inside of the izakaya looks like
- My thoughts on the otoshi & yakitori
Basic infomation on the izakaya
- Name: Yakitori Torimasa
- Category: izakaya (a Japanese-style bar)
- Address: 4-16 Miyacho, Nasushiobara-shi, Tochigi-ken
- Access: 9-minute walk from the west exit of Station Kuroiso
- Business Hours: 17:00 ~ 22:30 (L.O. 22:00)
- Regular Holiday: Sundays
- Phone Number: 0287-63-4913
- Official Website/SNS：N/A
Review of my actual experience visiting
The store has a nostalgic vibe, with an exterior that feels like “The Izakaya.”
I visited on Wednesday, and the restaurant was bustling with regulars and groups.
Ordered Menu and Tax-excluded price
- Otoshi (805 JPY*)
- Draft beer (medium-sized mug, 700 JPY)
- Yakitori (salt)*
- Chicken & garlic skewer (200 JPY)
- Pork* cheek skewer (170 JPY)
- Chicken heart skewer (170 JPY)
- Chicken liver skewer (170 JPY)
- Chicken & scallion skewer (170 JPY)
- Chicken gizzard skewer (170 JPY)
- Yakitori (tare)*
- Chicken & scallion skewer (170 JPY)
- Chicken meatball skewer (170 JPY)
- Shochu with water (choose sweet potato or barley, 450 JPY)
*Since there are no menus or price displays, calculate the tax-excluded price from the total bill and subtract the price of dishes other than the complimentary appetizer to determine the final amount.
*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 “shio people” and “tare people.”
*Even though it’s called “yakitori” (grilled chicken), many yakitori places in Japan also serve pork and other meats. In casual Japanese usage, “yakitori” often refers to the cooking style—skewered and charcoal-grilled—rather than strictly chicken. So it’s normal to see pork, vegetables, or even seafood on the menu.
Otoshi
The otoshi was edamame (complimentary?) and sashimi.
The sashimi selection allows you to choose from the following seven* types:
- Tuna natto
- Octopus sashimi
- Amberjack
- King salmon
- Marinated mackerel
- Red sea bream
- Tuna
The shop owner explained, “The most popular item is tuna natto, and since the tuna is medium fatty tuna, it’s a bit pricey,” but did not provide a specific price.
This time, I selected the most popular “Tuna Natto.”
*The content may vary depending on the season.
Yakitori
Yakitori can be ordered with salt or with sauce.
This time, I tried both.
Each skewer was carefully prepared, and I really liked the balance of flavors —
the salt wasn’t too strong, and the sauce had just the right sweet-and-savory taste for me.
The negima skewers, in particular, were the best skewers ever, perfectly balancing the savory richness of the meat with the sweetness and savory aroma of the green onions.
Atmosphere & Vibe
Upon entering the restaurant, the savory aroma of charcoal grilling filled the air.
There are counter seats and regular seating available.
After taking my seats, I first ordered drinks.
Then the owner would explain the otoshi.
While there are bustling times when regulars and groups come and go, overall it’s a restaurant with a calm atmosphere.
Features & Usability of Torimasa
Here’s a quick look at the dining scenes and facilities at Torimasa.
Recommended for different occasions
They have counter seats and regular seating, so you can come alone or with a group.
As this is a popular local izakaya, it may be fully booked and unavailable at times.
If you have a specific date in mind, it’s best to make a reservation before visiting.
If you come with seven or more people, you can share the various otoshi, so comparing them might be a good idea.
Facilities
- Wi-Fi & Power supply：N/A
- Smoking：Smoke-free izakaya (Smoking area available outside)
- Payment method: Cash only
Access & map
Go out from the left side at Kuroiso Station’s West Exit.
Turn right and go straight.
Cross the crosswalk in front of Kuroiso Station Police Box and turn right.
Cross the crosswalk again and go straight.
After walking about 4 minutes, you’ll see the assisted living facility for seniors. Turn left there.
After walking about four minutes further, you’ll see the sign for “Yakitori Torimasa.”
Turn left and go a little way, and you’ll see Torimasa on your left.
Summary｜Who I recommend Torimasa for
- People who want to eat at an izakaya with amazing otoshi
- People who want to eat charcoal-grilled yakitori
- People who want to eat at an izakaya with a calm atmosphere
If you’re looking for sashimi and yakitori around Kuroiso Station, give Torimasa a try!
