Walter Ponce
Ginza has a reputation for expensive sushi counters and luxury boutiques, but just under the railway tracks between Ginza and Hibiya there is a street with a completely different energy: Corridor Street (Corridor-gai), a strip of lively bars and izakayas where office workers go after work. On our last night in Tokyo we ended up at Yakiton Tamaya Shoten (やきとん たまや商店) there.
It was the final dinner of three weeks in Japan, and a very good way to finish.
What is yakiton?
Everyone knows yakitori, grilled chicken skewers. Yakiton is the same idea with pork: skewers of different pork cuts and offal, grilled over charcoal and seasoned with salt or a sweet soy sauce. It is classic, cheap drinking food in Tokyo.
What we ordered
- Yakiton skewers and karaage (Japanese fried chicken).
- Yaki onigiri: rice balls grilled until the outside is crisp and brushed with soy sauce.
- Small fried bites and a bowl of edamame.
- To drink, the house Korido Lemon Sour, named after the street.
The meat is delivered fresh from Kyushu, and the skewers are what the place is about. A mixed platter is the easiest way to try several cuts.
The place
A big, open, buzzing room with a long counter and tables, around 60 seats in total, and a few private rooms. It is loud in the best way: groups of colleagues, people stopping for a quick drink, everyone ordering one more round. You pay at your table at the end.
Good to know
- Location: Ginza Corridor Street, about four minutes on foot from Ginza Station and close to Hibiya, Yurakucho and Shimbashi.
- Budget: around 2,000 to 3,000 yen per person, which is cheap for Ginza. A platter of six skewers costs around 1,000 yen.
- Courses: for groups there are set courses with all-you-can-drink options.
- Language: menus include English, and drinks are easy to order.
A guide to yakiton cuts
Yakiton menus can look intimidating because they list many different parts of the pig. Here are the most common names you will see:
- Bara: pork belly, fatty and easy to like.
- Kashira: meat from the head and cheek, rich and a little chewy. A Tokyo favourite.
- Tontoro: pork neck or jowl, very tender and juicy.
- Tan: tongue, firm and mild.
- Hatsu: heart, lean and slightly bouncy.
- Rebā: liver, soft and rich. Often grilled lightly.
- Shiro: intestine, chewy and usually cooked with sauce.
Each skewer usually comes with a choice of seasoning:
- Shio: salt, which lets the flavour of the meat come through.
- Tare: a sweet, sticky soy-based sauce.
If you are not sure, start with a mixed platter. It is the easiest way to discover which cuts you like.
What is a lemon sour?
A lemon sour is one of the most popular drinks in Japanese izakayas. It is usually made with shochu (a Japanese distilled spirit), lemon juice and soda water, served over ice. It is refreshing, not too strong and goes very well with salty, grilled food. Many izakayas have their own house version, like Tamaya’s Korido Lemon Sour.
How to order
- Drinks first. Order a round of drinks as soon as you sit down. Food can follow.
- Start with a platter, then order individual skewers of the cuts you liked.
- Mix in sides. Edamame, salads and pickles balance the grilled meat.
- Finish with rice. Yaki onigiri is a classic way to end the meal.
- Ask about courses if you are in a group and want all-you-can-drink.
Izakaya tips
- Otoshi. Many izakayas serve a small starter when you sit down. It is a table charge and appears on the bill.
- Calling staff. It is normal to raise your hand and say sumimasen to get attention in a busy izakaya.
- No tipping. Tipping is not expected in Japan.
About Corridor Street
Corridor Street runs along the elevated tracks on the western edge of Ginza, towards Shimbashi. It is lined with bars, izakayas, restaurants and nightspots, and it fills up quickly after office hours with local workers. It feels very different from the polished boulevards of central Ginza, just a few minutes away.
Nearby areas worth combining with an evening here:
- Yurakucho, where small izakayas are set under the railway arches.
- Shimbashi, Tokyo’s classic after-work neighbourhood, full of standing bars and skewer shops.
- Ginza’s main streets, especially Chuo-dori, for an evening walk past the flagship stores.
- Hibiya Park, a green space on the other side of the tracks.
Getting there
- Ginza Station (Ginza, Marunouchi and Hibiya subway lines): about four minutes on foot.
- Yurakucho Station (JR Yamanote line) and Shimbashi Station are also within walking distance.
- Hibiya Station on the subway is close too.
Best time to visit
Corridor Street is at its liveliest from early evening, after office hours. If you want a table rather than a counter seat, book ahead, as tables are often reserved. Arriving early is the best way to catch any happy hour offers and get a seat before the after-work crowd.
What Google reviewers say
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 730 reviews (October 2026).
Reviewers highlight fast food, friendly staff who explain the menu, and a lively, fun atmosphere. Beyond the pork skewers, the shumai and the grilled cherry tomatoes wrapped in pork are favourites, and many mention the happy hour. The critical notes are that it can be loud and that tables are often reserved, so you may end up at the counter.
Verdict
If you want an affordable, lively izakaya in Ginza, Tamaya Shoten is a great pick. Order a skewer platter, yaki onigiri and a lemon sour, and enjoy one of Tokyo’s best after-work streets.
FAQ
What is yakiton? Grilled pork skewers, the pork version of yakitori.
Where is Corridor Street in Ginza? Under the railway tracks between Ginza and Hibiya, close to Ginza, Yurakucho and Shimbashi stations.
How much does Tamaya Shoten cost? Around 2,000 to 3,000 yen per person for food and drinks.
What should I order at Tamaya Shoten? A mixed skewer platter, yaki onigiri and the house Korido Lemon Sour are a good start. Reviewers also recommend the shumai and the pork-wrapped cherry tomatoes.
Do you need to book Tamaya Shoten? It is a good idea for a table, as tables are often reserved. Without a booking, you may be seated at the counter.
What is the nearest station to Tamaya Shoten? Ginza Station, about four minutes on foot. Yurakucho, Hibiya and Shimbashi stations are also close.
