Toyama | AKIYOSHI ★★The Most Popular Yakitori Chain in Toyama★★富山県富山市やきとり秋吉

This channel introduces yummy restaurants in Toyama. There are lots of good food and restaurants in Toyama, which you wouldn't know if you just popped into Toyama for a few days or a week. Check out the Playlist for specific locations or specific cuisines and restaurants!

Yummy Toyama Eats:    / @tastywaterom  
Travel Whiskers:    / @travelwhiskers  

Yakitori Restaurants in Toyama:    • Yakitori in Toyama  
Around Toyama Station:    • Restaurants around Toyama Station  
Toyama Restaurants:    • Toyama Restaurants  

Yakitori Akiyoshi is a lively and well-loved yakitori chain with several branches in Toyama, offering a high-energy, casual dining experience centered around expertly grilled skewers. Originating in Fukui in 1959, Akiyoshi has expanded across Japan, with Toyama hosting around 14 locations, including prominent spots near JR Toyama Station and in the Sogawa area. Each branch has its own character, but all share the same inviting, energetic atmosphere—with chefs calling out orders, flames rising from the grill, and customers relaxing over cold drinks and sizzling skewers.

The interior of a typical Akiyoshi location features a long counter facing the open kitchen, where you can watch the grilling in action, as well as horigotatsu-style seating (sunken floor booths) ideal for groups. The restaurants are usually spacious, with over 60 seats total, accommodating both solo diners and larger parties. Ordering is done in units of five skewers per item, with sets averaging around ¥400, making it easy to sample a variety of meats and cuts without overspending.

Akiyoshi is best known for two standout items: junkei*, a skewer made from mature female chicken, known for its dense texture and rich flavor; and *shiro*, carefully prepared pork intestines that are tender and mild, popular even among those who usually avoid offal. Other favorites include *negima (chicken thigh with scallion), tsukune (meatballs), torikawa (crispy skin), and a variety of pork and beef skewers like pītorō and *gyū karubi*.

Flavor customization is part of the experience. Diners can choose salt, tare (sweet soy-based sauce), or miso seasoning, and at the table, condiments like karashi mustard, garlic chili sauce, and house-made dipping sauces are available. Skewers are served on metal warming racks at the table, ensuring they stay hot without overcooking.

In addition to yakitori, the menu includes classic izakaya side dishes like fried lotus root, pickled cucumber, grilled rice balls, and bite-sized kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). The food pairs well with beer, shochu, or chuhai, making it a popular choice for after-work gatherings and weekend nights out.

Akiyoshi is known not just for its food, but also for its warm, humorous service. Staff often greet customers with playful nicknames like “boss” or “missy,” creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Most Toyama branches are open nightly from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., with some variation in days off. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

For locals and visitors alike, Yakitori Akiyoshi offers an authentic, flavorful, and highly social yakitori experience that keeps people coming back for both the food and the fun. ‪@TastyWaterOM‬

   / @tastywaterom