I live in the town of Shibuya, the center of Tokyo’s youth culture. However, there is a completely different world within Shibuya just 3 minutes away from the train station, which provides shelter and an oasis for older guys barely surviving in this kids’ town.

Once you step down to the basement, you would be surprised at how large it is and the historic atmosphere it has. There is a huge kitchen where three guys and an older lady work, completely surrounded by counter seats. This place can probably hold up to 100 people at a time. It is mostly filled with guys in their 50’s in suits. They are very friendly and will come talk to you. This is the real Izakaya. These old guys live lively like a fish in fresh water in this place that is very much unlike Shibuya. They will come bring your dish to you once you put money on the counter.

Go with your buddy and share Hoppi for 150yen and a small bottle of Shochu for 550yen. All the dishes are fully piled on a plate. More than 40 different dishes are on the menu, and they are all between 150yen to 350yen a plate!! Tofu salad is 150yen, croquette 150yen, 3 ham cutlets and shredded cabbage with mayonnaise 200yen, large piece of ham and a heaps of cabbage 300yen, spaghetti salad 200yen, tuna sashimi 350yen…… tasty, cheap and large portions. Three to four dishes will fill you up tight, and will cost you only 2,000 to 3,000yen for two people. They are open from 5:00pm to 10:30pm. This place is just like heaven in Shibuya, fully filled with a restaurant trying to squeeze money out of folks.

Location & Contact Info:

Izakaya Fujiya
2-3-BiF Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031
tel: 03-3461-2128 

Text and Illustrations by Radical Suzuki