第一宝来家

Dai-ichi Horai-ya, or Horaiya the First, is a historic yakitori and motsuyaki stall in Shinjuku Nishiguchi Omoide Yokocho, the narrow lane of tiny eateries that runs beside the west exit of JR Shinjuku Station. Established in 1947 by Masami Kaneko, the shop is recognised as the first yakitori and broiled-offal restaurant in Omoide Yokocho and is widely credited as a birthplace of the post-war yakitori trade in western Tokyo. The original shop sits in the middle lane of the yokocho, with a sister shop, Dai-ni Horai-ya, on the track-side lane. The menu centres on charcoal-grilled skewers, including chicken yakitori, motsuyaki broiled offal and fresh offal sashimi, all cooked over high-grade oak charcoal and basted with a secret sauce developed over more than seven decades. The shop also serves motsunikomi offal stew, seafood dishes and what it terms "gourmet treats" beyond standard yakitori fare. The tiny counter seating and smoky, lantern-lit interior preserve the atmosphere of post-war Shinjuku, which is a large part of the shop's enduring appeal. Omoide Yokocho stalls typically open from late afternoon into the night, and Dai-ichi Horai-ya follows a similar pattern, with hours varying by day. The location is a two-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station's west exit and from Seibu Shinjuku Station. Visitors should expect to stand or sit at a small counter alongside other diners, and cash is generally preferred, as is typical for yokocho stalls.

1947年創業、思い出横丁発祥の焼き鳥店。戦後の焼き鳥文化の発祥の地とされる老舗です。