Sandaime Torimero Ginza: Best Value Yakitori in Tokyo 2026
Craving authentic yakitori in Tokyo without breaking the bank? Sandaime Torimero in Ginza offers incredible value, local vibes, and cheap draft beer. A must-visit!
Loading...
Craving authentic yakitori in Tokyo without breaking the bank? Sandaime Torimero in Ginza offers incredible value, local vibes, and cheap draft beer. A must-visit!
A Must-Try Restaurant in Tokyo's Ginza
Sandai-me Torimero: Your Go-To for Budget-Friendly Yakitori
Words & Photos ©Haibubu
A trip to Japan just isn't complete without experiencing yakitori, right?
But here's the thing: many yakitori spots in central Tokyo
can often come with a surprisingly hefty price tag per skewer.
Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a fantastic **value-for-money yakitori** spot where you can indulge to your heart's content without a single worry about the bill!
It's called **Sandai-me Torimero**!
Sandai-me Torimero Shimbashi Ginza-guchi Guard-shita Branch |
Mon-Thu Operating Hours: 3:00 PM ~ 3:00 AM (next day) Fri Operating Hours: 3:00 PM ~ 5:00 AM (next day) Weekend Operating Hours: 12:00 PM ~ 3:00 AM (next day) Closed: None Location: Across from Shimbashi Station Exit 5 Otooshi (Seating Charge): ~$2 |
**Sandai-me Torimero** is a well-known national
chain of affordable yakitori restaurants across Japan.
The specific branch I visited is conveniently located right **across from Shimbashi Station's Exit 5**, tucked away
**within the Guard-shita area**.
(For those unfamiliar, 'Guard-shita' refers to the unique spaces found under railway tracks or elevated roads – a truly local experience!)
I stumbled upon this gem while searching for a yakitori izakaya,
and it was truly a happy accident that led me inside!
The irresistible sign right at the entrance, proudly proclaiming **'Draft Beer for just ~$1'**,
was enough to stop me in my tracks – I simply couldn't walk past it!
Unlike the Guard-shita areas you might find in Yurakucho,
this particular Guard-shita, nestled at the very edge of Ginza,
had surprisingly little foot traffic and was almost entirely devoid of tourists.
However, stepping inside, I was met with a stark contrast:
the place was absolutely packed, with barely an empty seat in sight,
and it was clear this was a local favorite, with not a single tourist in sight!
As a **budget-friendly izakaya**, it naturally attracted
a lively, younger crowd,
and the whole place buzzed with a wonderfully boisterous atmosphere.
During my visit, only a window seat was available,
which is where I was happily seated.
Ordering is a breeze thanks to their convenient tablets.
They even support Korean, and with clear photos for every dish on the menu,
you'll have no trouble navigating your order, regardless of your language!
Beyond the digital tablets, they also offer traditional paper menus.
I actually found the paper menu a bit easier to scan at a glance.
Below, I've put together a quick rundown of the menu categories and
their incredible price points.
📌Menu Categories & Price Guide
Highballs from ~$2
Draft Beer from ~$1
Karaage from ~$2
Tsumami ~$2
Meal Dishes from ~$2
Kushikatsu from ~$0
Chicken Skewers from ~$0
2-Hour All-You-Can-Drink Option ~$11
Please note: All prices listed are pre-tax.
Even though these prices are pre-tax,
they're incredibly affordable at a glance, aren't they?
I was so pleasantly surprised by the incredibly low prices that I
ended up ordering a huge variety of dishes!
First to arrive at my table was, of course, the refreshing **draft beer**.
It was a decent pour, roughly 330ml, and
It was so refreshing and smooth, it just went down easily.
With this much and a price of ~$1,
I thought it was really great value for money.
By the way, there's an "otōshi" (cover charge concept) of ~$2,
and cabbage is provided as a basic appetizer.
Perhaps because I didn't mention it, they didn't serve it.
I didn't ask for it since I wasn't going to eat it,
but if you want the cabbage and it doesn't appear,
please make sure to ask the staff for it.
(Cabbage refills are also free!)
Since there were many customers, it took
about 10 minutes or more for the yakitori to arrive.
From the top left, we have Chicken Skin Skewer (~$0),
Chicken Thigh and Scallion Skewer (~$2),
and the Yakitori Assortment (~$4).
They looked much more appetizing than I expected.
It was amazing to me that 7 skewers came out for less than ~$6!
The first skewer was a chicken thigh skewer made from a specific
chicken breed called Seiryu Wakadori
(Iwate, Tohoku, Kochi variety). Compared to standard yakitori,
it's relatively more expensive.
But it was definitely delicious with tender meat.
On the other hand, the second chicken was a standard yakitori.
Since it wasn't labeled as domestic, it seemed likely
they used imported chicken.
However, if you order the second chicken with sauce (tare),
there wasn't a big difference in taste.
So, if you want to enjoy a lot of yakitori,
I recommend ordering several standard skewers.
Personally, I'd suggest focusing your order on these
four types: seseri (chicken neck), bonjiri (chicken tail), kawa (skin), and momo (thigh)!
The quality of the yakitori was more satisfying than I expected,
so I decided to order four kinds of kushikatsu as well.
They were two onion skewers, lotus root, and ginger,
and the characteristic was that the batter was thin and clean.
All three types of fried skewers were delicious, but
personally, the onion was truly the best.
The crispy batter combined with the sweet onion made for a
perfect palate cleanser between bites.
Not only the yakitori but also the kushikatsu were
thoroughly delicious overall!
Finally, let me tell you how to pay after your meal.
If you look at your table, you'll see a card
with a number on it.
Just take this to the counter and
pay!
Though I stumbled upon this restaurant by chance,
my satisfaction level was as high as any renowned foodie spot.
I was truly satisfied with the surprisingly affordable yakitori prices,
which felt hard to believe for Japan, and the taste that exceeded expectations.
The beer was also inexpensive, so ordering never felt like a burden.
If you're looking to enjoy a casual drink with some reliably delicious yakitori and kushikatsu,
or if you're searching for a great value, local izakaya,
I highly recommend you visit this place.
You probably won't regret it!
📍 Tori Mero Shimbashi Ginza Exit Under the Bridge
Japan 〒105-0004 Tokyo, Minato City, Shinbashi, 1 Chome−3−10 1F
▼ Discover more great restaurants near Tokyo Ginza ▼
Sandaime Torimero Shimbashi Ginza-guchi Guardshita Branch operates from 3 PM to 3 AM the following day, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, it's open from 3 PM to 5 AM the following day. On weekends, it operates from 12 PM to 3 AM the following day, with no closing days.
At Sandaime Torimero, you can order using a tablet. The tablet menu supports Korean and includes photos, making ordering easy.
Yes, Sandaime Torimero charges an otoshi (seating charge) of 330 yen. Cabbage is provided as a complimentary appetizer, and refills are free upon request.
Yakitori starts from 80 yen, and we recommend seseri (chicken neck), bonjiri (chicken tail), kawa (skin), and chicken thigh skewers. Kushikatsu also starts from 80 yen, with onion kushikatsu being particularly popular. All prices are before tax.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Looking for the easiest way to get from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku? Read our 2026 Haneda Limousine Bus review for booking tips, prices, and boarding guides.
Planning a trip to Mount Fuji? This Tokyo day tour review covers the best photo spots, itinerary, and budget tips for an unforgettable 2026 adventure.
Maximize your Tokyo adventure in 2026! Learn how to book, exchange, and use the Tokyo Metro Pass to save money and time on unlimited subway rides across the city.
Experience the magic of Tokyo with breathtaking Tokyo Tower views from your room at Remm Roppongi. Our honest review reveals why this hotel is a top pick for value.
Planning a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo? Learn how to book cheap Harry Potter Tokyo tickets, compare deals, and claim exclusive promo codes!
Discover Meat Man in Roppongi, Tokyo's trendiest yakitori spot. Get insider reservation tips, English menu details, and our honest review of this local gem.
Tokyo Yurakucho Restaurant: Tamatoya Hibiya, Where Delicious Monjayaki Awaits