Kofu Yakitori Yokocho is a narrow alleyway near the south exit of Kofu Station lined with small, independently run yakitori and izakaya stalls, each seating only a handful of diners at a counter facing the grill. The format encourages a bar-hopping style of eating, with visitors moving between two or three stalls over an evening rather than settling into a single restaurant, sampling different grill styles, skewer cuts, and house specialties along the way; several stalls also serve their own version of torimotsu-ni alongside the standard chicken skewer lineup. The atmosphere is informal and smoky, with close quarters and a mix of regulars and after-work drinkers giving the alley a distinctly local character rather than a curated tourist food street. Most stalls do not take reservations, operating on a first-come basis with limited seating, though a few of the longer-established spots accept phone bookings for groups. Prices vary by stall but generally run from about ¥1,500 to ¥3,500 for a round of skewers and drinks. The alley comes alive after 5pm and stays busy into the late evening, making it best suited to a dinner-and-drinks outing rather than an early meal.
Signature dishes
- Charcoal-grilled chicken skewers
- Torimotsu-ni at select stalls
- Local Yamanashi shochu and sake
Good to know
- Known for
- A narrow alleyway of small yakitori and izakaya stalls near Kofu Station south exit, offering a bar-hopping style evening of grilled skewers
- Hours
- 17:00–23:00 daily; individual stall hours vary
- Reservations
- Not required; some stalls accept phone reservations
Location
Yakitori alley, Chuo, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-0031
35.6608, 138.5680 View on map
Highlights
- Cluster of independent yakitori stalls in a single narrow alley
- Bar-hopping format for sampling multiple grill styles in one evening
- Some stalls serve their own torimotsu-ni alongside skewers
- Steps from Kofu Station's south exit
Tips for visiting
- Visit with a small group and plan to move between two or three stalls over the evening
- Most stalls are cash-only; bring enough for the night
- Go after 7pm for the fullest, most lively atmosphere
- Ask which stall is known for torimotsu-ni if wanting to compare it with the standard yakitori
Accessibility
The alley and individual stalls have narrow seating and uneven older flooring typical of small yakitori counters, offering limited wheelchair access.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a single restaurant?
No, it is an alleyway of multiple small, independently run yakitori and izakaya stalls.
Do the stalls take reservations?
Most operate on a first-come basis; a few longer-established stalls accept phone reservations for groups.
Is it within walking distance of Kofu Station?
Yes, it is located near the station's south exit.
What is the typical spending per stop?
Expect roughly ¥1,500 to ¥3,500 per stall for skewers and drinks, depending on how much is ordered.