Shirube

Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa


It's easy to see why everyone loves this izakaya (Japanese pub-eatery): the young chefs put on a dramatic show in the open kitchen and the creative takes on classics, while not exactly gourmet, are totally satisfying, especially the house speciality, aburi saba (blowtorch grilled mackerel). The two-hour all-you-can-drink course (¥4000), which comes with seven dishes, is great value. There is a ¥400 cover; reservations recommended.

It's down the alley from the corner with the Mr Donuts, on your right with white noren (doorway curtains).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shibuya & Shimo-Kitazawa attractions

1. Shimo-Kitazawa

0.06 MILES

The narrow streets of ‘Shimokita’, barely passable by cars, create a streetscape like a dollhouse version of Tokyo. It’s been a favourite haunt of…

2. Japan Folk Crafts Museum

0.68 MILES

The mingei (folk crafts) movement was launched in the early 20th century to promote the works of artisans over cheaper, mass-produced goods. Central to…

3. Toguri Museum of Art

1.48 MILES

The Toguri Museum of Art has an excellent collection of Edo-era ceramics, displayed in informative, thematic exhibitions with English explanations – great…

4. Bunkamura

1.6 MILES

Meaning ‘culture village’, Bunkamura has a theatre, concert hall, cinema and museum. Offerings swing between commercial and artsy; the Tokyo Philharmonic…

5. Dōgenzaka

1.62 MILES

Dōgenzaka, named for a 13th-century highway robber, is a maze of narrow streets. Home to one of Tokyo's largest clusters of love hotels (hotels for…

6. Yoyogi-kōen

1.75 MILES

If it’s a sunny and warm weekend afternoon, you can count on there being a crowd lazing around the large grassy expanse that is Yoyogi-kōen. You'll…

7. Spain-zaka

1.78 MILES

This narrow, winding brick lane is a classic example of Tokyo-style bricolage with a mismatch of architectural styles, cutesy clothing stores and a…

8. Shibuya Center-gai

1.8 MILES

Shibuya's main drag is closed to cars and chock-a-block with fast-food joints and high-street fashion shops. At night, lit bright as day, with a dozen…