Skip the tourist spots and discover local izakayas hidden in the alleys of Shinjuku 3-chome. We've compiled 5 authentic establishments — a historic oden shop, a Tabelog 100 Best restaurant, a robata grill, and a famous Hinai chicken specialist, with addresses and reference prices.
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Shinjuku Sancho-me is just a few steps away from the bustling Shinjuku Station, yet the alleyways offer a different kind of quiet.
The following 5 establishments are all actually located in Sancho-me and have solid local reputations. From long-established oden shops to famous local chicken restaurants, each has its own unique atmosphere.
5 Local Izakayas
01｜Otakou Shinjuku Branch｜Historic Oden Restaurant・Signature Toumeshi
A long-established oden restaurant with a lively, nostalgic downtown atmosphere. The signature dish "toumeshi" features flavorful oden broth poured over rice—a warming, satisfying bowl.
Address：3-20-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward｜Access：About 3 minutes walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station｜Hours：Approximately 15:30–23:00, closed Sundays (please verify on-site)｜Reference：Average per person in the evening: approximately 3,000–4,000 yen
02｜Nishio-san（Nishio-san）｜Tabelog Izakaya Top 100
A compact counter izakaya that has been recognized as one of Tabelog's Top 100 Izakayas, with a loyal local clientele. Cash payment only—credit cards and electronic payment are not accepted. Same-day phone reservations are recommended.
Address：3-1-32 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Shinjuku Building No. 3, B1F｜Access：Approximately 2 minutes walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station｜Hours：Approximately 16:00–23:00 (L.O. 22:00), closed Mondays or Sundays (please check with the restaurant for current information)｜Budget：Approximately ¥3,000–4,000 per person
03｜Robata and Oden Kyosuke｜Robata + Kanto-style Oden・Basement
A basement restaurant serving robata-grilled skewers and Kanto-style oden in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. There is approximately a 2-hour time limit per seating, making it perfect for leisurely drinks.
Address：3-6-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Yamaguchi Building B1F｜Access：About 1 minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station｜Hours：Weekdays 16:00–23:15, Weekends & Holidays from 15:00 (please check on-site for current hours)｜Price Guide：Approximately 3,000–5,000 yen per person
04｜Shinjuku Imaiya Honten (Imaiya)｜Premium Yakitori with Akita Hinai Jidori
Premium yakitori featuring Akita Hinai Jidori chicken, set in a spacious environment perfect for slightly formal gatherings. The signature dish is salt-grilled chicken thigh, and advance reservations are recommended.
Address：3-33-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku Ward, Shinjuku Moriel Building B1F｜Access：About 2 minutes walk from Exit A2 of Shinjuku Sanchome Station｜Hours：Weekdays 17:00–23:00 (L.O. 22:00) (Please check on-site for confirmation)｜Reference：Average per person in the evening approximately 5,000–6,000 yen
05｜Tosaka｜Local Chicken Hidden Gem
A discreet local chicken izakaya where the signature dish is a domestic free-range chicken platter. Located on the second floor, it's the kind of place you need to know about to find.
Address：Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku 3-35-13 Yuei Building 2F｜Access：About 2 minutes walk from Shinjuku Sanchome Station｜Hours：Weekdays 15:00–24:00, Weekends & Holidays from 12:00 (please verify on-site)｜Budget：Around 5,000–6,000 yen per person
These establishments frequently adjust their business hours or take days off, and some require reservations. We recommend checking ahead before your visit.
If you're planning a night in Shinjuku Sanchome, IGO HOTEL is very close by.
※ Business hours, prices, addresses, and menus of the shops mentioned in this article are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website or on-site announcements of each shop before your visit.
IGO Journal
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