Tabelog ratingHonetsukidori Ikkaku Takamatsu ten (骨付鳥 一鶴 高松店) is an institution in Kagawa, dedicated to a single, iconic local dish: honetsukidori. This is a whole, bone-in chicken leg, aggressively seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic, then roasted until the skin is crisp. The experience is as much about the ritual as the flavour; diners use the complimentary cabbage or order rice balls (musubi) to soak up every last drop of the intensely savoury chicken oil left on the plate.
The restaurant offers two versions. The hinadori is from a younger bird, making it tender, juicy, and the more accessible choice for first-timers. The oyadori is from an older bird, resulting in meat that is very firm and chewy, but packed with a deep, concentrated umami flavour. Many regulars swear by the oyadori, but be prepared for a workout. The bold, salty seasoning is a constant point of praise, especially when paired with a cold beer.
However, visitors should be aware of a few things. The chicken is consistently described as very salty and oily; ordering rice and cabbage to cut through the richness is essential. The chewiness of the oyadori can be too much for some, and the restaurant famously does not provide scissors, expecting you to tear the meat from the bone. The biggest hurdle is the wait, which can often be between one and three hours during peak times. A few reviewers also noted brusque service during busy periods.
For a signature local dish, prices are reasonable. Reviewers in 2024–2026 reported paying around ¥1,090 for hinadori and ¥1,129–¥1,230 for oyadori. A set of musubi (rice balls) was ¥392, and a draft beer was about ¥823. Most diners spend between ¥2,000 and ¥2,999 for a full meal, making it good value for a memorable, if intense, regional experience.
- Getting There: Honetsukidori Ikkaku Takamatsu ten is a 10-minute walk from Kotoden Kawaramachi Station.
- Booking: Reservations are very limited (only until 5 PM, and not accepted on weekends or public holidays). The standard way to get a table is to queue. You can write your name on a list at the entrance and return when they call you.
- The Wait: Expect long queues, especially on evenings and weekends. The oyadori chicken often sells out, so arrive early if you want to try it.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), electronic money (Suica, etc.), and QR code payments are accepted. However, some visitors reported inconsistent experiences, so bringing cash is a safe bet. A service charge is added to the bill.
- Seating: The restaurant has 96 seats. There are no private rooms.
- Rules: The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Children are welcome.
