Takagi Yama: Expert Yakiton and Unagi Skewers

Takagi Yama (たかぎ山) is a compact, counter-seat izakaya in Yokohama's Tsurumi ward, run by a friendly former sumo wrestler. The experience is defined by live-fire cooking and a few signature dishes that have earned it a loyal following. On arrival, guests are typically asked if they want the standard starting set of five omakase skewers, which is a great introduction to the chef's craft.

The menu's undisputed stars are the charcoal-grilled skewers. Reviewers consistently praise the kikuabura, a fatty cut of pork grilled to rich, juicy perfection, and the unagi (freshwater eel) skewer, finished over the coals. For contrast, the kitchen also offers precise low-temperature cooked meats served sashimi-style, such as heart (hatsu) and skirt steak (harami). Other popular items include Korean-style side dishes from the owner's mother and a rich back-fat and offal curry (seabura motsu nikomi curry) to finish the meal.

The main drawback is the venue itself. It's a very small space that gets hot and extremely smoky from the charcoal grill; expect your clothes and hair to carry the smell. Seating is tightly packed, and reviewers warn that the shochu pours for drinks like hoppy are very generous. A typical dinner costs between ¥4,000 and ¥5,000. Reviewers recently paid around ¥950 for the five-skewer omakase set, with standout unagi skewers at ¥450 and low-temperature cooked heart (hatsu) at ¥500. Despite the modest prices, the quality and skill are high, making it excellent value.

• Reservations: Strongly recommended. The restaurant operates on timed seatings, so booking ahead by phone or social media is essential.
• Getting There: A short walk from Tsurumi Station.
• Payment: Cash only. Credit cards, electronic money, and QR code payments are not accepted.
• Seating: Approximately 10 seats at a counter, with some standing space.
• Atmosphere: Smoking is permitted, and the small interior is consistently filled with charcoal smoke.
• Language: There is no English menu, and Japanese is generally required for booking and ordering.
• Parking: Not available.