Yakitori Ichiha: Rare Kosaka Chicken Omakase

Yakitori Ichiha is one of the very few restaurants in Japan—and effectively the only one in Okinawa—serving the prized Kosaka chicken. The experience is a tightly paced omakase, where the chef alone presides over a charcoal grill, serving skewers and small dishes at their peak. The focus is squarely on the rare ingredient and the exacting control of fire and timing.

Guests consistently praise the clean, sweet flavour of the Kosaka chicken's fat. Highlights from the course often include chicken sashimi and tataki, showcasing the quality of the raw product, alongside precisely grilled rare parts like furi-sode (shoulder) and se-sari (neck). The tsukune (minced chicken meatball) is another favourite. The meal typically concludes with a refreshing shiso granita and a comforting soba or zousui made with a rich chicken dashi.

The main criticisms are physical: the seating is at a low counter in a tatami style, which requires removing shoes and can be uncomfortable for taller guests or those with knee issues. Some also find the portions per skewer to be small, though most feel the price is justified by the quality. The omakase course costs around ¥9,000–¥10,000, with a typical total spend of ¥10,000–¥14,999 per person. One reviewer recently paid ¥12,630 for the course with several drinks.

• Booking: Reservations are essential. With only 10 seats and a single chef, walking in is not recommended.
• Getting There: The restaurant is a 5-minute walk from Miebashi Station. It is located on the 3rd floor of a building and can be difficult to spot from the street.
• Seating: All 10 seats are at a low counter. You will be required to remove your shoes.
• Payment: Credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners), electronic money (including transport IC cards like Suica), and QR code payments are accepted.
• Children: If you plan to bring children, you must contact the restaurant by phone in advance to consult with them.
• Smoking: The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
• Parking: There is no dedicated parking, but paid coin lots are available nearby.