01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
A visit to Kokkoya in Nagaokakyo's Kaiden neighborhood centers on charcoal-scented yakitori and crisp fried chicken wings. The artisan chef slowly cooks skewers over charcoal, yielding chicken with a crisp exterior and a juicy center, seasoned with a measured touch of salt or delicate tare sauce. Alongside the grilled skewers, the fried chicken wings are a popular choice—crisp on the outside and bursting with rich juices, making an ideal companion for a drink.
The menu covers a wide range of cuts, from classics like hasami (chicken and green onion), seseri (neck), and tsukune (chicken meatballs) to rarer choices like chicken tail, engawa (skirt), and ginkawa (gizzard skin). Creative variations such as premium tenderloin wrapped with spicy pollock roe or ume plum and shiso, along with bacon-wrapped asparagus, share the grill with charcoal-roasted vegetables like scallions and shiitake mushrooms. Diners can also structure their meal with palate-cleansing sides like a refreshing mini salad or a daikon and mizuna salad, finishing with chicken-dashi chazuke.
The drinks list ranges from draft beer to carefully selected sake, wine, and cocktails, complementing both delicate salt-seasoned skewers and richer tare glazes. Service starts in the evening at 17:00, accommodating both casual meals at the counter and groups in the tatami-matted zashiki seating. Because tables can fill up quickly, making a reservation in advance is recommended if you have specific dinner plans.
