Senju Ogojo

Tucked away down an alley in Kita-Senju, Senju Ogojo is an izakaya dedicated to the tastes of Kagoshima, serving specialities such as torisashi chicken sashimi and house-made satsuma-age fishcakes alongside a broad cellar of imo-jochu (sweet potato shochu). The selection even extends to labels rarely encountered in Tokyo, offering diners the pleasure of sampling through different varieties cup by cup.

To accompany the drinks, the kitchen prepares fragrant grilled chicken skewers (goro-yaki), crisp chicken nanban, and slow-simmered kakuni pork belly. Hearty meat-led small plates also feature prominently, such as chashu pork with runny fried eggs and sliced chashu heaped with scallions.

Those looking to end the evening with something filling will find tori-meshi chicken rice, shrimp fried rice, and more unconventional choices, including carbonara-style pasta tossed with natto and full bowls of ramen.

Seating includes a relaxed counter welcoming solo guests as well as tables for groups. Operating until 0:00 late into the night on every day except Thursdays, it is an easy stop whether dropping in on a whim or booking ahead for a leisurely evening out.