Kushigin — Restaurant in Tokyo

updated 05/18/2025-- Saw foreigners complaining about discrimination, so I've been trying to watch the staff for anything weird.

I figured that maybe because I am a regular, maybe I was getting special treatment or something, but ''No''.

They let a duo of American foreigners in, at the outside table without so much of a blink. They couldn't speak a lick of Japanese. They also happily served a few other non-natives as well.

No idea where the ''No non-electric cigarette'' complaint came from either.

I don't smoke, but each section provides ashtrays and a few people inside were smoking without a problem.

I wonder if the people complaining are getting confused with the yakitori place down the street. 🤔

Worst case I can think of, is the staff is refusing overly drunk or loud patrons, which I have seen once or twice in my 3-4 years coming here.

They ARE overly relaxed in terms of politeness though. Not saying they are rude, but they speak in a very casual manner, which can throw off older patrons. Personally, I find it refreshing.

I can't help but think the recent negative reviews are from people who are salty for being turned away while misunderstanding the reason, or are confusing Kushigin with another nearby place.

--original-- I've been coming here (as a foreigner) for almost 3 years. (Once a month, on weekends) Food and drink are good. The atmosphere is very relaxed. It is a standing bar, though. No seats.

You have a generous 2 hours to eat and drink before they cut you off and start wanting fresher customers. They are kind, but like any business, they want to maximize profits.

Employees try to speak English, but they appreciate the effort if you speak Japanese. The menu comes with photos, and I think they have an English menu now. 99% of everything is astoundingly good!

The best time to visit is a Saturday. It is the ONLY day they serve their special liver.

Their liver yakitori is the star of their menu and is soft, succulent, and tasty. It is so popular, you can only order 1 per person, because it sells out so fast. They do NOT sell it on any day but Saturday.

As long as you are polite, they will be polite as well. Every person must order something, though. No 1 drink between 4 people. They are running a business, after all. Employees are very friendly and often like to interact with repeat customers.

It is also very LGBTQ+ friendly. It is not a ''gay bar'', but you can be who you are here without a problem.

As long as you are respectful and pay your tab, you are always welcome.

The only complaint is that they don't serve Dark Beer. Still,...

---As of July 2023---- Ate here again for the 5th time in 8 months. Still a very good place with very decent prices. I still hear it is the "#1 Yakitori place in Akihabara", and it still holds up to that title.

You would think, at first glance, that the prices were slightly high, but once you taste what you pay for, you realize it is well worth it.

I tried their "potato fry" (french fries) for the first time, and they were delicious. I would wish they served the tarago paste instead of ketchup for foreigners though. Sadly, they were out of the chicken liver today, which I have to admit, is something I was looking forward to here. despite HATING liver in general. They are really THAT good at their food.

Still no seats, and now that covid is generally over, there is more smoking in the area than I like. Still a very good menu that deserves at least one visit from locals and tourists alike. Try their tomato+bacon yakitori. Heaven on a stick.

If you are a western tourist, just avoid the uncomfortable situation the staff create here.

Bar was nearly empty, was stopped at the door by a waiter literally jumping infront of me and telling me they were full. It was clearly empty, he could have at least tried and said it was booked out but when I clarified I only want a drink he said no seats were available in perfect English. I can only guess that おもてなし doesn't exist here, or at least to foreigners.

Stop pretending and put a sign out saying No foreigners so that we dont waste your and our time.

I wasn't going to say anything but after reading the same experience from so many other people its obviously something that happens all the time. Considering it is literally next to Akihabara one of the most sort after tourist areas in Tokyo, it isnt unreasonable to think this place would cater...