Yamataro Onigiri — Restaurant in Tokyo

I'm not sure what was going on but it seemed like they had two stores on opposite corners from each other. Either way I lined up just before their second shift at 4:30 and only two groups were in front of me. The way they have it set up is you go in, order, and wait outside until they call your number with your order. While you wait there are a few seats and a bench to sit on, but the store is just big enough to let maybe 5 people stand inside while leaving space for people to walk by. I actually like this because there is no sit down as far as I could tell, which means orders go out fast and people get their onigiri quickly. All of the workers there are very nice and help you even if you can't speak Japanese. They have an English menu in store and on their social media to help as well. The taste of the onigiri is quite good and they cater to a more spicy set of toppings which I actually love. They seem to be going for a more Korean style flavor while still keeping traditional Japanese options. I ordered their new addition, a spicy garlic shrimp, and it was excellent. The only thing I'd change is to mince the shrimp up a bit more so you can get a little in every bite. As it is now they use whole baby/small shrimp with nicely sliced garlic. I also ordered their karaage mayo and Korean chicken. Both were nicely balanced while keeping the proper taste of chicken instead of being overpowering with sauce or breading. The portions were big and 3 should do the average westerner just fine, but these keep well enough you could order for lunch and dinner. (which is what I did) I would be coming back here every day if I wasn't busy trying to eat my way through everything...

I am rating 'Yamataro Onigiri's takeout store which is across the street from their dine-in restaurant. They are across from each other on the same street in the faded green building on the corner. There will be a wood bench to sit on for waiting customers. To get here by train, take the Fukutoshin (F10 - Zoshigaya station) line; take the Exit 1 and once you exit, turn left and next street, turn left again and it will be there after how many feet or a small block away.

Since the main dining restaurant was already closed at 3p, (Saturday), they have a takeout store for pick ups only. I was told you can order ahead of time for pick up. The three ladies inside were very friendly, sweet and accommodating to us Americans. Always smiling and laughing. They gave us an English menu when they saw us trying to Google translate their menu. Haha

Tried the below by favorite: Spicy garlic tuna mayonnaise onigiri - *5 stars Sukiyaki onigiri (simmered beef, egg yolk and spring onion) *5 stars Spicy poke mayonnaise onigiri - just enough and had avocado *5 stars Salmon onigiri - was a little dry but then it's cooked fish *4 Stars

Would have loved to try their dine-in and try their hand rolls that look like seaweed tacos which you can have up to three toppings. Their prices are very decent and not pricy at all. We will be coming here again for takeout food. Very filling. To owners: Jun and Chie Hiyama, you did good with these two stores in Zoshigaya and hope your dream to expand overseas is fulfilled. Please come to the Bay Area in...

The nicest onigiri I have eaten so far!

Tried these flavors: Mentaiko cream cheese Squid with cream cheese Minced meat with egg Mala (Sichuan peppercorn) with egg Sukiyaki with egg

The onigiri was so big and the rice was so fluffy! Two onigiri for one person is filling enough. You can also ask for less rice in your onigiri. We also ordered the tonjiru soup to go with our onigiri. The shop opens at 11am but they start taking queue number through the tablet at 10am.

The counter seating restaurant is small and cosy. You can watch your onigiri being freshly made by the lovely lady boss. She can speak English and was really friendly. She used to work at the popular Onigiri Bongo so the onigiri here is super legit. Highly...