Looking for an authentic Japanese meal near Tokyo Station or Ginza?
Located inside Yurakucho Itocia, directly connected to Yurakucho Station, Umaya no Gakuya is a popular Japanese restaurant known for its grilled beef tongue, crispy chicken nanban, and healthy barley rice served with grated yam.
Whether you’re sightseeing in Tokyo, shopping in Ginza, or simply craving a traditional Japanese set meal, this restaurant offers an excellent dining experience at a reasonable price.
During my visit, I tried their popular Grilled Beef Tongue & Chicken Nanban Set Meal with Tororo (grated yam).
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
目次-table of contents
- What Is Umaya no Gakuya Yurakucho?
- Popular Menu Items
- My Experience: Grilled Beef Tongue & Chicken Nanban Set Meal
- The Surprisingly Delicious Miso Soup
- Barley Rice and Tororo: A Perfect Match
- Crispy Chicken Nanban
- Tender and Flavorful Grilled Beef Tongue
- How Busy Does It Get?
- Who Should Visit?
- Restaurant Information
- Final Thoughts
What Is Umaya no Gakuya Yurakucho?
Umaya no Gakuya is a Japanese teishoku (set meal) restaurant located on the basement floor of Yurakucho Itocia.
The restaurant specializes in comforting Japanese dishes inspired by Kyushu cuisine, featuring grilled meats, fresh fish, chicken nanban, and nutritious barley rice.
Unlike many restaurants that focus only on lunch, Umaya no Gakuya serves full set meals throughout the day, making it a convenient option for both lunch and dinner.
Its location is another major advantage. Since it is directly connected to Yurakucho Station, it’s easy to visit even on rainy days.
Popular Menu Items
Here are some of the restaurant’s most popular set meals:
| Menu Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Grilled Beef Tongue Set with Tororo | ¥1,940 |
| Grilled Pork Set with Tororo | ¥1,640 |
| Mixed Grilled Meat Set with Tororo | ¥1,850 |
| Grilled Beef Tongue & Chicken Nanban Set with Tororo | ¥1,870 |
| Salt-Grilled Mackerel Set | ¥1,510 |
| Chicken Nanban Set | ¥1,360 |
| Chicken Nanban Set with Pork Miso Soup | ¥1,460 |
Guests can choose between barley rice or white rice, and large portions are available free of charge.
The combination of barley rice and tororo (Japanese grated yam) is especially popular among locals.
My Experience: Grilled Beef Tongue & Chicken Nanban Set Meal
I visited on a Sunday around 6:00 PM.
Luckily, there was no line when I arrived and I was seated immediately.
However, by the time I finished my meal, several groups were already waiting outside.
This gave me a good indication of how popular the restaurant is, especially on weekends.
I ordered the restaurant’s signature:
Grilled Beef Tongue & Chicken Nanban Set Meal with Tororo
This set includes:
- Grilled beef tongue
- Chicken nanban
- Tororo (Japanese grated yam)
- Barley rice
- Miso soup
It’s a fantastic way to sample several Japanese specialties in one meal.
The Surprisingly Delicious Miso Soup
One of the biggest surprises was the miso soup.
Filled with mushrooms and cabbage, it had a gentle and comforting flavor that felt homemade.
What makes it even better is that refills are free.
Many visitors focus on the main dishes, but the miso soup alone is worth mentioning. I enjoyed it so much that I ordered a second bowl.
Barley Rice and Tororo: A Perfect Match
Tororo is a traditional Japanese grated yam known for its smooth and slightly sticky texture.
When poured over warm barley rice, it creates a simple yet incredibly satisfying combination.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s also considered a healthier alternative to plain white rice.
If you’re visiting Japan and want to experience authentic home-style Japanese cuisine, this is something you should definitely try.
Crispy Chicken Nanban
Chicken Nanban is one of Kyushu’s most famous dishes, and Umaya no Gakuya serves an excellent version.
The crispy fried coating contrasts perfectly with the rich tartar sauce.
Each bite delivers a balance of crunchiness, sweetness, and savory flavor.
Despite its generous size, the chicken remains surprisingly light and easy to eat.
Tender and Flavorful Grilled Beef Tongue
The grilled beef tongue was exceptionally tender.
Its smoky aroma and juicy texture paired beautifully with the barley rice.
The restaurant serves it with lemon, but I particularly enjoyed adding a bit of yuzu pepper for extra flavor.
If you’re a fan of Japanese yakiniku or looking to try beef tongue for the first time, this dish is highly recommended.
How Busy Does It Get?
Based on my visit, these are the busiest times:
- Weekday lunch hours (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)
- Weekend lunch hours
- Weekday evenings after 6:00 PM
- Weekend dinner hours
The restaurant does not accept reservations, so arriving early is your best option.
Visiting shortly after opening or before the main dinner rush can help you avoid long waits.
Who Should Visit?
Umaya no Gakuya is perfect for:
- Travelers looking for authentic Japanese cuisine
- Visitors staying near Tokyo Station or Ginza
- Anyone interested in trying beef tongue
- Fans of Japanese set meals (teishoku)
- Solo travelers
- Families and casual diners
The restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere and high-quality food without the high prices often associated with central Tokyo dining.
Restaurant Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Umaya no Gakuya Yurakucho |
| Address | Yurakucho Itocia B1F, 2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
| Access | Directly connected to Yurakucho Station |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last Order 9:00 PM) |
| Reservations | Not Available |
| Payment Methods | Credit Cards, IC Cards (Suica, PASMO), Electronic Money, PayPay |
| Seating Capacity | 35 Seats |
Travel Tip
Because the restaurant is located directly beneath Yurakucho Station, it’s an excellent dining option before or after exploring Ginza, Tokyo Station, or the Imperial Palace area.
Final Thoughts
Umaya no Gakuya Yurakucho is one of those restaurants that delivers exactly what many visitors hope to find in Japan: delicious food, excellent value, and authentic local flavors.
The combination of grilled beef tongue, crispy chicken nanban, healthy barley rice, and free miso soup refills makes for an incredibly satisfying meal.
If you’re visiting Tokyo and want to experience a traditional Japanese set meal loved by locals, Umaya no Gakuya deserves a place on your itinerary.
