Shirokiya
白木屋
The accessible traditional izakaya since 1983
Introduction
Shirokiya (白木屋, "White Wood House") is one of Japan's most iconic izakaya chains, belonging to the Monteroza Group. Founded in 1983, it operates over 480 restaurants and perfectly embodies the traditional spirit of Japanese izakaya while remaining accessible to family budgets. Shirokiya is renowned for its authentic atmosphere and quality traditional cuisine.
🏮 Tradition meets modernity
- • Traditional décor - Authentic Showa era atmosphere
- • Personal service - Warm and family-friendly welcome
- • Varied cuisine - Menu balancing tradition and innovation
- • Reasonable prices - Accessible to families and groups
🏢 Monteroza Group
Shirokiya is part of the powerful Monteroza Group, which also owns Torikizoku and Watami. This affiliation allows it to benefit from an optimized supply chain and high quality standards, while maintaining its own identity centered on izakaya tradition.
🍶 Culinary philosophy
Shirokiya's philosophy is based on the concept of "ichigo ichie" (一期一会), the idea that each encounter is unique and precious. This approach translates into attentive service, carefully prepared dishes, and an atmosphere that encourages exchanges and conviviality between customers.
🎯 Family positioning
Unlike upscale or ultra-specialized izakaya, Shirokiya targets a broad audience including families with children, groups of friends, and work colleagues. This accessibility makes it an excellent entry point for discovering Japanese izakaya culture.
🌸 Seasonal experience
Shirokiya adapts its menu and decoration according to Japanese seasons, offering spring specialties (sakura), summer (festivals), autumn (momiji), and winter (kotatsu). This approach reinforces the authenticity of the cultural experience offered to customers.
Traditional Menu
🔥 Yakitori & Grilled Items
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yakitori Assortment | 焼き鳥盛り合わせ | Selection of 5 different skewers | ¥880 |
| Momo (thigh) | もも | Juicy chicken thigh, tare sauce | ¥190 |
| Tsukune | つくね | House-made minced chicken balls | ¥210 |
| Negima | ねぎま | Chicken and leek, popular classic | ¥200 |
| Beef Teriyaki | 牛テリヤキ | Beef skewers with teriyaki sauce | ¥320 |
| Pork Miso | 豚みそ | Pork marinated in red miso, flavorful | ¥250 |
🐟 Fish & Seafood
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Sashimi | 本日の刺身 | Fresh selection according to arrival | ¥780 |
| Grilled Mackerel | 焼きサバ | Salt-grilled mackerel, traditional | ¥580 |
| Fried Squid | イカフライ | Crispy squid rings | ¥480 |
| Aji Tataki | アジたたき | Horse mackerel seared with herbs | ¥650 |
| Grilled Scallops | ホタテ焼き | Scallops grilled with butter | ¥720 |
🍲 Traditional Dishes
| English Name | 日本語 | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Karaage | 鶏からあげ | House signature fried chicken | ¥520 |
| House Gyoza | 手作り餃子 | 6 pieces, dough made on-site | ¥420 |
| Agedashi Tofu | 揚げ出し豆腐 | Fried tofu in dashi broth | ¥380 |
| Motsu Nikomi | もつ煮込み | Miso offal stew, specialty | ¥680 |
| Takoyaki | たこ焼き | 8 pieces, authentic Osaka style | ¥450 |
🥗 Salads & Vegetables
Fresh Salads
- • Tofu Salad - Silky tofu, crisp vegetables (¥420)
- • Caesar Salad - Japanese version with wasabi (¥580)
- • Octopus Salad - Tako su, traditional vinaigrette (¥650)
- • Pickled Vegetables - Assorted tsukemono (¥320)
Prepared Vegetables
- • Edamame - Garlic or plain soy beans (¥280)
- • Spinach Goma-ae - Spinach with sesame sauce (¥380)
- • Cucumber Miso - Moromi miso for dipping (¥350)
- • Grilled Corn - Butter and soy sauce (¥420)
🍺 Beverages
Beer
- • Draft Beer - ¥380 (M), ¥580 (L)
- • Bottled Beer - ¥450-520
- • Non-alcoholic Beer - ¥350
Sake
- • Hot Sake - ¥420 (1 gō)
- • Cold Sake - ¥480 (1 gō)
- • Premium Sake - ¥680-980
Shōchū & Whisky
- • Sweet Potato Shōchū - ¥420
- • Barley Shōchū - ¥420
- • Whisky Highball - ¥450
- • Whisky on the Rocks - ¥580
Chu-hi
- • Lime - ¥420
- • Grapefruit - ¥420
- • Ume (plum) - ¥450
Non-alcoholic
- • Iced Tea - ¥280
- • Coca Cola - ¥320
- • Fruit Juice - ¥350
- • Mineral Water - ¥250
Hot Teas
- • Green Tea - ¥200
- • Oolong Tea - ¥250
- • Jasmine Tea - ¥280
Traditional Atmosphere
🏮 Authentic décor
Shirokiya faithfully recreates the atmosphere of Showa era izakaya with red lanterns, paper placemats, and warm wooden décor that evokes traditional Japan.
- • Wooden counter - View of the open kitchen
- • Traditional booths - Low tables, intimate atmosphere
- • Soft lighting - Lanterns and warm light
- • Ambient music - Discrete Japanese melodies
🎭 Traditional service
- • Energetic "Irasshaimase!" welcome
- • Hot oshibori towels
- • Personalized recommendations
- • Attention to empty glasses
- • Friendly and relaxed atmosphere
👥 Typical clientele
- • Office workers after work (nomikai)
- • Families on weekends
- • Groups of friends for celebrations
- • Couples for casual dinner
- • Tourists discovering izakaya
🍻 Sharing culture
Shirokiya encourages the Japanese tradition of "kanpai" (cheers!) and sharing dishes among diners. The staff creates an atmosphere conducive to exchanges and culinary discovery in groups, perfectly embodying the community spirit of izakaya.
Practical Guide
📋 Visit steps
- 1. Arrival - Wait to be seated by staff
- 2. Seating - Remove shoes if low tables
- 3. Oshibori - Use the offered hot towel
- 4. Drink order - Always start with a beverage
- 5. Successive orders - Add dishes progressively
- 6. Kanpai - Toast before drinking
- 7. Bill - Ask "okaikei kudasai"
🎯 Recommended first order
- • Draft Beer - To start (¥380)
- • Edamame - Traditional appetizer (¥280)
- • Yakitori Assortment - Discovery (¥880)
- • Karaage - House specialty (¥520)
- Total: ¥2,060 for complete introduction
🍶 Traditional experience
- • Hot Sake - Traditional drink (¥420)
- • Daily Sashimi - Guaranteed freshness (¥780)
- • Motsu Nikomi - Traditional dish (¥680)
- • Pickled Vegetables - Side dish (¥320)
- Total: ¥2,200 for Japanese authenticity
⚠️ Important points
- • Reservation recommended on weekends and holidays
- • Smoking/non-smoking - Sometimes separate areas
- • Table service - No self-service
- • Group billing - Single payment per table
- • No tipping expected - Service included in prices
Essential Information
💡 Tips for Visitors
🏆 Must-Try Specialties
🏮 Cultural Note
Shirokiya embodies the essence of traditional Japanese izakaya: a place to relax after work where all generations and social classes mix. The name "White Wood House" evokes simplicity and authenticity, fundamental values of Japanese culture of sharing and conviviality.