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Motsuyaki Sakaba Tonbo: Ueno's Authentic Showa-Era Izakaya Charm.
“Motsuyaki Sakaba Tonbo” (もつ焼き酒場 豚坊), or “Tonbo” for short, is a renowned, long-established pork offal skewer (motsuyaki) specialty shop, quietly nestled under the railway bridge in Ueno’s famous Ameyoko market area, Tokyo. Its very location evokes a traditional, unpretentious scene of everyday Tokyo life. The establishment is also fondly known as a “Senbero Sanctuary“—a haven for enjoying drinks and food affordably (typically around 1000 yen).
While some might perceive an under-the-bridge location as somewhat rustic, for Tonbo’s regulars, this is an integral part of its charm. The rumble of passing trains serves as a unique “background music,” contributing to the lively, unpretentious, and welcoming atmosphere characteristic of Shitamachi (old downtown) culture.
Tonbo’s motsuyaki skewers are, of course, grilled to order, ensuring 100% freshness and a deliciousness that’s off the charts! They are famously known for their exceptionally large size, making each bite incredibly satisfying. It’s said the shop sources its ingredients from a trusted butcher they’ve partnered with for over a decade, exclusively using fresh “raw meat” (not frozen or pre-cooked), guaranteeing absolute quality. Furthermore, every pork offal skewer served here is genuinely what it claims to be, with no fillers or lesser substitutes!
Stewed Delights:
The Motsu Nikomi (もつ煮込み, Pork Offal Stew) is a soul-stirring, highly recommended must-try – you’ll deeply regret missing it! Famed for its incredible value and generous portions, it features large, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of pork intestine and stomach.
Another signature is the Meibutsu Daikon Ni (名物大根煮, Signature Stewed Daikon). This incredibly flavorful dish, infused with the savory essence of pork offal fat, features large, tender daikon radish served piping hot, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pairing perfectly with alcoholic beverages.
Surprisingly, Tonbo also offers a super-fresh (“shàng qīng,” a Taiwanese expression for “freshest”) Sashimi 3-Kind Assortment (刺身 三品盛) – perhaps popular choices like Yellowtail, Tuna, and Salmon – providing a delightful palate cleanser amidst the richer dishes. It’s a testament to the owner’s understanding of izakaya dynamics – knowing that offering lighter choices enhances overall enjoyment when paired with hearty meat dishes.
Drink Highlight:
Of course, the classic izakaya beverage Hoppy (ホッピー) is a staple on Tonbo’s drink menu. Uniquely, Tonbo also offers a rare “Red Hoppy Set” for just ¥460 – a “dream item” for aficionados. This limited-edition Red Hoppy, specially brewed for Hoppy’s 55th anniversary by doubling the usual brewing time, boasts an exceptionally rich and aromatic flavor. This demonstrates Tonbo’s meticulous attention to even its drink selection, proving it doesn’t just offer cheap options. Even within its “Senbero” (a spot where one can get happily tipsy for around 1000 yen) appeal, guests can enjoy a slightly more premium choice like Red Hoppy, showcasing the owner’s sincerity.
Let’s reiterate: Tonbo is the epitome of a “Senbero” (a spot for incredibly good value eating and drinking, typically satisfying for around ¥1000-¥2000)! It’s not just about delicious food; the drinks are exceptionally cheap too. Usually, around ¥2000 will leave you full, happy, and with drinks included. While the price of sake did nudge up from ¥190 to ¥250, it’s still universally considered unbelievably inexpensive – that’s the irresistible charm of a true “Senbero” haven. Regulars or the price-conscious might notice such minor shifts, but as long as the food is tasty and the quality justifies the cost, a small increase is negligible. Overall, Tonbo remains an absolutely fantastic, high-value deal!
Japanese voice menu translation provided at the back
Motsuyaki Sakaba Tonbo – Store Information
- Budget: ¥2,000 – ¥2,999
- Type: Izakaya, Horumon (Offal) Yakiniku
- Phone: 03-3832-5710
- Reservations: Accepted
- Address: 6-11-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Located under the JR elevated train tracks)
- Access: 1 min walk from Keisei-Ueno Station
- Children: Permitted (Note for parents: Please be aware that the establishment is a smoking-permitted area if bringing children.)
- Payment: Cash Only (Credit cards, E-money, and QR code payments are NOT accepted)
- Smoking Policy: Smoking is permitted at all seats (Important Note: Japan has implemented anti-smoking regulations. It is advisable to confirm the current smoking policy with the establishment before your visit.)
點擊日文字會有語音喔🔊
店舗とのコラボレーションで、無料の音声メニューを作成いたします。ご興味のある方はぜひご連絡ください!goodxssss@gmail.com
Excuse me
すみません
Menu, please!
メニューをください!
Order, please
注文、お願いします
This one, please
これ、お願いします
Thank you for the meal
ごちそうさまでした
Water, please
お水、お願いします
How do I eat this?
どうやって食べますか?
A small plate, please
小皿、お願いします
May I take a photo?
寫真、いいですか?
Excuse me, please change the grill net.
すみません、網を替えてください
Check, please
お會計、お願いします
Where do I pay?
支払いはどこですか?
How much is it?
いくらですか?
Can I use a credit card?
クレジットカードは使えますか?
I will pay in cash
現金で支払います
May I have the receipt, please?
領収書をお願いします。
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Menu
語音菜單,輕鬆點餐。
Order easily with our voice menu
Grilled Pork
焼きとん
x2
Pork Head Meat
かしら
Tongue
たん
Liver
れば
Cartilage
なんこつ
Harami
はらみ
White
しろ
Heart
はつ
Pork Intestine
てっぽう
Oil
あぶら
Arm
腕
Bacon
ベーコン
Simmered Dish
煮込
Simmered Offal
もつ煮込み
Specialty Simmered Daikon
名物大根煮
Sashimi
刺身
Daily Specials
毎日日替わり
Three-item Assortment
三品盛
Five Item Assortment
五品盛
Others
その他
Pickled Chinese Cabbage
白菜漬け
Salted Cabbage Salad
塩もみキャベツ
Chilled Tofu
冷奴
Edamame
枝豆
Kimchi
キムチ
Macaroni Salad
マカロニサラダ
Thick Fried Tofu
厚揚げ
Konnyaku Sashimi
こんにゃく刺し
Tuna Sashimi Cubes
まぐろぶつ
Thick Omelette
厚焼き玉子
Pork Stomach Sashimi
がつ刺
Chilled Tomato
冷やしトマト
Simmered Konjac Balls
玉こん煮
Kurobuta Chashu
黒豚チャーシュー
Kurobuta Ribs
黒豚リブ
Kurobuta Miso
黒豚味噌
Drink
Drinks
お飲み物
Each customer is required to order at least one food item and one drink.
Medium Mug Draft Beer
生ビール中ジョッキ
Asahi Super Dry
アサヒ スーパードライ
Whiskey Highball
ウイスキーハイボール
Sake (Shochikubai)
清酒(松竹梅)
Large Tokkuri (Sake Bottle)
大德利
One Cup
コップ一杯
Chuhai (Shochu Highball)
酎ハイ
Highball
ハイボール
Lemon Highball
レモンハイ
Ume Highball
ウメハイ
Kyoho Highball
巨峰ハイ
Oolong Highball
ウーロンハイ
Green Tea Highball
緑茶ハイ
Hoppy Set
ホッピーセット
Hoppy
ホッピー
Filling Replacement
替中味
Others
その他
Sweet Potato Shochu
芋焼酎
Barley Shochu
麦焼酎
Plum Wine
