Jidori Chicken: Features and 8 Famous Restaurants in Japan to Try It

Jidori Chicken and Recommended Restaurants to Enjoy It

Japan boasts a wide variety of cuisines, and one that has been gaining attention recently is jidori (free-range chicken).

This article will introduce the different types of jidori, their distinctions from regular chicken, and recommended restaurants where you can fully experience the unique flavors of jidori.

What is Jidori Chicken?

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Jidori refers to domestically raised chicken that meets specific criteria: it contains at least half of its bloodline from indigenous breeds, and it is raised following methods prescribed by JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards).

Indigenous breeds refer to the 38 types of chicken that were established or introduced to Japan before the Meiji era (1868-1912).

Jidori is treated as a premium ingredient, characterized by its rich flavor, depth, and firm texture. People not only enjoy visiting jidori specialty restaurants but are increasingly purchasing it through mail order as well.

Types of Jidori Chicken

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Jidori chicken comes in various types depending on the region and is commonly used in local cuisines across Japan.

The three major jidori are well-known as Japan's top-tier local chickens: Hinai Jidori from Akita Prefecture, Nagoya Cochin from Aichi Prefecture, and Satsuma Jidori from Kagoshima Prefecture.

In addition to these, several other prefectures are famous for their jidorichicken, including Aomori, Yamagata, Fukushima, Miyazaki, Ibaraki, Nara, Tokushima, and Kochi.

Difference Between Jidori and Regular Chicken

To be certified as jidori, the chicken must meet the following rearing conditions:

- A rearing period of at least 75 days
- Free-range farming from 28 days of age
- A maximum stocking density of 10 birds per square meter from 28 days of age onwards

Usually, chicken is often raised in crowded conditions and sold as "young chickens" or "broilers." Their meat is tender and is used in various cooking methods like boiling, grilling, and steaming.

In contrast, jidori is raised in natural environments that allow for free movement. This results in well-developed muscles and a characteristic firm texture.

8 Restaurants to Savor Jidori Chicken in Japan

If you want to savor jidori at its best, visit restaurants run by chefs who are well-versed in the charm of jidori.

Here are 8 renowned establishments where you can enjoy jidori dishes from various regions of Japan.

1. Jidoriya (Tokyo): Charcoal-Grilled Chiba Akadori Chicken

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Jidoriya, located in Tokyo's Shimbashi district, offers the premium Chiba brand chicken, Suigo Akadori. Here, you can enjoy charcoal-grilled chicken, cooked to perfection using Binchotan charcoal, which locks in the chicken’s rich flavors.

A recommended dish is the Jidoriya Special 6-Skewer Assortment, featuring carefully grilled skewers including two daily recommendations, negima (chicken and green onion), tsukune with a soft-boiled egg, salted chicken wings, and quail eggs.

Jidoriya
Address: 2-3-7 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo, Shinbashi Daini Naka Building 2F
Business Hours: Monday to Thursday 3:00 PM – 11:30 PM, Friday 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Saturday 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Sunday and public holidays
Official Website: https://jidoriya.jp/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000121159/

2. Ginza Kashiwa (Tokyo): Rare Hinai Jidori and Wine

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Ginza Kashiwa specializes in Hinai Jidori, one of Japan's three major jidori chickens from Akita Prefecture. Here, you can enjoy exquisite jidori dishes in a refined Japanese setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

A recommended offering is a luxurious course meal prepared by certified grill chefs who use Kishu Binchotan charcoal. You can also enjoy a pairing of jidori dishes with fine wines.

Ginza Kashiwa
Address: 4-12-1 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo, VORT Ginza EAST II 11F
Business Hours: Saturday, Sunday, and holidays lunch 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order 1:30 PM)
Monday to Friday dinner 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Last Order 10:00 PM)
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays dinner 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Last Order 9:30 PM)
Official Website: https://ginzakashiwa.com/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ001260556/

3. Kantekiya Hamamatsucho Daimon (Tokyo): Experience Kyushu's Specialty Dishes

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At Kantekiya Hamamatsucho Daimon, you can enjoy dishes made with the brand chicken Miyazaki Jitokko from Miyazaki Prefecture.

The menu is packed with Kyushu specialty dishes, including authentic Hakata-style motsunabe (beef tripe hot pot), Kumamoto-style basashi (raw horse meat), and grilled Miyazaki Jitokko.

There are private rooms available where you can enjoy your meal while admiring views of Tokyo Tower, making it a great option for those who want to savor jidori in a relaxed atmosphere.

Kantekiya Hamamatsucho Daimon
Address: 2-1-1 Hamamatsucho, Minato City, Tokyo, Ex Daimon Building 2F to 4F
Business Hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday dinner 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday dinner 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Closed: Sunday
Official Website: https://kantekiya.foodre.jp/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ001117141/

4. Jidori Yakiniku Yokadori (Osaka): Directly Delivered Fresh Chicken

Jidori Yakiniku Yokadori specializes in exquisite chicken dishes made with the locally produced Yamato Chicken from Nara.

Each table is equipped with infrared grills, allowing guests to enjoy the fun of self-cooking their meals.

The restaurant features private rooms for all seating, providing a comfortable space to savor your meal. There's even a single-use private room available, making it an excellent choice for business travelers.

Recommended menu items include Freshly Fried Young Chicken, Juicy Chicken Minced Cutlet, and Plump Breast Meat with Mentaiko Butter Rice.

Jidori Yakiniku Yokadori
Address: 2-5-36 Mizuhashi, Higashi-Osaka City, Osaka
Business Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Last Order 10:30 PM)
Closed: Wednesday
Official Website: https://yokadori.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yokadori.jp/

5. Sai Tori Dori (Osaka): Choose by Cuts

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Located in Osaka's Tenma district, Sai Tori Dori is a jidori specialty restaurant designed in a traditional house style. They offer seasonal domestic vegetables and rare jidori chicken, along with an impressive selection of craft beers that pair well with their dishes.

At this restaurant, you can choose different cuts of jidori from the daily recommendations. One of their signature dishes is the Lava Stone Grilled Jidori, where the infrared effect of lava stones locks in the flavor while cooking.

Sai Tori Dori
Address: 5-4-10 Tenjinbashikita, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka
Business Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Last Order 11:00 PM)
Closed: Monday
Official Website: https://irotoridori-temma.net/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ001211099/

6. Jidori Bozu Nagoya Station Main Store: Using Fresh Nagoya Cochin

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Jidori Bozu Nagoya Station Main Store is an izakaya located just a minute's walk from Nagoya Station, making it easily accessible.

Here, you can enjoy charcoal-grilled dishes made with fresh Nagoya Cochin, as well as other jidori specialties like chicken wings. The restaurant offers menus in English, Chinese, and Korean, making it convenient for international visitors.

Additionally, the restaurant features numerous private rooms, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their meals without distractions.

Jidori Bozu Nagoya Station Main Store
Address: B1F M3 Dining Building, 3-15-11 Meieki, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi
Business Hours: Monday 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM / Tuesday to Thursday, public holidays, and the day before holidays 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM / Friday and Saturday 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM / Sunday 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Official Website: https://bouzu-jidoribouzuhonten.owst.jp/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000743079/

7. Jidori Shokudo (Fukuoka): Look for the Rustic Shed!

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Jidori Shokudo in Fukuoka offers a unique dining experience where you can enjoy stone-grilled chicken made from richly fatty breeding chickens (shukei).

This flavorful breed is raised over a period of 450 days, resulting in meat that is both resilient and rich in taste.

A recommended dish is the Stone-Grilled Shukei Thigh Set Meal, which comes with unlimited refills of barley rice and soup. On weekdays during lunch, you can also order their service buffet set.

Jidori Shokudo
Address: 739-4 Magaribuchi, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last Order 7:30 PM)
Closed: December 30 to January 2
Official Website: https://www.magaribuchi.jp/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000838442/

8. Miyazaki Kobayashi Jidori no Sato: Raised and Produced on Their Own Farm

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Surrounded by a grove of cedar trees, Miyazaki Kobayashi Jidori no Sato is a specialized restaurant for jidori cuisine with a calm atmosphere. They offer a variety of dishes made with Nagoya Cochin and Hirako Jidori raised in Kobayashi, Miyazaki Prefecture.

The menu includes items like Hirako Jidori Charcoal Grilled and Jidori Charcoal Grilled Udon, with a special menu available for groups. It's a popular restaurant where reservations are required on Sundays and holidays.

All rooms are private, allowing you to relax and enjoy your meal in a private space.

Miyazaki Kobayashi Jidori no Sato
Address: 1247-1 Nanseikata, Kobayashi City, Miyazaki
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last Order 7:30 PM)
Closed: December 31 and January 1
Official Website: https://jidorinosato.net/
Hot Pepper Gourmet: https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ000660069/

Enjoy Jidori Chicken from Various Regions

Jidori chicken, with its rich flavor and firm texture, offers a delightful experience with varying chewiness and taste depending on the breed.

Jidori raised through natural farming methods is also noted for its high safety standards. Be sure to try comparing different jidori varieties!