01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Just moments from Keisei-Tateishi Station, Bigaku is a lively neighbourhood izakaya dedicated to Kyushu jidori free-range chicken. The natural place to begin is the chicken sashimi platter, which brightens the table with its jewel-like cuts. Diners can select assortments ranging from 4 to 6 different cuts, or order individual portions of thigh, breast, heart, gizzard, and prized neck meat (seseri), savouring the remarkably clean, tender textures alongside sweet Kyushu-style soy sauce.
Beyond the raw offerings lies an assortment of flame-seared and deep-fried dishes. The grill turns out tender jidori mixed cuts, charred seseri neck, and tsukune skewers studded with crunchy cartilage and served with egg yolk (tsukimi tsukune). Another table staple is the Oita-style chicken tempura platter, with crisp batter enclosing succulent meat. Classic pub accompaniments like chicken nanban, ponzu-dressed chicken skin, and vinegar-cured beef or pork offal (sumotsu) keep conversations and drinks flowing effortlessly.
Drinking here takes on a playful edge thanks to Bigaku's signature Hoppy service. When you ask for an extra shot of shochu (naka) to top up your malt beverage, staff let you pour Kinmiya shochu straight from the bottle to your own measure—an emblem of generous shitamachi hospitality. The drinks list also features dice-roll chinchiro highballs, the locally named Tateishi highball, and Yebisu draft beer, ensuring plenty of options to match the mood.
To close out a long evening of drinking, the kitchen offers filling carbohydrate dishes such as jidori dipping noodles (tsukemen), salt-scallion chicken tenderloin over rice, and sweet-savoury sukiyaki rice bowls. Open from 15:00 Monday through Saturday, Bigaku is a welcoming spot to gather with friends over hearty platters and spirited rounds.
