Waguya
和ぐや
Shinagawa & Gotanda · izakaya
Waguya is a small white-wood counter izakaya tucked in a Gotanda back alley, 4 minutes from the west exit. The signature is raw 'hotaruika' (firefly squid) shabu-shabu — the spring-only Toyama specialty arranged like flower petals. Sea bream-broth oden, daily Toyosu sashimi, 8-10 seasonal sake by the glass. Reserve ahead, especially in spring.
As seen on Instagram
Original post by @waguya_gotanda
How to visit
- Address
- West Exit, Gotanda Station, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (4 min walk, alleyway) (東京都品川区西五反田 (五反田駅西口徒歩4分))
- Hours
- Mon-Thu 11:30-24:00 / Fri 17:00-24:00 / Sat 17:00-24:00 / Sun 17:00-22:00
- Price
- $$
- English (?)
- Limited
- Reservations
- Required
What makes it special
Gotanda has quietly become one of Tokyo’s most concentrated foodie pockets — but the good places hide in the alleyways behind the west exit, not on the main road. Waguya is a small white-wood counter izakaya whose seasonal menu rotates with what arrives from Toyosu market that morning.
The hotaruika (firefly squid) shabu-shabu is the dish to make a trip for. The squid arrives fresh from Toyama Bay, arranged on the plate like flower petals, then briefly dipped in a sea-bream broth before going on rice with ponzu. It’s a taste-of-spring dish that exists only March through May.
How to visit
From Gotanda station’s west exit, head into the alleyways behind the main JR line. Waguya is roughly four minutes in — look for the indigo noren curtain. Phone ahead.
FAQ
FAQ
Is it tourist-friendly?
Counter is intimate — staff will treat you well but the menu is Japanese-only and ordering is basically a conversation. If you can't read katakana, bring a translator app or ask the next customer.
What's the signature dish?
Hotaruika (firefly squid) shabu-shabu — only available roughly March through May. The course is ¥3,980 and includes a finishing rice porridge. Outside spring, the Toyosu sashimi platter and sea-bream oden carry the menu.
Do I need a reservation?
Strongly recommended, especially during firefly-squid season (spring) and on weekends. The counter only seats about 8.