01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Marked by a simple yellow sign on a quiet backstreet in Machiya, izakaya Yamasan sets an inviting tone the moment diners open the menu. The main draw is the line-caught horse mackerel (tsuri aji fry). Fried crisp and golden, the fish retains a tender, flaky interior that brings out its natural sweetness. Beyond the deep-fried cutlet, the three-way line-caught horse mackerel sampler (tsuri aji 3-shu mori) provides a wider look at the catch, combining crisp fried fish with fresh sashimi slices and savory, miso-seasoned namero tartare.
From Fresh Seafood and Sushi to Chinese Fare
The seafood selection extends far beyond horse mackerel. Daily sashimi boards may feature striped jack, flounder, red sea bream, and spear squid. Shellfish enthusiasts gravitate toward the shellfish platter, bringing together whelk, red clam, and surf clam. A solid sushi selection covers omakase nigiri and fatty tuna rolls (toro tekka maki) for those seeking a more substantial meal. Between seafood courses, familiar tavern and Chinese dishes fill out the table, from long-simmered motsu nikomi stew to crispy katayakisoba noodles smothered in piping-hot sauce and fragrant meat-and-vegetable stir-fries.
Everyday Set Meals and Daytime Drinks
At lunchtime, approachable teishoku sets such as the fried horse mackerel set, sashimi set, and sautéed pork set draw neighborhood regulars. On Saturdays and Sundays, Yamasan remains open continuously from 11:30 through the evening, making it a reliable spot for an unhurried weekend daytime drink. The beverage menu includes draught and bottled beer, draught Hoppy, sake, and refreshing options like tomato vinegar sours.
Counter seating accommodates solo visitors comfortably, while tables allow groups to share multiple plates at leisure. Whether dropping in for freshly fried aji or settling in for an evening over small dishes and drinks, Machiya's Yamasan provides a dependable, down-to-earth backdrop for dining at one's own pace.
