Where Time Stands Still: Yagura Restaurant
It’s more to me than just a place to get a good Japanese meal in the neighborhood.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Tucked away under a three-story walkup apartment in Liliha, Yagura Restaurant has served local Japanese favorites since it opened in 1984. It’s walking distance from my home, and since moving to the Nu‘uanu area in 2008, it’s become one of my favorite neighborhood spots.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
I love the New York steak, served on a sizzling cast-iron platter, and my go-to combo plate is BBQ chicken and tempura. The chicken arrives at the table hot, with a delicious, smoky and burnt fat flavor you only get from chicken grilled in its own skin. Most of the meals come with miso soup, rice, tsukemono, a small salad and tea.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
As a townie with a mostly local Japanese family, I remember almost all our family celebrations (birthdays, retirement and grad parties, etc.) happening at a Japanese restaurant. I have so many memories, like the time I got scolded playing with the cigarette vending machine at Wisteria. But like Wisteria, many of these restaurants have closed.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
That’s why I’m still a regular at Yagura. It’s more than just a place to get a good meal in the neighborhood. It’s about the past, my family’s past, our memories, who we were then and now.
1655 Liliha St., (808) 533-2160
Read more from this series:
Where Time Stands Still: Stadium Giant Malts & Bar-B-Que
Where Time Stands Still: Kim Chee II
Where Time Stands Still: Bravo Italian Restaurant
Where Time Stands Still: Maguro-Ya
Where Time Stands Still: Nanding’s Bakery
Aaron K. Yoshino is HONOLULU Magazine’s staff photographer. @honozooloo
