Akebono Store, a famous bar in Himeji
On the opposite side of Himeji Castle, about a 10-minute walk southeast from the station, you'll come across Akebono Store, a Showa-era supermarket that was founded 68 years ago. Wow, I'm so excited!
From the supermarket to the bar
Akebono Store originally started as a local supermarket. Around 1995, the first Max Value store opened nearby, and then a 7-Eleven opened even closer, causing sales to plummet. Around that time, they began placing a round table in the corner of the store where regular customers could choose side dishes and drink canned beer.
Since then, the refrigerated display case has broken, relatives have brought in tables and chairs, and the eat-in space has gradually expanded, and now it has become a ``self-service izakaya'' where customers are left to their own devices.It is a one-of-a-kind, extremely famous supermarket, or rather an extremely famous bar, that has survived by changing its business model to suit the changing times.
Remnants of the supermarket
The interior has remained untouched since the establishment, and traces of that time can be seen everywhere.
A beer poster under the "ICE CREAM" sign! So cute!
A system similar to a corner bar
For food, you can pick your own side dishes, a specialty of the supermarket. I don't know the prices, but they're all around 200 to 400 yen.
Sashimi also comes out in the evening. I visited on a weekday after lunch, so the sashimi hadn't arrived yet.
Alcohol is served in a self-service style from the refrigerator. Just pick out your favorite drink and glass and start drinking.
The chilled glasses are a sign of Akebono Store's hospitality! They even have mugs, beer tanks, and sake cups! It's exciting.
More convenience stores than convenience stores
If you bring any items from the shelves or refrigerator to the proprietress, she will make you instant ramen or warm up your pork buns for you, a level of hospitality you won't find at convenience stores or major supermarkets.
The display fixture in the center of the store is lined with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages...huh?
Actually, when I looked more closely, I saw that it was a regular customer's personal bottle! Of course, I'd keep it.
word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)
We finished off with some local Himeji sake! Thank you to the landlady and the chef for the fun conversation.
From a desperate measure to a business model. It's not a liquor store, so it's not in the "Kakuuchi" genre, but I enjoyed the hospitable "Akebonouchi." They'll be serving oden when it gets cold, so I feel like I came at the wrong time for Nikomi Mist, but it's totally fine! I'll come again!
Akebono Store Information
Address: 24 Minamiekimaecho, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, 670-0962
Hours: 8:00-21:00 * Lunchtime mainly consists of bento sales
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
English
Japanese
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