Blog/Stewed Mist] Hiro, a long-established bar in Isa City, the holy land of shochu, without a doubt.

Isa City, the birthplace of sweet potato shochu

In 1990, the Miyanojo Line, which ran between Oguchi and Kawauchi, was closed, making Isa City difficult to get to without a car.

Isa City, which was formed by the merger of Oguchi City and Hishikari Town in 2008, is known as the birthplace of sweet potato shochu. In 1970, 11 of the 13 breweries in the area merged to form "Oguchi Sake Brewery" They produce authentic shochu, such as Isanishiki and Kuroisanishiki, that are popular with connoisseurs and have captivated fans of sweet potato shochu.

There are also other sake breweries such as Isami and Isa Oizumi that alcohol lovers will have heard of, making this a true mecca for sweet potato shochu!

Isa City "Hiro"

The oldest and most popular izakaya in Isa City is the owner of the restaurant "HiroMr."

The company was founded in 1967 (Showa 42) and moved to its current location in 1983 (Showa 58).

The name "Hiro" was given to the restaurant by the first owner, Hiroko, but the second owner (the current owner) is also named "Hiroshi", so by coincidence the "Hiro" name has been firmly inherited.

The counter, made of hawthorn wood and over 100mm thick, has about five chairs reserved for the black belts. As you enter, there are table seats by a hearth to the left, and in the back there is a tatami room, filled with the laughter of local men. This is an izakaya with a strong embrace where local drinkers gather every night.

Hot water

Of course, we received shochu from Oguchi Sake Brewery. We chose Isamai, a local shochu that is only available from certain liquor stores, and enjoyed it in a Kagoshima sake cup called Kurojoka, which is said to make the shochu taste smoother.

Wow, this is delicious!

Isamai Price: 2,120 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of February 4, 2025)

Chicken sashimi

First up is chicken sashimi, served in separate portions of breast and thigh meat.

"You might think of Miyazaki as the place to get local chicken, but Kagoshima's is actually tastier," says a local black belt lady!

Grilled pork with miso

IMO pork, raised on shochu lees from Oguchi Sake Brewery, is grilled with miso and served with vegetables in our original sesame dressing, which is also available for takeout.

chinese dumpling

These gyoza are what captivate regular customers.

Both are recommended, so I ordered both fried and grilled. I thoroughly enjoyed the one-two punch of garlic!

word used after one has been treated (esp. used after a meal)

The delicious local cuisine is topped off with a glass of hot water. With his second son, the second generation owner, now working at the restaurant, Hiro looks set to have a bright future as the third generation.

Thank you so much for being my hostess!

menu

Store Information

Hours: 17:00-23:30
Address: 13-3 Oguchi Motomachi, Isa City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 895-2512

[5% OFF Coupon Available from 8 PM] Sweet Potato Shochu Gift Set: Isanishiki, Isa Komachi, and Isanishiki, 25% ABV, 900ml (1 bottle each) (2 bottles total). Oguchi Shuzo Sweet Potato Shochu Set, Kagoshima, Shochu, Sake, Valentine's Day, Winter Gift, Birthday, Celebration, Home Drinking. Price: 3,570 yen （tax included, free shipping) (As of February 4, 2025)