[Blog/Simmered Mist] I'm glad I trusted my sense of smell! "Nakatsugawa" in Morioka Sakurayama Yokocho

Location scouting in Morioka

I arrived in Morioka in the morning. I enjoyed the corner bars Hosoju Sake Shop and Kagiya-san, but it was still only 2pm. I still had time for some evening drinking, so I decided to go scouting locations around Morioka while it was still light out.

I walked thoroughly through the alleys that spread out in a grid pattern east from Morioka Station, and what drew me most was the bustling area near the approach to Sakurayama Shrine, commonly known as the "Sakurayama" area.

The historic streets are dotted with chic restaurants, including the birthplace of Jajamen, a local Chinese restaurant, and a popular izakaya.

I decided to drink here today!Nakatsugawa" The shop has an imposing appearance that gives off the feeling that it has been around for a long time. Okay! Let's wait at the hotel and pop in as soon as it opens!

Opening up to Nakatsugawa

Founded in 1979, this cozy, ideal little pub is run by a husband and wife team and is frequented by local men. The coniferous counter is finished with rounded solid wood, making it just the right size for resting your elbows. It's so cozy even though we just came in! And why do the towels smell so good?

Bottled beer

After walking so much during the day, the Black Label was delicious. Bottled beer and PET bottles never disappoint!

Mixed with squid

The squid is marinated in liver and dipped in vinegar and soy sauce. This is Japanese sake! I'll save it for later.

Young Heron Heaven

Smelt... 1, 2, 3... 10-passenger Grand Cabin!

This is 500 yen! That means each fish costs 50 yen! Eat it with salt or noodle soup.

Alcohol

We enjoy hot sake from Asakai, a sake brewery located nearby.

Now let's add the squid that we saved earlier.

Japanese Sake Junmai Daiginjo Red Label 720ml White Day Gift Asakai Price: 1,634 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of March 9, 2024)

Noppei soup

A gentle flavor of thinly sliced Japanese-style tofu soup with the thick consistency of grated yam. A perfect final dish.

Checkout

I came to Morioka without doing any prior research, so I went in relying on my nose and it was a big hit!

Sakurayama is a historic town, but recently new shops have been opening, creating a lively and pleasant atmosphere.

However, the area that previously caught fire is now a vacant lot. There have been talks for some time of redevelopment, such as turning it into a park, and the current situation is that no new buildings can be built there. This Showa-era streetscape is vulnerable to earthquakes and fires, but we hope that it will be able to maintain its beauty as much as possible and remain for a long time.

menu

Perfect for hot pot in season! Easy soup made in no time! "Iwate Dokkara Oyaji" Price: 648 yen (tax included, shipping not included) (As of March 11, 2024)

Store Information

Time: 17:00-23:00
Closed: Sunday
Address: 5-15 Uchimaru, Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, 020-0023

[Hometown Tax Donation] Rakuten Travel Iwate Morioka City Rakuten Travel Coupon Donation Amount 50,000 Yen (Coupon 15,000 Yen) Luxury Accommodation Voucher Travel Trip Hotel Inn Accommodation [Morioka City] Price: 50,000 yen (tax included, free shipping) (As of March 9, 2024)