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Morioka's Kaku-uchi "The bar I had been planning to go to someday suddenly closed down, and I can't express how much I regret it." With so many famous bars closing down across the country recently, I'm sure you've all experienced this common bar experience. I've always wanted to go to Morioka's Heiko Sake Shop...

Omura City's "Torichiyo" Located in Omura City, just a stone's throw from Nagasaki Airport, floating like Pocari Sweat in Omura Bay, is Toriichiyo, a large bar established in 1977 near Omura Station. I called before opening time and was shocked to find they were fully booked... What?! Today was my only chance to stay in Omura, so I was in awe...

Nishi-Ogikubo South Exit Bar District: Nishi-Ogikubo Station on the Chuo Line is a bar district that spreads out from the moment you exit the station. The bar district is crammed into a small space, with izakayas like Yakitori Ebisu, Yoneda, and Chidori, as well as the tanmen noodle restaurant Hatsune, where customers often line up...

Niigata "Shinkotori" Chuo Ward, Niigata City. Located in a retro arcade, "Shinkotori" is a long-established bar that has been in business since the 1950s. After closing for a time, it reopened and remains an important gathering spot for locals. Enjoy reasonably priced local sake with specialty oden and yakitori...

Hoya "KIYOSHI" Public Diner A town that seems far from Shakujii Koen in Tokyo's Nerima Ward, where my home is located, but is in fact very close. I ran an errand near Hoya Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and then wandered around the town aimlessly. Aimless wandering is a hobby of mine. On the way, I came across a store that surprised me a little...

Ogikubo "Kawase" Kawase is an eel skewer bar that has been a longtime favorite at the north exit of Ogikubo Station. In the evening, the arcade is filled with the aromatic smell of eel. Drinking with eel may give you an image of luxury, but here, the main dish is a la carte rather than meat, so it is reasonably priced. You can fully enjoy eel...

Takara Shuzo / sake banashi The popular drinking program "Machinuka de Yumarouze" started its 6th year in April with new members. Here is an interesting article about the "Machinuka de Yumarouze" and Takara Shuzo's sake banashi. Sake banashi: "Machinuka de Nomurawase" (BS-T...

Tontokoton, a popular izakaya restaurant in Yakuin, Fukuoka, is run by a chef who trained at a food stall in Tenjin. It specializes in teppan and pork dishes. Open until around 2 a.m., it's a popular late-night hangout spot. With no appetizers and reasonably priced food and drinks, it's a great place to drop in...

Ogikubo's "Kagato" is a long-time favorite at the north exit of Ogikubo Station. Even now, with dining out becoming more diverse, this popular restaurant remains bustling with regulars from the opening hours on weekdays. Their specialties are grilled horumon (offal) and yakiniku (grilled meat) skewers. What kind of skewers are they? We'll introduce you to the charms of Kagato...

Narita, the gateway to Japan I haven't had a drink in Narita in about 10 years. I haven't had a drink in Narita since I went to the Tomisato Watermelon Road Race in the neighboring town. I remember that the izakaya we went to at that time was a very nice place. I think it was in this direction... ...

A-Sign First, a little bit about the "A-Sign". The "A sign" is the U.S. military's official business license for restaurants and adult entertainment establishments in Okinawa.

Narimasu "Yamadaya" A popular diner representing Narimasu. It is open from 10:30 a.m. and is a great place for a midday drink. If I leave my house now, I will get there just before noon. If I remember, I can't resist the urge to go there...

Eiraku Shokudo, a popular izakaya in Akita, is located in front of Akita Station. They have a huge selection of sake, and their "tasting set" is a great value and fun deal. Choose three varieties and have them poured into your glass for just 900 yen! Eiraku Shokudo before the relocation Eiraku Shokudo after the relocation...

Niigata "Chinese Restaurant Seiryu" is located at Higashi-Odori 1-chome, Chuo Ward, Niigata City. Located a five-minute walk from Niigata Station, this excellent Chinese restaurant is a must-try. Established in 1978, this popular restaurant has been a favorite of anyone working around Niigata Station. While their ramen is famous, their special shumai is also excellent, costing 320 yen...

Akita's Kawabata Area: Akita Prefecture's leading entertainment district, commonly known as "Kawabata," is located a 15-minute walk from Akita Station. Kawabata, once a thriving geisha town, has seen a sharp decline in the number of shops due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the town is noticeably less lively than when I visited before the pandemic, there are still many historic shops scattered around...

Yaguchi-no-Watashi "Torisei" In the Yaguchi-no-Watashi Shopping Arcade, there's a large bar that gets so busy you need a reservation. The name of the bar is "Torisei." Established in 1980 (Showa 55) by a chef from Yamagata, the bar's signature dish is yakitori, but the sashimi made with seafood sourced from the market is also excellent! Continued...