Blog

A famous stew restaurant reopens after an eight-month hiatus. "Osakaya seems to be reopening today," I heard from my drinking buddy, Mr. Taniguchi, the owner of Sasa Taniguchiya, a venerable bar in the "Sasamoto" style of skewered stew in Tokyo. Founded in 1924, this year marks its 100th anniversary...

On a quest to find snacks to go with shochu highballs, we headed to Omiya Market in Kita Ward, Saitama City. This market is open to both professionals and the general public. It's a luxury to be able to purchase fish from the market with a discerning guide in the unique atmosphere of the market. And while I was enjoying my shopping, I discovered...

LIFE LIST #14: A Walk Around Teradacho Station Teradacho Station, whose departure melody is "Life Goes On" by Insist, is located in the area named after Teradacho, which has two blocks and is home to many residential areas. Even some Osaka residents may not be familiar with the area...

Urayasu's "Marushige" Once a fishing town, Urayasu is now a commuter town and theme park town. It's notable for the many long-established seafood bars that remain in business since the days of the fishing industry. Marushige, located at the north exit of the station and in business for 65 years, is a popular Japanese restaurant run by a skilled chef. Read more...

Ube Shinkawa's "Motsusoba Tei" When traveling, you might come across some unexpected and mysterious bars. This time, we'll be introducing "Motsusoba Tei" in Showa-cho, Ube City, one such bar. This bar serves Korean cuisine and local ingredients, and its specialties are "motsunabe" (hot pot) and "motsunabe" (offal soba).

Akita "Miyoshi" Located in Kawabata, Akita, this quietly located restaurant in a back alley is called "Miyoshi" because it means "beautiful taste"...or rather, it's "delicious" read backwards. Its appearance is irresistible for any drinker, and once you step through the noren curtain, an even more spectacular view awaits. Let's head to the spectacular view...

Takara Shuzo Sake Talk: Along the railway lines that connect towns, there are famous bars and a drinking culture unique to each area. In this project, we explore the deep culture of each line along the Tokyo metropolitan area. Our host is Kiwako Kurashima, editor-in-chief of "Koten Sakaba." Together with guests with ties to each line, we will explore the towns and bars...

Torihana in Shinjuku has been a yakitori restaurant for 39 years! Torihana is a yakitori restaurant near Golden Gai. Lines start forming before 6 PM, when the restaurant opens, and the seven-seat counter quickly fills up. The proprietress now handles everything from preparation to service and cleanup all by herself...

Standing Drinking Ikoi (hereafter "Ikoi") is located in Akabane, Kita-ku, Tokyo, and is said to be a familiar name to all drinkers. Many bars in Akabane offer low-priced drinks for frequent patrons, such as cab drivers on their night shift, local regulars, and people on their way home from work....

Just one stop from Ikebukuro Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Shiinamachi Station is home to a complex, narrow bookstore district typical of private railway lines. As I walked through the lively, nostalgic scenery of bustling shops and restaurants, I gradually came across more and more bars. Many of the establishments are small, independent establishments, retaining the charm of the Showa era.

Waseda "Shinobu" Located in an alleyway surrounded by Waseda University, this long-established popular Japanese restaurant celebrated its 70th anniversary this year. The restaurant's name is "Shinobu." Oden is its signature dish, and it's available even in the summer. Its sashimi and grilled eel are also popular, and the restaurant is always bustling with long-time regulars.

Part 12: Osaka Castle Park Station Walk Osaka Castle Park, originally called Otemae Park in 1924 and renamed in 1931, is now one of Osaka's most popular tourist attractions. And the nearest station, Osaka Castle Park Station, is...

Tokyo: A Stroll Along the Railway Lines Each train line connecting towns is home to its own unique local bar and drinking culture. In this project, we explore the deep culture of each line along the Tokyo metropolitan area. Our navigator is Kiwako Kurashima, editor-in-chief of "Koten Sakaba." Together with guests with ties to each line, we explore the town and...

Nishitetsu Kurume "Muta Shokudo" (Nishitetsu Kurume Restaurant) If you want to have a drink in Kurume from morning, we recommend "Muta Shokudo" located in Kurume Central Wholesale Market. All dishes using ingredients purchased at the market are very reasonably priced. The restaurant is a work-area cafeteria, but the fact that beer is available is a nice touch. Continue...