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A Kansai drinking expedition to Kyoto. Until a few years ago, I hadn't really thought of daytime drinking in Kyoto. This time, Mariko Nishimura, a manga artist living in Kyoto, took me to a standing bar about a five-minute walk from Kyoto Station. It was such an ideal bar that I was deeply impressed by the depth of Kansai's heart...

The Iidabashi/Kagurazaka area is home to many famous restaurants. While there are many long-established establishments, many of them, such as eel restaurants, require a certain level of formality, and there are surprisingly few restaurants where you can just casually drop in in casual attire. That's where Okinaan can be found. Founded in 1884 (Meiji 17), it has an unpretentious atmosphere...

When asked, "Where can I find delicious conger eel sushi in Tokyo?", the name of the famous Yanaka restaurant "Sushi no Ike" always comes up. This restaurant blends seamlessly into the town, filled with temples and a nostalgic atmosphere, but its flavor is truly legendary. Even today, people still visit the restaurant in search of its signature conger eel, which melts softly in their mouths...

My writer and fellow drinker friend, Akihito Misawa, happened to be in Osaka on the same day, and he mentioned a bar he was looking forward to. It was a famous Osaka bar that I had heard a lot about. I had never been there before, so I took this as a great opportunity to go drinking with him. The bar has had a constant line lately...

When asked, "Where can I find delicious conger eel sushi in Tokyo?", the name of the famous Yanaka restaurant "Sushi no Ike" always comes up. This restaurant blends seamlessly into the town, filled with temples and a nostalgic atmosphere, but its flavor is truly legendary. Even today, people still visit the restaurant in search of its signature conger eel, which melts softly in their mouths...

Located in a residential area just a short walk from Kichijoji Station, Maruken Shokudo is a restaurant that has long been loved by locals. Established in 1960, Maruken Shokudo offers heartwarming, home-cooked meals at affordable prices. It's the perfect place for "dinner drinking," enjoying a la carte dishes and drinks, as well as set meals.

Kadokura, a standing bar nestled in the hustle and bustle of Ueno's Ameyoko district, has the air of a place that seems to have been in business for decades, but it's relatively new, having only opened in 2009. It's already a staple of Ueno's daytime drinking scene. Its parent is actually a long-established yakiniku restaurant. Their signature pork stewed on a hot plate in front of the store...

For the second time this year, I took advantage of work to go on a drinking tour around Kansai. I usually go on drinking tours with people who live in Kansai, but this time I arrived in Shin-Osaka in the afternoon and didn't have any plans until the evening. This was my chance to drink alone in Osaka. Oh, I know, I should go to that bar...

Tucked away in an alleyway where Shin-Koiwa's shopping district turns into a residential area is a long-time local Chinese restaurant, "Gojuban," established in 1965. The restaurant's vermilion tables evoke a nostalgic atmosphere, and the exquisite omelet rice with plump eggs is a true local Chinese masterpiece. The ramen is also a great value at 400 yen...

Mikawashima, Arakawa Ward, is said to be Tokyo's oldest Korean town. Privately run yakiniku restaurants dot the area around the station, and the mouth-watering aroma wafts through the air. Among the many famous restaurants, one that has continued to attract foodies since its founding in 1964 (Showa 39) is Yakiniku Yamadaya. It's worth making the effort to visit...

One night when you suddenly feel like eating sushi, you'd rather enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks at a warm, family-run establishment rather than a bustling entertainment district like Ikebukuro. Of course, a popular establishment! Sushidokoro Uokan is the place to visit for those times. You'll find classic local sushi here...

Tensuzu, a famous tempura restaurant nestled in the dignified alleys of Ueno Hirokoji, is a long-established restaurant founded in 1928 (Showa 3) that will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. Enjoy the flavors of this renowned restaurant, which has been recognized as a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, along with a drink, from lunchtime. A professional...

In the backstreets of Ueno, there is a place where time seems to stand still. "Toraji-tei" is a yakiniku restaurant that has been in business since 1945. This restaurant, which originated from a postwar black market, is the perfect place to toast to a meal of yakiniku by yourself tonight! The smoke, the smell, and the energy are all perfect companions to your drinks. This restaurant is perfect not only for yakiniku enthusiasts, but also for bar lovers...

In this series, Suzuki Nao explores the towns he visits, starting from the station and walking around the area, asking people he meets about the town and chatting with bar owners to discover the charms of each town and its residents. This time, he takes a stroll around Okamachi Station on the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. LIFULL HO...