Simmering Mist

My recent favorite thing to do when drinking in the countryside is to finish off a night with some local sushi. An acquaintance in Sapporo told me about a great local sushi restaurant that was delicious and, above all, fun, so I hopped on the subway from my hotel in Susukino and headed to Kita 24-jo in high spirits. I was heading towards Matsumoto in Kita 24-jo...

Mizutani, Gifu Located in Gifu, the hottest prefecture in Japan, Mizutani is a pub that will keep bar lovers hot. Open from 2 p.m., this renowned bar, established over 70 years ago, is a representative of Gifu, attracting not only Gifu drinkers but bar lovers from all over the country. Mizutani, Gifu...

Nemuro is a port town with a long history. Its history is older than Hokkaido's major cities, Sapporo and Asahikawa, and it is second only to Hakodate in terms of prestige. We strolled around the bars early in the day in search of a "bar with a spectacular view" that's rooted in the city and difficult to find online. 17...

From the hotel near Nemuro Station, I headed north toward the port. After descending a hill with a great view, the bustling downtown area of Nemuro unfolded before me. I had done some research beforehand, but I decided to sniff around my "Hanabi" and head to a nice-looking izakaya. The streets were quiet before 5 p.m. Still...

Ogikubo "Momiji" Founded in 1977, Ogikubo "Momiji" is celebrating its 49th year. It will soon reach half a century. Located a 15-minute walk south from the station, it's located near Kanpachi, and its striking exterior and interior, combined with its unbelievable prices, attracts customers from both the local area and far and wide...

Kushiro is the birthplace of robatayaki, whelk grilling, and even zangi (chicken stew). Its culinary culture is so full of delights that no matter how many stomachs you have, it's not enough. However, Hokkaido is also rich in seafood. While you're there, why not try some delicious raw fish at a sushi restaurant? While it's still light out...

Kushiro is the sixth most populous city in Hokkaido. It's said to be the city where you can see one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets, and as the sun sets, many tourists gather at Nusamai Bridge over the Kushiro River, eagerly awaiting the perfect moment.

There are various theories, but Kushiro, which is said to be the birthplace of robatayaki, is also apparently the birthplace of zangi. I'm weak to the word "origin." Especially when it comes to fried chicken, which I've loved since I was a child. I was breathing heavily, hungry, and hadn't eaten lunch yet...

Kaiyo Shokudo, a set meal restaurant that's hard to incorporate into your travel plans without a car, is a 15-minute walk south from Akamine Station, one stop from Naha Airport. We arrived there in perfect conditions, enjoying a pleasant stroll on a crisp, clear day before the rainy season. Kaiyo Shokudo in Tomigusuku City...

Ikenoue is the third stop from Shibuya on the Keio Inokashira Line and next to Shimokitazawa. It has been 12 years since it moved to this location, and 18 years in total since its establishment. We have come across an attractive bar that local drinkers would like to go to even if they had to get off at Ikenoue Station. Ikenoue "Kumahachi" ...

The long-awaited second branch of the popular Gotanda bar "Kanemasa" opened in April 2025 in the basement diagonally across the street. The appearance of the restaurant, which is a combination of the main restaurant and Tong Mana, makes you think that it has already been in business for decades....

Machiya, a town for workers, has long been dotted with "drinkable" eateries for night shift workers that are open from morning, and is dotted with deep private establishments that grab the hearts of bar lovers like a change-up. Masuda" in Machiya Walking north from Machiya Station...

Real Yokocho" that cannot be created now In recent years, a number of new drinking establishments, called "neo-yokocho," which are modeled after old-fashioned side streets, have sprung up all over Japan. The retro atmosphere and the style in which various stores are gathered together attract many people, but modern fire laws and other modern...

Ichikawa "Bakachin Matsugoro" is a town I visit occasionally on business. I have never had a problem finding a place to drink at Kagahiro, Asahiya, and recently at New Belk, but this time I came here as a newcomer. Founded in 2000. For the first 6 years, Ichikawa...

Higashimatsuyama, the city of yakitori. I'm not sure who decided this, but Higashimatsuyama City in Saitama Prefecture is considered one of Japan's top three yakitori places. The distinctive feature of Higashimatsuyama yakitori is that it's made by smearing spicy miso on pork cheeks. Some restaurants even ask you to take action and say, "That's enough!"

Fukube's 86th Anniversary Fukube, a long-established restaurant in Yaesu, was founded in 1929 (Showa 14). On March 4th, the restaurant celebrated its 86th anniversary. We made a reservation and headed there for the opening day. Our goal was to try the "Mystical Stew of Motsu," a dish that has only been available on anniversary days since the 75th anniversary...

Kumamoto's "Shokusui Kotomi" I heard about a recommended restaurant from a liquor store in Kumamoto's busiest shopping district, Shimodori, so I headed over to Kotomi, located in the basement of the Shimodori Center Building, a mixed-use building on Sumomachi Street. As I walked down the stairs, I could hear the excitement building inside the restaurant...

It's night in Kumamoto. I didn't have a particular restaurant in mind for the night, so I spent 20 minutes scouting locations, relying on my own "harunabi" (smartphone navigation). I decided on this restaurant, with its entrance in a back alley and the aura of a prestigious establishment. Dairoku, founded in 1979, has been in business at its current location...

Once you come across a good restaurant, you tend to go to that restaurant all the time! Such is the case with Tawaraya in Akihabara. When I opened the door, I was told that the restaurant was full. I went to "Sakatsubo" which I had bookmarked for such occasions. Akiba...

It's a 20-minute walk from Shinozaki Station. In the summer, it's a sweaty journey, but in the winter, it's no problem. The journey itself is exciting, and there's a famous bar in Shinozaki that's worth the 20-minute walk. Once you arrive at Shimoshinozaki, you'll find izakayas, snack bars, and...