Simmering Mist

Kita-Kagaya "Oku" is a popular bar in Kita-Kagaya that has been open for half a century and is open from 2pm. The previous day, I took a gamble and tried to sneak in just an hour before closing, but was firmly turned away. Today, I was the first to arrive, eager to get in. The L-shaped counter...

Koiwa "Uo Kei" Located in a residential area of Koiwa, Uo Kei is a local fish shop where locals come to get takeout sashimi. The freshness and reasonable prices are reflected in the drinks served inside the shop, making it a representative Tokyo "fish shop where you can drink." The second-generation head chef is in charge of butchering the fish, while the third-generation chef...

Shimokitazawa's "Yocchan": There's a bar with a suction power stronger than a Dyson, a Shark, or even a Makita dust collector. I thought about exploring new places in Shimokitazawa, but I always ended up being drawn to "Yocchan." It was closed for a while, so I...

Kagaya, Tokiwa Shokudo, Wadaya, Ikomakken... There are several well-established, well-known restaurants in Tokyo that are "unmistakable" branch stores. Meanwhile, there's another branch in Osaka and Hyogo called "Masamuneya," whose name alone makes you want to pop in. "Masamuneya" in Amagasaki, Hanshin...

Awajiya Direct Sales Center in front of Higashiichiba Market Heading north from Higashiichiba-mae Station on the JR Yamatoji Line, you'll find Higashiichiba Market, which supports the food needs of Osaka residents. A further 10 minutes' walk from there will bring you to the Awajiya Direct Sales Center, a striking green tent with a well-worn shop curtain hanging from it. The tent...

Torimatsu in Shin-Maebashi is a local yakitori restaurant that has been in business for over half a century and is now run by the second generation. No blood relation to the original owner, Torimatsu has inherited the restaurant name and has been in business for about 10 years. I was drawn in by the rope curtain and...

Nihonzutsumi "Maru Chiba" Just a 10-minute walk from both Minamisenju and Minowa. While not particularly conveniently located, Maru Chiba is a popular bar that captivates drinkers from all over Tokyo, and is always full to capacity. I'm one of them, and I try to get to the neighborhood at least once a year if I can...

Sapporo "Nozawa" Located just outside of Susukino, "Nozawa" is a Jingisukan restaurant that is a must-visit for me when I visit Sapporo. Founded in 1997, the restaurant is currently run by the second-generation owner and a young staff. For the past 15 years or so, I've made it a must-visit when I visit Sapporo...

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...