I left the locksmith and wandered around Negishi when I stumbled upon this shop. From the name, it seemed like a Japanese cuisine place, so I was a bit curious and decided to peek inside. The proprietress told me that they only serve small dishes meant to accompany drinks, so it's a place to enjoy alcohol. I asked for shochu, and even though they only had dry snacks as food, I didn't mind as I quite enjoy that kind of food.

This is a hidden gem in Negishi. Even in the vast city of Tokyo, it's not easy to come across a place like this. Is this the essence of Negishi? With the help of a well-known local figure, I was able to find this place. The small, cozy interior, almost like a renovated brothel, exudes a faint, candlelit atmosphere that is truly captivating. As you sip your drink in the perfect silence, you'll lose track of time and get lost in the intoxicating pleasure of this space. There's a subtle allure in the quiet air, perhaps emanating from the hostess Y, who used to be a geisha. It's different from the former geisha establishments in Mukojima or Kagurazaka, and I hope to someday be lucky enough to have this unique experience all to myself. I can't help but envy the locals living nearby.

From July 6th to 8th, the morning glory market starts around the Kameido Tenjin Shrine in Nariya, followed by the Hoozuki market around Senso-ji Temple from the 9th. The area becomes quiet and serene at night, a stark contrast to the daytime hustle and bustle, creating a sophisticated adult atmosphere. I visited this restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley after indulging in sushi. The ambiance was lovely, with a beautiful hostess in a stylish hemp yukata. I was intrigued by the Dassai Sparkling sake, but it was sold out, so I opted for a warm watered-down shochu instead. The shochu was gently sweet and delicious. I enjoyed a beer with the lovely ladies and even convinced a nearby dance instructor to join us for a drink. We had a delightful evening chatting and sharing stories. I would love to visit this hidden gem again when I return to Tokyo.

There is a quiet little restaurant in a somewhat unique town called Negishi, a place you would never come across while walking along the main street. At first, I visited with friends, but it's just right for about 1-3 people. I don't remember the menu, to be honest, but the daily sashimi of sea bream that came out was very delicious. They also offer takeout, but I think this place is more about enjoying the conversation with friends and the hospitality of the owner. There isn't a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, but you can enjoy shochu and sake by the shot. Of course, they also have bottles like whiskey, and you can keep various bottles. There was even someone who kept a one-liter bottle haha. With a calm atmosphere and a lovely kimono-clad owner, you forget about time, and when leaving the restaurant, you find yourself thinking, "When should I come again?" It's such a wonderful drinking spot.

It seems quite daunting to visit this restaurant alone at first. Usually, it would make sense to have someone take you there. The customers are not necessarily regulars, but more like repeat visitors. It's not just male customers, there are also groups of two women. The atmosphere may not feel like a typical date spot, despite the fancy interior. Keeping a bottle is the norm, similar to how it works at a snack bar. The professionalism of the hostess shines through, making even first-time visitors feel comfortable. I opted not to get a bottle and just had a beer in a bottle. They served shrimp senbei and chocolate as a charm. I ordered the miso dengaku with konjac and the mackerel to finish. The miso dengaku was served in a pot, which was a nice touch. Afterwards, I had a bottle of chilled sake from Gifu. It's usually released in the fall, so I wonder if they had been storing it in the fridge for over six months. It actually suited the season well, especially on a rainy day like the one I visited. The bill was just under 4,000 yen, which I found surprisingly reasonable. If the location was more convenient, I would definitely visit more often.

★Great restaurant★★★★Yoshida Rui★★★★★Tanizake★★Shinsei No.6★★Mansui★Wide variety of Japanese sake!★Homemade smoked dish of sweet potatoes! Assortment of smoked dishes! Delicious sashimi!