The cold winter season has arrived, which calls for a hot sake. When it comes to hot sake, it's important to choose the right place to enjoy it in a cozy setting. Unlike beer or shochu, hot sake is a drink that can be influenced by the atmosphere. Therefore, the choice of location is crucial. For me, Yoyogi An or this place is the perfect spot. Sitting at the counter, enjoying sashimi with a small cup of hot sake is truly satisfying. And my go-to dish, pork kimchi stir-fry, pairs perfectly with hot sake. The acidity of the kimchi and the warmth of the sake complement each other, while the egg gently wraps around the flavors. This combination just doesn't work with beer or cocktails. Only hot sake can bring out the best in this dish. It's a joy to be able to appreciate these moments in this season.

When walking towards the east exit of Yoyogi Station, I noticed a bright and lively corner that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, known as Shinjuku's small district. It seemed quite popular, especially among young office workers. I prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, so I headed to my usual spot, Yoroi no Taki. There, I started with a large bottle of Sapporo Black Label beer, followed by bonito tataki with plenty of condiments. Next, I ordered a large portion of nira tamago, which was flavorful and satisfying. I added a chu-hi to my order, and the total came to around 2,000 yen. The marinated sea bream I had tried on a previous visit was also delicious. Overall, Yoroi no Taki never disappoints, with good food and reasonable prices. The only downside is that it is a smoking-friendly establishment, so it may not be ideal for non-smokers. Nevertheless, it's a great place for a casual drink in Yoyogi.

Yoroi no Taki's shop atmosphere seems to vary depending on the owner, but this place has a wide variety of dishes. The food is cheap and delicious, the service from the landlady is great, and it's a place you'll want to keep coming back to! It used to be a friend's favorite spot, but now I find myself going there too!

It's cheap! It's delicious! It's fast! It's like a super second house, an izakaya that has it all. I tried their winter lineup and it was very delicious.

I visited Yoronomizu, an izakaya I used to frequent long ago, after a long time (20 years). It still felt calming.

I decided to stop by for one more drink. The place is usually crowded, but luckily it was quite empty this time. Soon after, it filled up quickly. I always think the food here is surprisingly delicious. Thank you for the meal.

Pork kimchi stir-fry with sake may seem like having a home-cooked side dish with drinks, but the pork kimchi here is somehow different from what you make at home. It's not just pork and kimchi stir-fried together, but also mixed with egg, like scrambled eggs with chives. The egg wraps around the tangy and spicy kimchi perfectly, creating a harmonious balance. This dish is not just a side dish for rice, but when paired with hot sake, it's a match made in heaven. The well-pickled kimchi adds a sourness that complements the warmth of the hot sake. Whenever I order hot sake here, I always pair it with this pork kimchi. Starting with Yoro beer, sashimi, grilled skewers, or the daily recommended dish, when it's time for hot sake, it's the latter half of the evening and you start thinking about what to finish with. What should I have to finish today - maybe that one dish, or no, the classic one - pondering over these options is also part of the joy of drinking in the evening.

I went to this place nearby because the nearby popular restaurant was full. I didn't have high expectations, just hoping to have a draft beer. The interior of the restaurant felt like a Showa-era drinking establishment. I ordered a draft beer and got edamame as a complimentary appetizer. I also ordered deep-fried tofu, grilled hokke fish, yakitori, onion slices, and a vegetable salad. The menu had a variety of classic izakaya dishes, making it hard to choose. I was pleasantly surprised by the homemade dishes. Each dish came with its own plate, and the service and hospitality were great. It was a comforting and affordable place to eat.

If you want to drink without feeling out of place around Yoyogi Station, this is the place to go. Tsuchiya often has counter seats for solo drinkers that double as storage for bags, and other good-looking places tend to fill up quickly. By the way, the soba restaurant Yoyogi-an in Yoyogi Goten is gone now. So, this place. The only connection you might feel to the Yoraku Group is the Yoraku Beer (Sapporo Black Label in a big bottle), otherwise it's an original and colorful izakaya. Starting with Yoraku Beer, you might have around three appetizers. It usually ends with a big bottle of Hakutsuru or a chu-hi, and it all comes to just under 2,000 yen, so it's definitely affordable. There are plenty of appetizer options, so you won't get bored. It's a bit hidden since it's underground, but I think it's a great izakaya.

I felt like having a bowl of katsudon after a long time. When it comes to katsudon in Yoyogi, the first place that comes to mind is Yoyogi Goten, but for some reason, I didn't feel like going there. Other places are a bit far from the station. So, I ended up at this restaurant. I started with maguro natto, then had 3 skewers of motsu yaki, and finally, the awaited katsudon. It's huge! I nibbled on the slightly thin katsu while washing it down with hot sake. Ah, satisfied, satisfied. When the warm season comes, this combination will be too hot for a while. So, I'll have to refrain until the season for hot sake cravings returns. I have visited this restaurant countless times. When I come here, the pork kimchi tamagoyaki is a must-order. The spiciness is mellow, and the slight acidity goes perfectly with the hot sake. I tried the chikuwa isobeage, which was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and it was also delicious. With a bottle of Yorozu Black Label and a large tokkuri of Shirasagi, 3 types of skewers, and the mentioned items, it came to just over 2,000 yen. It's casual and easy. One of my walking routes includes Yoyogi. It's a convenient destination when I'm running late due to overtime. It's surprisingly close to my workplace. Unfortunately, there are few casual drinking spots near the station. There are interesting places, but when I'm sweating, I want to go to an "old-school" izakaya where men frequent, and that's what I think. This restaurant is located in the basement of the building where "Okudosan" used to be. (It's an oyster bar now) The name of the restaurant is, of course, a very famous izakaya chain. However, once you step inside, you'll see a slightly different scenery than you imagined. It's not a big place at all. Take a look at the menu. It's handwritten. Is it the Yorozu style? It's close to non-existent (laughs). The counter seats are perfect for customers like me. I always order the pork kimchi tamagoyaki, which is more manly than omelets. And it's quite delicious. The menu is extensive, so you won't have trouble choosing. Personally, I think fried and stir-fried dishes are better than raw dishes. In Yoyogi, Yorozu may not stand out, but I think it's a solid izakaya with surprisingly good skills. It's a dark horse-like presence around Yoyogi Station that is suitable for hanging out alone or casually drinking with a few friends. ...Am I praising it too much? (laughs)