Welcome.---------- August 2018 ----------There is a place called "Daijuen" along R236, which seems to be affiliated with this restaurant. The spacious interior has a cozy, homey atmosphere, with a husband and wife and part-time staff running the place. It used to be a "yakiniku izakaya" before, but now it seems to have transitioned to just an "izakaya" based on the paper on the walls. Perhaps because of the opening of Daijuen? I couldn't resist stopping by. There is a counter seat with a bit of a bad placement, and in the back, they have kept the gas stoves and ducts that have been there since the old days, allowing regular customers to grill whenever they want while enjoying drinks at the izakaya. There are individual partitioned raised seating areas, which are quite cozy, and there is a mix of counter seats and a large hall. They have modern touch panel screens for ordering, but I still prefer being served by saying "please" rather than just using the screen. I ordered the local specialty Rocket Lemon Sour, and it was served with a slice of lemon shaped like a rocket. Starting with the Niku Tofu with a gentle seasoning and a touch of shichimi, it was a nice appetizer. If there is something not on the menu (like extra drinks), just ask the staff, they are quite flexible. The pickled cucumber had a nice balance of acidity and sweetness, making it a great side dish. The chicken bone karaage was as delicious as always, the homemade version being 100 times better than the regular one. The half-fried chicken was crispy on the outside and juicy inside, with a good amount of saltiness. The fried nagaimo was different from the photo, being thicker and larger, which was a pleasant surprise. The crunchy texture and subtle saltiness made it a great snack. The red chicken tataki, recommended by the staff, was tender and sweet, with a nice touch of fat on the skin. The soy sauce dressing was light and gentle. The lotus root was deep-fried and homemade, which was also much tastier than the regular version. The crispy potato was not commonly seen in restaurants, made of French fries from France, thinner and crispier than shoestring fries, making a great snack. The takoyaki zangi was a classic izakaya dish, and the edamame was a must-have snack for a lively gathering. The atmosphere and hospitality of the staff made it hard to leave, thank you for the wonderful experience. Thank you for the delicious meal.