On Friday, October 31, 2024, I made my first visit to a newly opened place with my wife and a friend. Our friend, who lives near Sōjiji, had been there several times before and offered to guide us. Earlier that day, we had been drinking and eating at an okonomiyaki izakaya in Sōjiji, but before heading home, our friend highly recommended this second place for some light drinks. It's just seconds from the Sōjiji station exit, right next to a place I love called Harukatudo (which serves a special lunch on Saturdays). This location used to be an osteopathic clinic. As we entered, we were greeted by a large noren (Japanese fabric curtain) and noticed several groups already there. We were seated in the back area, which was empty. The restaurant had a stylish atmosphere, run by a young male owner and a female staff member. The ordering system was done through smartphones by scanning a QR code. My wife ordered a highball, while my friend and I enjoyed a Suijin soda for a toast! Since we were already full, we ordered some potato salad oden and ginger mackerel as snacks. The potato salad oden consisted of oden potatoes and eggs that customers could mash together with mayonnaise and spicy cod roe. The ginger mackerel was exactly what the name suggests—marinated mackerel with ginger. It paired well with our drinks, and we helped ourselves to water from a stylish self-service water dispenser. Currently, the seating is only at the counter, but it seems there might be plans to create one or two tables in the back area. Our total bill came to 3,718 yen, paid via PayPay. I definitely want to come back and leisurely enjoy various oden and other dishes next time. I can confidently say I would revisit this place! It was a great restaurant. Thank you for the meal!

I recently visited a new oden restaurant that opened in front of Sojiji Station! The master, who has an Italian background, adds a unique twist to the oden, giving it a somewhat Western flair. The light dashi broth is so easy to enjoy that you can keep eating it. The potato salad is mixed by yourself, allowing you to mash the potatoes to your preferred size, which is pretty fun! The chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful, so I definitely recommend trying it! Thank you for the meal!

Here we go again!