It had been about 10 years since my last visit, but I was relieved to see that the place hadn't changed. The head hostess has passed away, but the hostess remains as elegant and dignified as ever. I enjoyed a warm cup of Sogen, followed by Tsuru no Tomo, Yutaka no Aki, and Shirataka Taru. For food, I had Shimaji sashimi, mizunasu (water eggplant), hoyo no shiokara (salted fish guts), and hitashi mame. We finished off with Kamo Izumi. The atmosphere was still classy, with even a couple getting a bit rowdy adding to the charm. The hostess even remembered me when playing the abacus, which was a pleasant surprise. I wonder if it was all thanks to the teachings of the head hostess. I look forward to returning soon with my father, who also loves Yutaka no Aki. Sogen 950, Tsuru no Tomo 950, Yutaka no Aki 870, Shirataka Taru 700, Kamo Izumi 870, Shimaji sashimi 1050, mizunasu 650, hoyo no shiokara 550, hitashi mame 550. Closed at 9:30 PM, last order at 8:00 PM.

My favorite sake is Houbun Masamune. This sake is only available in a few select shops, and this one is the closest to my home. I suddenly felt the urge to drink in the evening, so I eagerly headed out. As soon as I entered the shop, I could feel a sharp, unwelcoming atmosphere. It wasn't crowded. Each person drinking had a strict posture, lined up their sake cups, and drank their sake stoically. It was a truly unique atmosphere. I ordered three bottles of sake with some delicious pickled kombu and fresh pickles. Surrounded by people who drank with the seriousness of samurais, I enjoyed chatting with my companion and getting pleasantly drunk on delicious food and sake. This kind of shop is rare. When you feel like facing your sake, I recommend this place.笑

I couldn't take photos inside the restaurant, so I just took a picture of the curtain. I went with a colleague, but the atmosphere was not suitable for talking loudly, so I want to go alone next time. The dishes we ordered were all delicious.

Today, I finished work in Ikebukuro and walked all the way to Otsuka. Even though I was carrying a laptop on my back, I walked at a slower pace of about 1km in 12 minutes, and I still arrived in less than 20 minutes. I had a date with my wife in Otsuka, but before that, I decided to stop by Edoichi, which I haven't visited in a while. The shop at the south exit of Otsuka station still maintains the same appearance as before. It's a timeless place that brings a sense of comfort. I opened the creaking sliding door and took a seat at the familiar L-shaped counter. The place used to always be packed from early hours, but it seems like the customers haven't fully returned yet. The clientele is still on the older side, but everyone exudes a sense of elegance, enjoying their drinks and snacks at their own pace. The atmosphere is quiet, with only the voices of ordering and the woman bringing dishes from the kitchen serving as background music. This is Edoichi, just as I remember it. I like it as much as Shinsuke. While I also enjoy Kaneda, it's a bit more chaotic with rowdy old men. Kagiya is a cultural heritage kind of place with a different charm. Isefuji has an indescribable charm with its irori fireplace. My recent favorite is Nishikiya and the incredibly delicious jumbo oyster fry in winter at Miyoshiya. The counter is set with a tray of chopsticks, sake cups, glasses, and more, just as before. I ordered a chilled (room temperature) Tsuru no Tomo, some pickles, and dried fish as snacks. The inside of the L-shaped counter is wooden, and the woman working the floor seems comfortable moving around in slippers. If you've been to Tonki in Meguro, the image of the counter inside should be familiar. It's also similarly quiet despite the number of customers. The owner, sitting at the counter, noticed me and came over with a surprised look on his face. It's been a while (about 4 years?), but I'm happy he remembered me. Everyone seems the same, and it's good to see everyone doing well. When I asked for grilled cod roe, I got a mountain of it. I also had some dried sardines and was served a hot sake called Shibusu. Enjoying sake and snacks at my own pace... this is what talking to oneself means. The sake selection, including Takashimizu, Masumi, Umenishiki, Tachiyama, and other high-quality brands, has remained unchanged over the years. It's nice to see the lineup of junmai-shu, or second-grade sake, just like in the old days. I ended the day with a hot Umenishiki. It was a relaxing visit, and I hope this kind of izakaya will continue for eternity. I left the place, hoping to visit again sometime. Thank you for the meal.

After finishing a meeting in Otsuka around 5 pm, I was a bit undecided on where to have a drink. I ended up going to Edoichi, known as one of Tokyo's top three izakayas. It was my first visit, and although I had passed by many times before, this time it was full when I arrived around 5:15 pm. After waiting for about 15 minutes, a seat opened up at the counter. The atmosphere was calm, with most customers enjoying their drinks quietly. I started with a bottle of Ebisu beer, followed by a recommended warm sake called Soka. Then I tried Denshin, Yutaka no Aki, and Shirataka Taruzake, all served warm. Each had a gentle and pleasant taste. For food, I had boiled komatsuna, grilled mackerel, chicken tsukune, and salt-grilled mebaru, all of which paired well with the sake. The charming proprietress calculated the bill for me, and I finished up in less than two hours. It was a leisurely and happy time. #Otsuka #Edoichi #JapaneseSake #WarmSake #Sake #Soka #Denshin #YutakaNoAki #Shirataka

Here at Tokyo, from the south exit of Otsuka Station, cross the tram tracks and head left, then cross the street and turn right immediately. This place is famous as one of Tokyo's top three izakayas, where photography inside is prohibited. The unique style includes servers strictly enforcing a no-shoes policy within the counter area shaped like the letter "C". Once seated, a tray is brought out for you, with everything except beer placed on it, as everyone quietly enjoys the atmosphere of the tavern lost in their thoughts. The interior resembles a grand hall from a traditional Showa-era mansion. Starting with a beer to quench the thirst, I requested a lukewarm sake called "Sohana". It had a rich and harmonious blend of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and astringency. Although I had heard of its name before, this taste that even His Majesty enjoys was a satisfying experience. The appetizers included a refreshing salad of mitsuba leaves in a light white dashi broth, and a soy-marinated bonito with a subtle hint of fat that showcased exceptional quality. It truly lived up to its reputation as one of Tokyo's top three taverns.

During the state of emergency, the visited restaurant is operating with shortened hours from 5 pm to 8 pm. Even arriving just 5 minutes before opening, there seems to be a decrease in customers. The menu also appears to have fewer items, with only horse mackerel sashimi available. Instead, there are grilled salmon and marinated tuna on offer. The marinated tuna was delicious. It may be difficult to procure a variety of fresh fish when the number of customers is uncertain. The alcohol selection remains the same, and overall, the izakaya under the state of emergency was enjoyable enough. I will definitely visit again.

I finally had the chance to visit this place that I've been wanting to go to for a long time. I rushed from Shinjuku to Otsuka on the Yamanote Line because I was feeling hungry early in the evening. When I opened the door, a peaceful space greeted me with a welcoming "Irasshaimase" from the female proprietor. It was quiet, not because there were no customers, but because the place had just opened and half of the seats were already taken. This must be the rumored counter in the shape of the letter "コ" (ko). I was instructed to store my belongings on a shelf right after entering, and then I took my seat. All the customers were quietly pouring sake into their cups. I ordered some dishes from the menu and tried one of the two rare sake brands that I rarely come across, served warm. The atmosphere here was truly wonderful and beautiful, even more so than the taste of the sake. The feel of the historic counter, the kind female proprietor without a hint of pretentiousness. Although this place is considered one of the top three bars in Tokyo, the most comfortable experience was here. After finishing three bottles of sake, I left the place feeling a bit regretful, especially because photography inside the restaurant was not allowed. But that's part of the charm, I guess.

I visited a restaurant in Otsuka after a long time, and I was drawn in by the atmosphere of the place, so I decided to try it out for the first time. The interior had a spacious counter seating area in the shape of a "Co", and it felt like time had stopped, with a nostalgic vibe. The menu mainly focused on Japanese sake, and there were various savory snacks to go with it. Everything I ordered this time was very delicious, and the sake was also good. I would like to visit again and take my time enjoying it!

Enjoyed a bar crawl with Mairebi-sama in Tokyo, and the recommended third stop was Edoichi near Otsuka Station. Known as one of the "Three Great Izakayas in Tokyo" as introduced by Ota Kazuhiko's book, I finally had the chance to visit thanks to Mairebi-sama's kindness. The restaurant is located on a quiet street, although it stands along the roadside, which was a bit different from what I expected. As photography inside the restaurant is prohibited, I took a photo of the exterior before entering. The interior had a cozy izakaya atmosphere, with a counter seat in a "C" shape and table seats at the back, as well as a few round stools for waiting near the shelf for storing belongings. After a short wait, we were lucky to get seats at the counter, where Mairebi-sama and I sat down. A square tray with appetizers, chopsticks, and small sake cups were set in front of each of us. Not familiar with their customs, I left everything to Mairebi-sama and opted for the omakase course. We started with beer and appetizers, and then chose side dishes and sake from the menu. The menu focused on sake, tempting the hearts of sake lovers. Here are the dishes and drinks we enjoyed: [Dishes] - Sashimi of stone flounder - Potato salad - Warabi (bracken fern) - Pork marinated in soy sauce [Drinks] - Mugi shu (Kirin Black, small bottle) - Sake (Massam 2 go) We enjoyed the beer and appetizers while selecting side dishes and warmed sake. All the dishes were delicious and paired perfectly with the warmed sake. The landlady who managed the warmed sake counter served us exquisite sake, and I usually order a different brand for the second round, but this time I ordered the same one due to its perfect balance. Mairebi-sama enjoyed "Tsuru no Tomo (junmai sake)" from Niigata. The main brands were "Takashi Mizu," "Urashima," "Massam," "Kikumasamune," "Tateyama," "Ume Nishiki," and "Chiyonokou." It was a historic izakaya that sake lovers would adore. There was no background music, and the customers didn't make a single loud noise, creating a quiet space to enjoy sake with good manners. I felt a tense atmosphere throughout, which may have been due to my own nervousness, but it might have been the case. The bill was calculated by the landlady using an abacus to count the number of tokkuri (sake flasks). Despite the initial impression of being intimidating, I was surprised by the reasonable prices. Although I am not one to speak arrogantly as a newcomer, with Mairebi-sama's guidance, I was able to enjoy the historic izakaya without any rudeness. I would like to become an adult who can casually visit such wonderful establishments alone. There were many intriguing dishes and sake options, so I would love to revisit this place if given the chance.

I visited Edomaeichi, which is introduced as one of the "Tokyo Izakaya Big Three" in Mr. Kazuhiko Ota's book. I arrived a little before the 5:00 opening time, and there were already four people waiting. As soon as the store opened, the counter in the shape of a "コ" was almost completely filled. This counter gives the store an elegant atmosphere. The entire store has a spacious feel, with no wasted space, and is filled with a calm air. The customers are mostly individuals or pairs, giving it an adult izakaya feel. I felt like I still have a lot to learn. I started with a small bottle of Ebisu beer. For snacks, I had horse mackerel sashimi and tofu hot pot. Each dish is served on its own plate, allowing for a more elegant presentation. After the beer, I switched to sake. I started with Soka served warm. It was delicious! The perfect warmth. The staff used their fingertips to check the temperature of the sake on the warming tray. I then had Shirataka and Urakasumi served hot, and finished with Soka again. I added whale sashimi to my snacks. I want to enjoy a sophisticated way of getting drunk, with my back straight. It was a truly elegant izakaya. I hope to revisit alone and enjoy a leisurely drink while reflecting on myself. *Please note that they are closed from December 29th to January 7th.

During my visit in October 2018, I had a hot sake with salted hoya and shiokara (650 yen) and a hot sake with koshimizu (650 yen) at Torimasa. The total bill was 1,750 yen. After a business meeting in Otsuka, I headed towards Otsuka station but decided to skip Torimasa and ended up drinking at Torimasa @ Otsuka. However, I felt like I couldn't miss this opportunity, so I quickly finished my drink and headed towards the station. It had been about 15 years since my last visit. If you love izakayas in Tokyo and don't know this place, you're missing out on a famous spot. When I entered the restaurant around 18:20, the iconic counter was almost full. I informed them that I was dining alone and while I was putting my belongings away, the person next to me kindly moved over a seat. I thanked them and sat down. The table setting was already prepared with a dish of hachimiso, a tokkuri, chopsticks, and a wet towel. A young female staff member even took the time to neatly fold the wet towel plastic. I was given the menu and I chose my sake and dishes. I quickly decided on my favorite salted hoya. Most of the customers were dining alone, but there were also two groups of two, one with women and one with men. The only sounds were their occasional conversations and orders, otherwise everyone was quietly enjoying their drinks. Although photography was not allowed, it seemed to be okay as long as it was done discreetly and respectfully. However, there were signs saying "please refrain from taking photos inside the restaurant" on the walls and menu. The combination of the aromatic white hawk sake and salted hoya was perfect. I savored the flavors slowly. This kind of place is best enjoyed with good sake. I ordered another hot sake with koshimizu. I noticed a few people ordering grilled black soy fish, which looked delicious. The menu was in pouches (I think there used to be a different style before) and there were small wooden strips with the menu items displayed. If you want to see the menu, you have to show your intention to order. The calm and elegant atmosphere of the counter was impressive. The inside of the counter was neatly organized, and the female owner and staff were working in slippers, which was nice to see. The tokkuri was not brought down until the bill was requested, and the female owner would calculate it using an abacus. A regular customer, who appeared to be quite young, also arrived with his own cup. It seemed like he was enjoying drinking alone in this space. Some people had a chaser (water for relaxation) on the side. This place is perfect for drinking alone. It is clearly not suitable for groups of three or more, as it would disrupt the atmosphere. There are only counter seats available (Correction: there are table seats at the back right). It's a place to quietly enjoy drinking in this space rather than focusing on the food. It would be amazing if both the customers and staff were wearing traditional Japanese clothing.

I'm actually not very good with alcohol, but I love drinking and I love snacks. This place is a serious drinking spot for people like me. The drinkers here quietly enjoy their sake (especially warm sake) and snacks. Most of the customers are alone. The atmosphere of the restaurant is elegant, and the snacks are top-notch. Everyone is quietly focused on their drinks. It's like a sacred place for drinkers.

Otsuka Station. Yamanote Line and Toden Arakawa Line. After passing through the ticket gate, which way should you go? (laughs) (laughs) To the right?? Is that the correct answer or not? (laughs) Walk through the road with the Toden tram tracks. Take a few steps on the sidewalk. There is a light with "Edo Ichi" written on it. Open the door, sit in a corner of the counter in a U-shape. Order a warm sake and a black beer. (laughs) (laughs) Enjoy some kombu while feeling the wooden counter. Black beer and warm sake. (laughs) (laughs) Just a short walk from Otsuka Station, with the impressive illuminated sign of a batting center nearby. There are ladders and stairs around. Next time, I want to try the tsukune too. (laughs) (laughs) (laughs)

【Overall Review】 - A restaurant that embodies the elements I seek in an izakaya. - The landlady serves warm sake at the perfect temperature, not too hot or too cold. - The focus is on the sake. Enjoying sake and dishes together with warm sake is truly blissful. - The atmosphere exudes a sense of accumulated history, with a well-balanced combination of a cozy counter, delicious sake, and homemade dishes that complement the drinks. The budget is around 2,000 to 3,000 yen per person if you drink wisely. - There is a balance of various elements. - There is a cover charge, but no additional charges. Dishes range from 400 yen and up, with a homemade feel and reasonable prices. - The fact that all items are priced in three digits shows the dedication and pride of the restaurant as an izakaya. - Starting with a small bottle to moisten the throat, ordering 1-2 bottles of warm sake, and a few favorite dishes is the ideal way to enjoy the place. - The clientele is mainly older, with middle-aged and elderly customers. The customers are mature and refined. - I think you can appreciate the quality more as you get older. - Some may find the service to be selective, but personally, I felt comfortable and enjoyed my time there. - If you express your desire to purely enjoy sake, it will be understood. - No photography allowed inside the restaurant. - There are no smoking or smoking-separated areas. - Since the customers are mature drinkers, there are no unruly smokers. - I liked it, so I want to visit regularly. ■Items Consumed - Warm Homboshu Sake 820 yen - Warm Sogen Sake 820 yen - Fish in Ponzu Sauce (no charge) - Aoyagi Nuta (seafood dish) 680 yen - Sake-Steamed Clams 400 yen. Literally makes you want more sake! - Tsukune (chicken meatballs) 2 pieces 500 yen. With cartilage. Firm meat taste with a fluffy texture. - Katsuo Tataki (seared bonito) 980 yen Total: 4,200 yen The dishes were not outstanding, but they were good companions to enjoy sake, serving as suitable side dishes. ■Visit Record - Date and Time: April 27, 2019, around 4:40 PM. Almost the opening time. First visit. - Location: Close to Otsuka Station, on the south side of the rotary. - Restaurant Situation - You cannot see the interior through the frosted glass, but upon entering, you are greeted by a fantastic L-shaped counter. - Suitable for small groups. There were about 6 customers at the counter when I arrived and 7 after me. The female ratio was about 40%. - The service was provided by the landlady, a young landlady, and a young man. The cooking was handled by a dignified man. - The only thing that bothered me was that sometimes the plates were cleared too quickly. - The bill was calculated using a large abacus. Wonderful Showa era style! (As of April 29, 2019: 68 reviews, average rating 3.57, 6 reviews from My Reviewers, average rating 3.40)

As soon as you enter, you'll notice the "ko" shaped counter and the aunties in traditional Japanese aprons bustling about. What's even more intriguing is the complete lack of chatter among the customers. The menu is unconventional, simply listing items like octopus and tarako (cod roe) without any details on how they are prepared. Customers wait to see what others order before making their own selections. The octopus, sourced from the finest in Manazuru, is said to be the most delicious in the Kanto region. Dishes like grilled salmon with salt are also unbelievably tasty. The quiet atmosphere is a result of customers being fully immersed in their delightful meals. Even though I have no business at Otsuka Station, I look forward to visiting this restaurant just for the experience.

I went with a friend to what they said was the best bar, a place I never would have imagined in familiar Otsuka. It's a quiet spot right near the station. It's not a typical pub, it's a bar. It was a place where I learned what a bar really is. The place has character, atmosphere, and the staff work efficiently and seem to enjoy their work. We quietly toasted with beer, and then tried the recommended sake from the bar. They said it's a sake you can only find here. Isn't that nice? It's completely different from what you'd expect from a typical pub, with quiet, well-mannered customers enjoying a drink alone or with friends in the right ambiance and volume. It's wonderful. I couldn't take photos because it's not allowed, so I don't have any pictures. It's a great place. I'd love to stop by alone or with a friend.

This is a place for real adult drinkers! I visited this place without any prior information, and I was surprised to find such a great spot near the station. It's perfect for men to enjoy a drink alone and take it easy. The key is to take it easy, which makes it perfect for the cold season. And the food is amazing. It's delicious. I will definitely be coming back next week. My criteria for choosing a restaurant is to find a fun, casual, and high-value place. My reviews are just simple notes to myself as I am not good at writing. I don't take photos because I feel embarrassed, so please refer to other sources for pictures. I love udon shops, traditional Japanese pubs, and family restaurants, so please let me know if you have any good recommendations.