I heard about this restaurant known for its masterful cooking and was brought here by a friend. The complimentary plum crystal, sashimi, potato salad, and all the other dishes that came out were delicious. The deep-fried pork was especially outstanding. I highly recommend it. The menu is not printed, instead, it's written on a whiteboard so I was a bit worried about the bill, but the restaurant turned out to be very fair. The place was packed with customers. Since it's not on the main street, I assume there are many regulars. Overall, I was extremely satisfied. Thank you for the meal. I would love to visit this restaurant again if I have the chance.

I've been a bit out of touch. "Jigen-san, today I'm at Hirokoji-tei. I'll be performing around 2 pm." "Hey, I can't make it during work hours. Let's meet in the evening!" "Okay." This is a story about the paper-cutting art performed by Sanyutei Emasan, one of only eight performers in Japan. Now, where should I set the scene? Oh, I remember mentioning before that I wanted to visit "Professor Teizui's shop," so I thought I'd pay a visit to Sakase Tarou for the first time in a while... But then, I happened to run into the charming proprietress from the ramen shop. "Oh, proprietress!" "Oh, oh, long time no see. You look well, that's good." "I was planning to come today." "Oh my." It's a miracle when coincidences like this happen. Sakase Tarou stands quietly at the foot of Otoko-zaka in Yushima Tenjin. This is the shop run by the wife of Ichiryusai Teizui, a Living National Treasure known for his rakugo and Yotsuya Kaidan performances. The large dishes lined up on the counter are impressive. On this day, we ordered octopus, grilled eggplant, the famous extra-large lotus root tempura, fresh oysters, and a dish of mizuna. The down-to-earth dishes and the heartwarming atmosphere are as wonderful as ever. Since it was Emasan's birthday that day, we decided to surprise her with a birthday cake from Cozy Corner. After dinner, we had a little birthday celebration. We got so excited that Emasan's eyelashes almost fell off. All in all, it was a lively night in Yushima!

It's been about a year since my last visit. I've peeked into the shop a few times since my last visit, but the counter was always full and I couldn't find the right timing. Today, perhaps because it was sandwiched between holidays, I was lucky to find an empty seat at the counter. I knew from my previous visit that this is a cozy shop where regular customers gather. But I couldn't resist trying the silver cod simmered dish that I had been curious about, so I boldly squeezed in between the regular customers. I asked for a sake recommendation and promptly ordered the silver cod simmered dish. The owner carefully selected a piece from the large plate on the counter, warmed it up in the microwave, and served it to me. The flavor was rich and gentle, just as I had hoped. The owner is the wife of the renowned rakugo storyteller Ichiryusai Teisui, and I enjoyed the lively and warm atmosphere created by her and the regular customers. The owner is 78 years old, and I hope she continues to bring life to the shop for many more years. Thank you for the wonderful meal.

After stumbling upon Toritsune, I found myself visiting this place where the landlady and two male staff members run the show. The landlady is very friendly and easy to talk to, making it easy for even young people to feel comfortable dining here. The tori no tsubushi (chicken skewers) here are quite delicious.

Lotus tempura was delicious, rated 3.5 out of 5. The silver cod simmered dish was very tasty, rated 4.5 out of 5.

The fried lotus root on the day off is delicious. The simmered silver cod is delicious. Everything is delicious.

It was delicious! The owner was very kind!

Tonight's wandering adventure in Yushima! Under the grand staircase of Yushima Tenjin, there is a faint light shining. This stylish place is called Taro! Feeling a little hungry, let's have a drink before heading home! We meet up with two friends and... let's go! Cheers with bottled beer~♪ Looking at the menu... huh? Prices aren't listed... Is it market price? Oh, that's a bit scary. Wait, they ordered something while I was in the restroom! Oh well, I'll just go with it. - Grilled beef tongue with salt! It looks thick... how much is it? It takes a while to cook because it's so thick. Enjoying the okra appetizer with wasabi... And when the beef tongue arrives! Thick and melty texture! Absolutely delicious! Squeezing some sudachi for a refreshing taste. - Amberjack sashimi! This sashimi is also thick! Firm texture with a rich flavor as you chew. - Torioage (deep-fried fishcake)! Nicely cooked and served! Filled with shiso miso and green onions, it's delicious in its own way! - Japanese horse mackerel sashimi! Saw this big amberjack in the showcase on the way to the restroom! Estimated to be nearly 30 centimeters in size! Ordered it as sashimi and it's juicy! The firm texture of the fish with a hint of ginger is irresistible! It's not easy to find such quality amberjack to eat! As I chatted with the landlady, the chef, and the customers next to me, I realized it's past the 10 pm closing time! The nerve-wracking bill... Huh? Change from 3000 yen for one person? I had a fair amount of beer too, right? So, let's drink at Taro again next time! Yushima has been quite calming lately! (laughs)

I had a drink in Yushima, and then went to another place. I entered a shop called Sakaba Taro under the Yushima Tenjin staircase. The dimly lit street with no other shops around was inviting with its solitary signboard light. Peeking through the glass door, I couldn't hear any voices but the atmosphere inside seemed lively. I took the empty seat at the counter and ordered warm sake. I also ordered lotus root tempura from the handwritten menu on the side of the stairs to the second floor. It reminded me of the lotus root dishes in Ueno, so I decided to try the lotus root tempura here as well. The lotus root tempura that arrived was thick and juicy, with a refreshing sweetness of lotus root. The thickness of the tempura was crucial. As I enjoyed my tempura and drink, I noticed that the counter seats were mostly occupied by regular customers. The conversations were a mix of local gossip and serious topics, with no shortage of jokes. There were also female customers present. From their conversations, it seemed that the women lived a bit far from the area. When the landlady asked why they didn't just drink near their homes, one of the women replied, "I can't complain like this near my place." Here, you can drink and vent your frustrations while the landlady skillfully diffuses the tension. It's no wonder people would go out of their way to come here. On the counter, there were various side dishes, with the standout being the thick rolled omelette. Inside the omelette was plum meat, adding a nice touch. The landlady not only knows how to engage in conversation but also has a knack for cooking. It's not easy to find such a great izakaya like this.

I visited the restaurant because a friend wanted to go. Wow, there were so many regular customers! (laughs) To get to the back tatami room, you have to ask the regulars sitting at the counter to stand up one by one because it's so narrow. The food is all very delicious. The appetizers are tasty, and although it takes a bit of time for the snacks to come out, and they keep running out of items (bitter smile), they are delicious. However, it's quite tough for non-smokers because smoking is allowed everywhere. (And almost everyone is smoking a lot...) It might not be a relaxing environment for drinking unless you become a regular customer...

This restaurant is run by a female owner and her husband, located just below Yushima Tenjin. Although I didn't ask for their age, the owner mentioned that she is older than me (34 years old) but younger than my mother. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of the ingredients is good. The octopus sashimi and hirame (flatfish) were firm and tasty. The butter-fried large green asparagus sourced from Tsukiji was also delicious. They offer a variety of drinks, including Kirin, Asahi, Sapporo bottled beers, and high-quality sake. The restaurant has both a counter and a raised tatami seating area, where you can enjoy your meal. I visited with a friend who used to live in Yushima, and we had a great time chatting about the local area. Overall, I believe even those unfamiliar with the neighborhood would enjoy the conversation and atmosphere at this restaurant.

Mayudama, once tangled, the relationship between husband and wife (by Kubota Mantaro). A New Year's haiku. The house where Mantaro lived was located near this sake bar. Recently, the sound of shamisen could be heard from the second floor of the townhouse, making it a sophisticated town. He liked eating hot tofu. Strangely, when he passed away, it seems he was eating something. After the end of the rainy season, the male slope and female slope. Looking up at the stairs leading to Yushima Tenjin Shrine from Sake Taro's house, also known as Mantaro. Even though it's called the male slope, it's actually stairs. If you climb straight up, it's the male slope, if you take a detour and climb slowly, it's the female slope. The name Yushima Tenjin Shita referred to the area below these stairs, making it very clear. Heading towards Ueno from here, crossing the main street brings you to Kuromoncho. It is said that Rakugo performer, Master Katsura Bunraku, lived in Kuromoncho. This was my first visit, with the appetizers being grated yam and spicy konjac. The Spanish mackerel sashimi was as large and fresh as in Oita, with plenty of myoga. The broad beans were perfectly cooked, and the asparagus was well-matched with butter. The simmered kinki was also large, with a rich Edo-style flavor. However, the highlight was the giant lotus root tempura, with an unparalleled texture and deliciousness. The best part of this restaurant is the cozy atmosphere. Spending quality time here, engaging in conversations with the friendly landlady and the regulars, mostly Edo locals, is a unique experience. This place is not just about eating and drinking delicious and affordable food. It's a place where you can enjoy the interaction between people while eating and drinking.

When it comes to Yushima Tenjin Shita, ShinSuke is famous, but there are also many old and new, calm restaurants scattered around, making it a perfect area for middle-aged and elderly people. I don't remember who took me there, but I visited with 5 or 6 people. This is the restaurant run by the wife of the late Living National Treasure, the rakugo storyteller Ichiryusai Teisui, who unfortunately passed away this year. I have seen Teisui's cheerful demeanor here many times. The food is of course excellent, with a variety of proper dishes, and the atmosphere is relaxed because the clientele, including the wife, are mature. You can enjoy a leisurely drink without feeling pressured. Please refer to the photo captions for the food.

I work in Yushima, so I wanted to visit Sakeseki Taro-san, located just before Yushima Otokozaka. The restaurant was established in 1970 and is run by the wife of the living national treasure, Koudan storyteller Ichiryusai Teisui. From the outside, it looks like there is only a counter, but there are also about four table seats in the back. The menu is handwritten and everything looks delicious. There were various types of tasty sake lined up in the refrigerator, so I asked for a recommendation. Now, here are the dishes. First, we have the appetizer. Then, we have a large portion of grilled silver cod. Next is stir-fried clams, which is quite rare. Followed by potato salad and mustard-dressed rapeseed flowers. If you want to quietly enjoy delicious sake and appetizers, this is the place to go. It's not a place where young people make a lot of noise, so it's very calming. Highly recommended.

There was a shop right next to Yushima Tenjin. I visited after going to the plum festival. When I entered the shop, it seemed like there was a small party in the back with lively conversation. As I sat down, in front of me were numerous large dishes, such as broad beans and lotus roots. I wanted sashimi, so I waited for the landlady who was out shopping and received jellyfish salad and bitter melon. The bitter melon was thickly sliced and satisfying. There was a variety of alcohol available, not a wide selection but enough to enjoy. When the landlady returned, I asked, "What kind of sashimi do you have today?" She explained that they had mackerel, squid, anglerfish, and more. I decided to order mackerel and anglerfish. The anglerfish had a firm and chewy texture, and it was definitely delicious. The mackerel was perfectly marinated and really tasty. I would like to visit again and take my time next time. I appreciated the landlady's thoughtfulness.

The image of the tavern in the novel by Shuping Fujisawa is reflected in this tavern near Yushima Tenjin. It is a rustic and cozy izakaya where you can enjoy homemade dishes made by the owner's mother. The atmosphere is welcoming, with middle-aged men filling up the place. It is located near the stairs leading from Shinsuke to Tenjin, just before reaching the top. Recently, Shinsuke has been a bit tense, but this place offers a relaxed atmosphere, which is much appreciated. The counter in the front is a bit cramped towards the back, with a peculiar layout. The raised seating area (sunken kotatsu) is more comfortable. The dishes are mostly served in large plates like obanzai. The menu is explained by the male staff using a blackboard. The food is light, and I ended up drinking quite a bit of sake. The seasoning is slightly spicy, with a slow-building kick. The silver cod is delicious! Living in Shonan, Yushima Tenjin is not a place I often visit, as there are plenty of temples and shrines to pray at in Kamakura. However, what Kamakura lacks is charming izakayas, which are scarce. Additionally, they are generally expensive. Yushima has a wide range of eateries, from casual to high-end Japanese restaurants, making it worth a visit. - The appetizer is seaweed - Firefly squid - Simmered silver cod, with a rich flavor of fat and seaweed. There are many white fish simmered dishes, but the silver cod stands out. I think this is a must-try. - Potato salad, with crispy onions. Not bad, but the pepper is strong, leaving a spicy aftertaste. - Island pickled shallots, pickled shallots from Okinawa. They are small but have a strong aroma and are also spicy. * The name "shallot" comes from the Chinese origin, meaning "spicy chives" with a strong spicy taste that lingers on the tongue.

I had a drink at "Sakase Tarou" located near the stairs leading to Yushima Tenjin Shrine. This is a restaurant owned by the wife of the living national treasure storyteller, Ichiryuusai Teisui. I love the counter seats parallel to the open kitchen. The counter is lined with large plates of food. The highlight of Tarou is the conversation with the lovely landlady. - Lotus root tempura: Thickly sliced lotus root tempura with crispy batter and chewy lotus root, incredibly delicious. - Bamboo shoot: Soft yet firm texture, goes well with hot sake. - Daikon skin pickles: The exquisite taste of daikon skin pickles is addictive. - Daikon leaves: Similar to the skin, topped with plenty of bonito flakes and a little soy sauce. - Onigiri: A unique onigiri that makes you smile with its generous rice and fillings wrapped in a whole sheet of seaweed. The wildness of it, I wonder if it comes across in the photos! After visiting many times, I was recognized by the landlady. On this day, I even got to see Ichiryuusai Teisui. I've always wanted to have a drink in this kind of atmosphere with this kind of food. It's a favorite spot of mine.

Yushima has recently become my favorite place. I used to be attracted to historical places like Edo Chikatsu and Takoku, but I have started to visit places like Bar Kohaku and Est! and now I want to explore deeper. Even though I don't live there, it is my number one choice for a place I want to live in the future. It is a town that symbolizes modern Japan, with a mix of old and new, where both the bitter and sweet aspects of life come together. On this day, I found a cozy restaurant called Sakase Tarou on Tabelog, with good reviews from reviewers. Although it's a place that you wouldn't know about unless you are a local, thanks to Tabelog, I was able to discover it. I usually like to try new restaurants by myself, so I walked from Yushima Station. It is located at the bottom of the Otoko-zaka slope near Yushima Tenjin Shrine. If you know the slope, that's enough, but I got lost (*゜ー゜)ゞ. The easiest way is to walk up Kasuga Street from Yushima Station, turn left when you see Shinsuke (the convenience store in the back), then turn right at the second corner (if there is a slope, you're on the right track) on the right side. Inside the restaurant, there is a long counter and a few private rooms with four seats each at the back. It was crowded, but I managed to get a seat. Unfortunately, I had a pillar behind me, but the landlady kindly said, "It's a bit cramped," and made me feel comfortable. It's common sense to treat newcomers and regulars the same, but these days it's not always the case, so I appreciate it. Now, for the drinks, I checked the cooler and found brands like Tsuru no Tomo, Jozen Mizunogotoshi, and Dassai. I started with Tsuru no Tomo's Junmai sake. Tsuru no Tomo is a brewery in Niigata City, and the president seems to have a solid business sense focusing on the local market. Therefore, it's easy to find in the city, but it's not always available in the prefecture. The Junmai sake was delicious, with a rich flavor and a clean finish. I then tried the Honjozo sake. It was smooth and slightly sweet, with a clean finish. I was surprised by how good it was when I bought a 720ml bottle at a liquor store in Niigata and drank it at home. Next, I tried Sakehozan's Honjozo for the first time. It's a Junmai sake with a rich and sweet flavor typical of Niigata, but it didn't suit my taste, so I had it warmed. There were various vegetables on the counter, but I had other plans for the day, so I ended with the famous Ren Ten (lotus root tempura). I asked the landlady why it was so delicious, and she said they carefully select the ingredients, considering the timing and quality. It was clear that she knew everything about the ingredients. The sake I paired with it was Yu Yu from Kuroobi. It is a special Junmai Daiginjo sake made from Yamada Nishiki 55% (from Hyogo) and Kinmon Nishiki 45% (from Nagano), with a milling rate of 68%. Fukumitsu-ya is a well-known brewery famous for Kaga Tobisho, representing Kanazawa, so they make a clean and flawless sake.