Nice traditional izakaya, feels like in the Showa era.

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good saemon

「お食事処 あい津」 sits a little way off a lively street. Step through the noren curtain and you'll find a warm, homelike space that lets you forget the bustle of the city. Its greatest appeal is, above all, how comfortable it feels. The carefully prepared Japanese dishes all have gentle flavors that seem to nourish you from within, offering the reassurance of returning to a familiar country home. The peaceful atmosphere and service that maintains just the right distance make mealtime more fulfilling. Enjoy seasonal bites with a drink in hand, or end the day with a substantial set meal. There is a place where you can relax and be yourself. In the midst of a hectic daily life, that may be the greatest luxury of all. A heartwarming gem that naturally makes you think, “I'll do my best again tomorrow.” Visit once, and you're sure to be captivated by its deep sense of peace.

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I had 丸煮柳川定食1100円. It's surprising that you can have a loach 柳川鍋 at this price. Sprinkle a little sansho over it while it's piping hot, and the faint remaining earthiness of the burdock and loach is transformed into something refreshing. The さんま開き定食1000円 I had last time was delicious too. Apparently the owner runs everything alone and is hard of hearing, so if you visit with that in mind, you can enjoy delicious fish dishes.

Exploring Yoshida Rui's drinking spots with a colleague from my intake. On the edge of the Kanda West Exit shopping street, we went in right when it opened at 17 on a weekday. The interior is old and cramped, but it has character. We toasted with beer over two kinds of tuna and chicken tofu—so good! When I asked the owner for sake, he recommended 王紋 and 夢 from Shibata, Niigata. We ordered both unheated and added namerou. These were great too. Nostalgic J-pop played in the background, the owner's taste. He's friendly and full of conversation, with endless topics like music, films, and travel. Before we knew it, the regulars joined in and we were all having a great time together. Staggered home, lol.

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