HONZUNASHI

The Taste of Aomori in Local Koenji
[updated June 2020]

If you’re interested to dabble in different tastes of Japan, you are in luck because right in Koenji on Azuma Dori shopping street you can visit Honzunashi, a small standing bar that is filled with specialties from Aomori, the northernmost area of Japans’s main island. Aomori is famous for the annual Nebuta Festival, and a big Nebuta mask will watch over you as you experience new Japanese cuisine and sake recommended by the friendly staff.

Many type of “Nihonshu” Japanese sake from this northern prefecture can be tasted here, as well as some small dishes that pair well. Most dishes are cooked according to Aomori cuisine style, like tasteful kara-age (Japanese fried chicken) deep fried with an Aomori special sauce, or their recommended “shiokara”– soy sauce pickled squid innards– for more adventurous eaters. Portions are perfect for a cup of Aomori Sake on the side (they have more than 20 different types) and served in cute shell shaped dishes. Also try the Nebuta pickles, available for takeout as well.
On weekends Honzunashi is open also for lunch time, when they serve their special soyburger for 600 yen which is very popular among foreign visitors.

All standing bars are small (as there is only room to stand while eating and drinking) but it is part of the charm of this unique Japanese experience. It is still possible to reserve the bar for party and groups for everyone to enjoy the taste of Aomori prefecture. And you can also buy some typical products of that region directly at Honzunashi.
If you want to experience a standing bar and some different regional tastes, Honzunashi is the best place for you!

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