KOME NO KOJIMA (New! 12/3)

A Koenji Izakaya Experience

The new Koenji MASHITA area just outside the station holds a hidden gem worth visiting. It is home to several chain stores as well, but if you’re looking for an authentic yet relaxed izakaya experience, Kome no Kojima is your place in Koenji. Open since March 2023, this small izakaya-style restaurant’s focus is on their high-quality rice brought in from only the best sources in Japan.

Kome no Kojima’s setup is intimate, with a capacity of about 20 people. Most of the seating surrounds a U-shaped bar at the center, offering a cozy and communal feel. The bar also features a long bench with removable sections, a hidden design feature that makes getting in and out of your seat easier. There’s also one small table on the far side of the bar for those who prefer a more private dining spot.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between traditional and contemporary, with touches like a kama-style oven in the middle, where rice is cooked, adding a distinctly Japanese charm. Lighting that is bright but not overpowering creates a comfortable and inviting setting, perfect for enjoying a meal at your own pace.

The kodawari (focus) of Kome no Kojima is the rice, and it shows. The rice, delivered as genmai (brown rice), is polished on-site for freshness and flavor. The menu caters to both lunchtime and evening diners, with carefully curated options:

Lunch Sets: Guests choose from six options via tokens located in a designated spot on the wall just inside the entrance to the left. We tried the ginger pork set, complemented by sujiko (a unique kind of salmon roe) on Japanese rolled omelet, miso soup and pickled vegetables. The recommendation came directly from one of the staff, a cheerful figure with a pink mohawk, whose suggestions added a personal touch to the experience.

Evening Menu: The dinner offerings are more expansive, including an omakase, or chef’s choice of seasonal sashimi featuring thick, fresh cuts of fish. Allowing the chef to select the fish showcases the best ingredients of the day.

Prices range from 200 yen to 1000 yen+ per dish, making it accessible while maintaining quality. The drink menu is diverse, featuring a variety of sake, nihonshu, shochu, and beer (available in bottles and on draught), as well as inventive rice syrup-based cocktails. Whether you’re a sake enthusiast or a casual drinker, there’s something to complement your meal.

Takeout options are limited to onigiri (rice balls), but these are well-made and affordable, perfect for a quick snack or a simple meal. However, please note they take some time to prepare.

The staff doesn’t speak much English, but they’re accommodating and happy to help customers use translation apps to order. This welcoming attitude makes it easy for non-Japanese speakers to enjoy the experience without feeling out of place.

Last order is at 10:00 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to fully enjoy everything Kome no Kojima has to offer.

Kome no Kojima is a fantastic addition to the Koenji dining scene in the new Mashita area, connected to the lively Koenji Street. The izakaya restaurant offers excellent food with a unique focus on specialty rice, a warm atmosphere, and a dining style that blends tradition with a touch of modernity. Whether you’re in the area for lunch, dinner, or just a drink, this izakaya should be on your list. With reasonable pricing, friendly service, and a distinctive menu, it’s a spot you’ll want to visit again and again.

ACCESS

Writer: Joel
Photographer: I. Fukuyama