Food and Drink

The cook was merely curious, but the customer’s look is much less clear.

The Motörhead poster seemed very apt, although something much quieter was likely called for when consciousness eventually returned.

Three sheets to the wind in a bar that would barely hold more than three people.

Most of the little bars and eateries featured on Tokyo Times are unknown treasures from the outside. All too often, it’s only possible to see if an establishment is worth drinking in when the door is slid open, meaning a quick, almost instinctive decision is necessary. But the interesting mix of bar and restaurant below was different, as with its door left open, it was easy to peek in and see that as far as such places go, it is pretty much perfect.

Fittingly, it’s run by an old fella who is gruff, and endearingly shy.

Plus decor-wise, it clearly hasn’t changed much since it first opened over half a century ago.

And for the half a dozen or so people who can fit inside, the menu is suitably simple and cheap.

The only downside is it closes a little on the early side, although with its exterior lights turned off, the cosy, lost in time feel is in many ways only accentuated.

The ambitiously early revelry resulted in a similarly early mid-afternoon slumber.

When it comes to the stress of work, life and the increasing madness of the world around us, traditional little bars can very often offer a brief, but welcome distraction. The only trouble is, the all-too-common addition of a TV, means such diversions invariably don’t last very long.