Hanaichi
酒はないち
2 Chome-9-16 Yurakucho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
+81 3-3214-3995
1600hrs – 2330hrs
Hanaichi is an izakaya (Japanese bar) located under Yurakucho Station. We climbed a flight of stairs for the second floor. A rather grumpy ojisan (old man) greeted us when we stepped in and brought us to our table. We looked like gaijins (foreigners) to him because when we wanted to order, a Chinese-speaking staff was directed to come to our table to take our orders. We ordered oysters, a sashimi moriawase (mixed platter) and a yakitori (skewered meat) set and drinks.
The oysters came in a huge metal box placed atop a portable butane cooker. The oysters are steamed on the spot.
When I tried opening the box to take a peek, the grumpy ojisan walked over and held up his hands telling me that they were not ready. A nicer obasan (old lady) came over and switched the stove off. She passed us a set of gloves and oysters knife. We had to shuck the oysters ourselves and it was an interesting experience as it was my first time doing it.
You can find Japanese salaryman patronising the izakaya which provides an authentic experience of drinking and dining at a very reasonable price. The restaurant charges cover for each person and smoking is allowed as well.