Yasu

At 18:00 in the evening, the sliding door opens to reveal a handwritten board of the day's specials right by the entrance. Tucked inside the Noda Building in Nishi-Nippori, izakaya Yasu is an understated drinking spot managed entirely by its Yamagata-born female owner. The home-style small plates carry the comforting warmth of a meal back home, setting the stage for an unhurried evening.

Once seated, a cold drink is the natural starting point. Beer can be ordered as an Asahi draft mug, or by the bottle with choices of Asahi Super Dry and Yebisu. Perusing the chalkboards and paper slips on the wall while sipping a chilled glass and ordering a few seasonal tidbits forms the easy cadence of the room.

While regular patrons from the surrounding neighbourhood lend the counter a lively atmosphere, newcomers are greeted with genuine, unpretentious hospitality. The izakaya operates on weekdays from 18:00 to 23:00, and payments are cash-only. It serves as an accommodating stop to unwind after work over simple, honest cooking and a quiet drink.