The Noge area continues to evolve as run-down buildings are renovated or replaced and hip, new restaurants appear among the nostalgic, Showa-era shops. HITSUJI Miyagawacho, of the former category, can best be described as a modern, upscale izakaya. Track lighting gives it a bright atmosphere as do the smiley staff headed by amicable owner and Yokohama native Masashi Kawaguchi.
Kawaguchi also runs the popular, original HITSUJI in the center of Noge. He opened this second location in September. Both excel at attractively presented food and excellent drink choices. For appetizers we started off with Shirako Ponzu (vinegared milt, ¥680), Ajitama Ikura (soft-boiled egg topped with salmon roe, ¥680) and Jikase Tai Shiokara (salted, fermented sea bream, ¥500). For the main course we chose a meaty thigh of the shop specialty, Roasted Chicken (¥1680), which is pickled for two days in homemade tare sauce. That was filling enough for two of us, but we quickly made plans to return to try some of the other enticing menu items, such as Gyusuji Nikomi (beef tendon stew) or Tokusei Buta Kakuni (simmered chunks of pork).
To quench your thirst, HITSUJI Miyagawacho has 5 rotating taps of Japanese craft beer (310ml ¥680 / 473ml ¥980), as well as Premium Malts (380ml, ¥550). Other options include multiple varieties of sake (glass ¥450~ / 180ml ¥650~), 5 types of lemon sour (¥550~), and a menu page full of cocktails, wine, soft drinks and more. There’s definitely something for everybody. The bar, which opens directly onto a low-traffic street, seats 8 at the counter and has 7 tables for 2 to 4 people. It’s a perfect spot for a date or a good starting point for small groups looking to spend a night out on the town.
