Otsuka

Otsuka is one of Tokyo's better secrets. A much nicer suburb than Ikebukuro or Nippori and it joins up with the Arakawa Tram way, direct to Waseda. Very convenient. This guide has a good description of the tramway network in Tokyo.

Konakara (こなから) - izakaya (with great nihon-shu) *****

Address - Kita-Ootsuka 1-14-7
Phone - 03-5394-2340
Opening hours - from 18:00 to 23:30, closed on Wednesday

Feel like drinking some of the best nihon-shu - many of them unavailable anywhere in Tokyo? This is the place to go. The izakaya-type food is fine although not extraordinary, but the best is obviously the great sake selection. Around 3000 yens per persons. The restaurant is really small (3 tables + counter), and the 4 times I went there, it was fully booked; reservation possible and recommended.

Si vous voulez deguster parmi les meilleurs nihon-shu, beaucoup introuvables dans le commerce a Tokyo, c'est l'adresse a connaitre! Bonne nourriture - style izakaya - sans être extraordinaire, mais surtout enorme selection de nihon-shu.
Compter 3000 yens, l'endroit est tres petit (3 tables + comptoir), j'y suis alle 4 fois et c'etait toujours plein, mais reservation possible.


One of the "Top Ten Sake Dining Experiences" in Tokyo, selected by John Gautner : Otsuka Station is a bit out of the way, but the food, sake and beer are outstanding. Small shop run by young husband and wife team. Fresh, seasonal dishes.
Reproduced with permission