Hanamitei

Touch a chopstick to the slowly simmered buta no kakuni and the pork belly yields without resistance, releasing sweet, savory richness across the palate. A dab of hot mustard cuts cleanly through the fat, and an icy mug of Kakubin highball delivers brisk carbonation that refreshes every bite. For a palate cleanser, the lightly pickled Chinese cabbage offers a cool, crunchy bite with balanced saltiness that makes you reach for your drink all over again.

Handwritten menu strips line the walls, offering homestyle izakaya staples like fried herb chicken in soy or red pickled ginger seasonings, rolled dashimaki omelets with optional fillings, and ginger pork. Alongside draft beer and highballs, the beverage list includes champagne for toasts, lending itself equally well to an unpretentious supper or a celebratory glass.

Set just a 3 to 4-minute walk from the west exit of Chitose-Karasuyama Station on the Keio Line, the restaurant offers counter seating that looks out onto the kitchen as well as tables for lingering. Operating from 18:00 in the evening until 0:00 late at night, it suits everything from an unhurried first stop of the evening to an after-party pairing small plates with karaoke.