Kakuuchi Fukuko 角打福本屋

We were taking a slow walk back to our hotel at the Hiroshima station after dinner. Just close to the station, we came across a standing sake bar. How lucky! Kakuuchi (角打) refers to a small drinking place. The term originated from a small drinking corner at a alcohol store. This was a tachinomi (立ち飲み) - standing drinking place.

There were about 30 kinds of sakes to choose from. There were 2 sizes at JPY 400/700. There were also the usual beers and shochus.

We tried a few sakes.

There were food to go with as well such as skewers and fried stuffs. But do try their oden items as well.

Website: http://fukuko.jp/shop/
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/hiroshima/A3401/A340121/34010466/

Tachinomi Akagakiya 立ち飲み 赤垣屋

Tachinomi Akagakiya (立ち飲み赤垣屋 ) was a favourite standing bar I visit whenever I was in Namba, Osaka. Whether was it lack of space or trend, drinking and eating while standing was common place in Japan.

Akagakiya Namba was undergoing renovation the last time I came in Feb 2019. Now it had colorful neon lights. It was located in the middle of the covered shopping streets. It served usual alcohols and simple food to go with them such as oden, deep fried items, etc.

We loved this place because it opened from 10am. Other than tourists, the customers were mostly senior locals. One uncommon drink we had was the hot ginger shochu (焼酎しょうが割り). It would warm the body during cold weather. However old folks would also advise against taking too much ginger.

Another favourite item would be shirako. However it was not available this time. So we tried the dried fugu (ふぐの一夜干し). It was slightly grilled. It had the distinct smell of dried stuff, but was deliciously chewy. And went down well with our sakes.

Website: http://www.akagakiya.com/tenpo/nanba.html
Tabelog: https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270202/27003179/