A Night of Solo Sake Begins with Hassun at the Naha Counter …
A Night of Solo Sake Begins with Hassun at the Naha Counter Japanese Cuisine in September On a Sunday morning, the sky is clear, and the outside still holds a warmth of 29.84°C. Inside the restaurant, it is slightly cooler, with the sound of the knife falling on the cutting board resonating quietly. As night approaches, the breeze crossing the alley of Kume changes subtly, and the vessels appear even more serene in this season. Tonight's entrance begins with the hassun served at the counter. A brief conversation and small plates set the stage for a story of the beginning of September, perfect for solo diners. Hassun: The Entrance to the Night, Where Seasons Move on the Plate Hassun is a plate that presents several seasonal small dishes, serving as the entrance to the night. With each bite, the temperature and aroma shift, awakening the palate. I believe that the design of this entrance shapes the contours of the night for the "omakase course" of creative Japanese cuisine in Naha. September marks the onset of autumn. However, in Okinawa, the remnants of summer are still strong, with some days inviting cold dishes while others call for warmth first. Based on the day's humidity, wind, and the freshness of ingredients, the arrangement of the hassun is adjusted. Sweetness first, aroma first, texture first. A series of small decisions accumulate. At the back of the counter, in a quiet moment before the steam rises, the chef arranges the vessels. His actions seem to seek the harmony between the cutting techniques learned in Kyoto and the softness of Okinawan ingredients. Rather than flamboyance, there is a sense of order. The hassun does not boast, yet it certainly brings the season with it. Five Dishes and a Suggestion for a Glass: Perfect for Solo Sake For a night of solo drinking, some may feel that too much information can be overwhelming. In such cases, the chef's omakase course at 5,500 yen (five dishes) serves as a reliable anchor. Within this brief structure, the hassun, sashimi, grilled dish, temperature of the owanmono, and the lingering finish are all that remains necessary. It does not tire the palate, yet the night does not feel thin. Some who search for "Okinawa sake" may wonder how to enjoy sake in a hot region. There are days for chilled sake that cuts through the heat, as well as days to gently warm it, releasing its aroma. There are moments when one feels inclined to choose based on the sensation of a guinomi rather than a glass. The chef places down his knife, wipes his hands, and arranges several sake vessels. There is a quiet moment of hesitation, as if confirming the rim of each vessel with his fingertips. Observing this, one might feel that sake is not merely something to drink, but rather something to place alongside the food. There is no need for excessive conversation. Just the essentials, even a brief exchange in English suffices. For solo diners from abroad, the counter allows for a comfortable experience without excessive reading of the atmosphere. Together, we can gaze at the hassun that marks the entrance to the night and decide on the next glass. Sometimes, that alone can harmonize the rhythm of the journey. Breathing in the Night of Kume at the Six-Seat Counter Wa Banshaku Mine operates only in the evening. The lights come on at 18:00 and remain until 23:00, with the last order at 22:00. The counter has six seats, where the sounds of fire and the presence of plates being placed are all that can be heard from behind. While solo sake is naturally welcomed, for nights that require quiet conversation, two private rooms (each accommodating up to four) are also available. It is about a nine-minute walk from Asahibashi. On clear nights, the shadows of Kume's alleys deepen slightly, and the closer one gets to the restaurant, the quieter the footsteps become. For those returning from sightseeing and searching for a "Naha Japanese restaurant," the entrance is relatively easy to find. Reservations can be made 24 hours via TableCheck, which offers multilingual options, facilitating a smoother reservation process for international guests. All dishes are crafted from the ingredients available that day. The course content is more of a flow of the night than a fixed menu. If there are any disliked ingredients or allergies, please mention them when making a reservation. It is perfectly fine if the words do not come together perfectly; often, a short note will suffice. A Brief Discussion on Points of Interest I am sometimes asked if it is possible to dine alone. Yes, as the restaurant has six counter seats, solo diners can naturally enjoy their time. Whether it is a day to drink quietly or a day to converse, both are welcome. There has been an increase in inquiries about whether international travelers can utilize the restaurant. For those searching for an English menu in Naha, we offer menus in English and Traditional Chinese. Our staff can also handle basic English inquiries. International credit cards are accepted as well. I am sometimes asked if there is parking available for those who wish to drive. Unfortunately, there is no dedicated parking. However, there are several paid coin parking options within walking distance. It is also a convenient distance from Asahibashi Station on the Yui Rail, approximately a nine-minute walk. September nights still embrace the warmth of summer, as vessels and steam gradually shift toward autumn. Whether you wish to begin with the hassun or start with the temperature of the owanmono, if you mention "solo, starting with hassun" when making a reservation, the arrangement for that night will be decided more quietly. About Wa Banshaku Mine 📍 1-7-21 Akamine Building 1F 102, Kume, Naha City, Okinawa (approximately a 9-minute walk from Yui Rail Asahibashi Station) 🕒 Operating Hours: 18:00 - 23:00 (Last Order 22:00) / Closed: Sundays and public holidays 🍶 Creative Japanese cuisine and sake / Chef's Omakase 5,500 yen (5 dishes), 6,600 yen (7 dishes), 7,700 yen (9 dishes) 🏮 Counter seating for 6 / 2 private rooms (each accommodating up to 4) / Suitable for small gatherings, anniversaries, or a night of travel 🌏 English / Traditional Chinese menus available / International credit cards accepted / 24-hour online reservations via TableCheck ✨ Seigo Inamine — After training in Kyoto-Gion, Tokyo, and Shizuoka, now in Okinawa Reservations can be made via TableCheck or by calling 098-975-5673.